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Musculoskeletal pain · Saint‑HyacintheAssessment by a nurse practitioner (NP)
A treatment option for certain types of musculoskeletal pain.
An injection consists of administering a medication or therapeutic product directly into a joint or near a targeted musculoskeletal structure.
It may be offered in certain situations to help reduce pain or inflammation and to facilitate functional recovery.
However, an injection is not automatically indicated for all pain. At Clinique IPS du Palais, it may be one of the options offered following a musculoskeletal consultation, when the clinical assessment shows that this approach is appropriate.
First step
Pain in the shoulder, knee, hip or another musculoskeletal area can have several causes.
The first step is therefore to assess the situation. Depending on the assessment, different management options may be considered.
An injection is one of these possibilities, not a mandatory step.
During a musculoskeletal consultation, the NP may take into consideration, among other things:
The treatment
An injection is a procedure during which a needle is used to administer a product into a specific area.
Depending on the condition assessed, different structures may be targeted, including certain joints or nearby structures.
The choice of product and technique depends on factors such as the area involved, the clinical condition, the treatment goals and the patient’s characteristics.
The goal is always to choose an intervention suited to the clinical situation.
The goals
Depending on the condition treated and the product used, an injection may be considered, for example, to:
An injection does not necessarily replace other treatments. It can be part of a more comprehensive management plan that includes, as needed, adapted physical activity, physiotherapy, medication, additional tests or a referral to another professional.
Two techniques
Some injections can be performed using the anatomical landmarks identified during the clinical examination.
The professional locates the area to be treated, prepares the site and performs the injection using the appropriate technique.
This approach can be used when the targeted area can be adequately identified during the clinical examination.
Injection $195
An ultrasound-guided injection uses ultrasound during the procedure.
An ultrasound probe is placed on the area involved to visualize the structures beneath the skin. The professional can thus observe the targeted area and guide the needle during the procedure.
Ultrasound provides real-time visualization and does not use ionizing radiation.2
The ultrasound-guided injection service will be offered at the clinic by the end of 2026.
Ultrasound-guided injection $255
Ultrasound
Ultrasound makes it possible to observe certain musculoskeletal structures during the procedure.
The path of the needle can be followed in real time to reach the area identified during the assessment.
Some structures are smaller, deeper or harder to locate using anatomical landmarks alone. In these situations, ultrasound can make it easier to target the area to be treated.
Imaging also allows the professional to visualize various anatomical structures located near the targeted area.
No. Not all injections necessarily require ultrasound guidance.
The most appropriate technique depends on factors such as:
The professional determines the appropriate approach for each situation.
Products
Several types of products can be used during an injection. The appropriate product depends on the condition assessed and the treatment goal.
Corticosteroids, commonly called cortisone, have an anti-inflammatory action.1
They can be used in certain musculoskeletal conditions when reducing inflammation is one of the treatment goals.
Viscosupplementation consists of administering a hyaluronic acid–based product into certain joints. These products are used, among other things, in certain situations associated with osteoarthritis.3
There are several formulations, some of which require a single injection and others a different protocol.3
Some products combine different components in a single injection.
The choice is not based solely on the price of the product, but on its indication, the condition to be treated and the clinical assessment.
Clinique IPS du Palais offers various injection products, including:
See injection products and their fees →
Your appointment
The clinical situation is first assessed to determine whether an injection is an appropriate option. A musculoskeletal consultation may be required before the procedure.
When an injection is indicated, the professional determines the structure to target, the appropriate product and the technique to use: anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance, depending on the situation.
The area is prepared according to the necessary aseptic measures. The procedure is explained to the patient.
The product is administered into the targeted area using the chosen technique. During an ultrasound-guided injection, ultrasound makes it possible to see the area during the procedure.
Recommendations are given after the procedure depending on the product used and the area injected. The professional also explains the symptoms that should lead to a reassessment.
Safety
The needle insertion may cause discomfort. The sensation varies depending on the area injected, the type of procedure and each person’s sensitivity. Temporary pain or discomfort may also occur after certain injections.1
Like any procedure, an injection carries certain risks. They vary depending on factors such as the area injected, the product administered and the patient’s health. They may include, among others:
Corticosteroids can also cause certain effects specific to this class of medications. For example, a temporary increase in blood sugar may occur in some people with diabetes after a corticosteroid injection.1
The risks and precautions relevant to your situation are discussed before the procedure.
Yes. Before an injection, it is important to inform the professional about, among other things:
This information makes it possible to assess whether the procedure can be performed appropriately.
The right product
There is no product that is automatically the best for everyone.
The choice depends, among other things, on:
This is why the choice is made with the professional after the clinical assessment.
Not necessarily.
An injection can help control certain symptoms, but its role depends on the condition causing the pain. In many situations, management may also require addressing other factors such as:
This is why the musculoskeletal assessment remains important before determining the treatment plan.
After treatment
Recommendations after an injection may vary depending on the area treated and the product used. The professional will tell you, among other things:
It is important to follow the recommendations provided at the time of the procedure.
A medical assessment should be considered promptly if you have unusual or significant symptoms after an injection, particularly:
The specific instructions given at the time of the procedure take priority.1
Frequently asked questions
No. An injection is only one of the options that may be offered after the assessment. The plan depends on the likely cause of the pain and your clinical situation.
During an injection performed using anatomical landmarks, the professional relies mainly on the clinical examination and anatomical landmarks to locate the targeted area. During an ultrasound-guided injection, ultrasound makes it possible to see the area and the path of the needle during the procedure.
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves and does not expose the patient to X-rays.
The patient’s preferences can be discussed, but the choice of product must also take into account its indication and the clinical situation.
No. They are different products with different characteristics and goals.
There is no single duration that applies to all injections. The response varies depending on the product, the condition treated and the patient.
This depends on factors such as the product used, the condition treated, the response to treatment and the medical situation. This decision must be individualized.
Our approach
Our goal is not simply to perform an injection. We first seek to understand the musculoskeletal problem in order to determine the most appropriate approach. Depending on the assessment, management may include:
Understanding the pain and determining treatment options.
Performing an injection when it is deemed appropriate.
Ultrasound guidance when relevant for the targeted structure. Available by the end of 2026.
Selecting the product based on the condition and treatment goals.
Referral to another professional or a specialist when the situation requires it.
The first step is to determine whether it is truly a suitable option for your condition.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional. The indication for an injection, the technique and the product are determined during the clinical assessment.
