FAQ’s

We specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and rheumatology conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, hip pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, bursitis, tendinopathy, ligament injuries, back pain, neck pain and sports injuries.

A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound scan is a safe, painless imaging test that provides real-time pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissues. Unlike MRI, ultrasound allows us to examine structures while they are moving and helps guide accurate diagnosis and treatment during your appointment.

Ultrasound-guided injections allow the medication to be placed precisely where it is needed. Research has shown that ultrasound guidance can improve the accuracy of many joint and soft tissue injections compared with landmark-guided techniques, helping maximise treatment effectiveness while reducing the risk of injecting the wrong structure.

We offer a range of evidence-based ultrasound-guided injections, including corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, Arthrosamid® injections and Kiomedine® injections. During your consultation, we will discuss which option is most appropriate for your condition and goals.

In many cases, yes. Specialist physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve strength, restore movement and improve function. While surgery is sometimes necessary, many patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatment, allowing them to delay or avoid an operation.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendons and soft tissues. It is commonly used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and calcific shoulder tendinopathy when symptoms have persisted for several months.

Initial physiotherapy appointments typically last around 45 to 60 minutes, allowing sufficient time for a detailed assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning. Follow-up appointments are tailored to your individual needs.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when joint cartilage gradually wears down over time. Symptoms commonly include pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. Early assessment and appropriate treatment can often improve symptoms and maintain mobility without surgery.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition caused by wear and tear, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. Both conditions can cause pain and stiffness but require different approaches to diagnosis and management.

Ultrasound is highly effective at detecting inflammation, joint fluid, tendon disease, bursitis and many early arthritic changes. It is particularly useful for assessing inflammatory arthritis and guiding treatment decisions, although X-rays or MRI scans may sometimes also be recommended.

We aim to offer appointments as quickly as possible, often within a few days. Our goal is to provide rapid access to expert assessment, helping patients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment without unnecessary delays.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is not suitable for every patient. During your consultation, we will review your medical history, medications and condition to determine whether PRP is appropriate. Patients taking certain blood-thinning medications or with some blood disorders may require alternative treatment options.

Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, although we usually recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period after treatment. Your clinician will provide personalised aftercare advice based on the type of injection you receive.

The Arthritis Clinic Ltd provides specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy, diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections from our Essex clinic, while also offering regular specialist clinics in Jersey, Gibraltar and selected locations across the British Isles.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined or treated. For example, shorts are useful for knee or hip assessments, while sleeveless or loose-fitting tops are ideal for shoulder examinations.

Yes. We assess and treat both acute and long-standing sports injuries, including ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, overuse conditions and rehabilitation following injury or surgery. Treatment may include physiotherapy, exercise prescription, shockwave therapy, diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections where appropriate.

Your first appointment includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history and goals, followed by a comprehensive physical examination. Where appropriate, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound may be performed during the same visit, allowing us to explain your diagnosis and recommend the most suitable treatment plan immediately.

The Arthritis Clinic Ltd is led by Consultant Physiotherapist and Interventional Sonographer Michael Dare, who has extensive NHS and private practice experience in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine. We combine advanced diagnostic ultrasound, evidence-based
physiotherapy and ultrasound-guided interventions to provide accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.

Appointments can be booked online through our website or by contacting our friendly team directly. We offer rapid access to specialist assessment for arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, physiotherapy, ultrasound scans and ultrasound-guided injections.