Spire Wimbledon Clinic

Our expert physiotherapy team at Spire Wimbledon Clinic help people affected by injury, illness or disability by reducing pain, restoring movement and improving function. Using the latest research and specialist equipment, we diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including problems with the spine, shoulder, knee, foot, ankle, hand and sports injuries. With skills in soft tissue techniques, taping, manipulative therapy, injection therapy and exercise rehabilitation, we create tailored treatment plans to help you return to normal lifestyle safely and as quickly as possible.

Examples of conditions treated include:

• Back and neck pain
• Post-operative rehabilitation for surgery such as hip and knee replacements and ACL reconstruction
• Sports injuries
• Shin splints
• Runner's knee
• Sprains and strains
• Muscular pain
• Shoulder pain
• Tennis elbow
• Hand injuries
• Whiplash

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a non-invasive treatment designed to relieve pain and promote healing in specific tendon conditions. Using a handheld device, acoustic waves are delivered through the skin to the affected area at a controlled frequency (NICE Guidelines, 2018)

How does it work?

SWT stimulates the body’s natural healing process by triggering a controlled inflammatory response within the tendon tissue. According to NICE Guidelines, it is an effective option for reducing pain in several long-term tendon problems.

Who can benefit?

Shockwave Therapy is often used for patients with persistent conditions such as:

• Achilles tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow
• Plantar fasciitis
• Hip (greater trochanteric) pain
• Patella tendinopathy

Referral process

Before starting treatment, please book an initial assessment where your physiotherapist will confirm whether SWT is appropriate for your condition. If suitable, you’ll complete a consent form before being referred for treatment. For best results, SWT should be combined with a tailored physiotherapy rehabilitation programme.

Acupuncture involves the careful insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and support recovery. From a scientific perspective, it works by stimulating the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals and alter how pain is perceived. It is also rooted in the traditional belief that energy, known as Qi (pronounced Chee), flows through channels in the body, and that regulating this flow can help reduce pain, stiffness, and weakness while restoring balance.

How we use acupuncture?

In physiotherapy, acupuncture is mainly used for pain relief and to restore normal muscle function, while also supporting your recovery physically, mentally and emotionally. All acupuncture treatments at our clinic are delivered by physiotherapists who are fully trained and accredited through certified professional bodies, ensuring safe and effective care.

Please note, Acupuncture is a treatment adjunct within a physiotherapy appointment. Please, ensure you book a Physiotherapy appointment with an Acupuncture qualified physiotherapist.

Ultrasound (US) is a safe, non-invasive, real-time imaging tool that allows clinicians to view muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments nerves and more. It is used to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and guide treatment plans.  

 At Spire Wimbledon Clinic, diagnostic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is performed by a clinician who has undergone specialist training. Diagnostic US is commonly used to help assess for muscle strains, joint sprains or tendon related injuries. Diagnostic US might be useful for supporting or confirming a clinical diagnosis where more than 1 condition is suspected. It can assess for any other injury complications or for checking the progress of existing conditions.  

 It is important to know that this service is specifically for MSK conditions. Referrals for non-musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to lumps, bumps, vascular concerns (DVTs), testicular or pelvic health issues, spinal conditions requiring specialist assessment. * 

FAQs 

Is it safe? 

Yes, ultrasound has no known risks. It is non-invasive and does not have any radiation. It is the same type of scan used during antenatal (during pregnancy) assessments. 

How does it work? 

During an ultrasound scan, we gently place a small device called a probe on the part of your body that needs to be checked. A bit of gel is used to help the probe move smoothly over your skin. The probe sends out sound waves, which bounce off your muscles, bones, and other tissues. These returning sound waves are picked up by the probe and turned into pictures by a special computer. This helps us see what’s happening inside your body in real time, so we can better understand your muscles, joints, and tendons. 

What can diagnostic ultrasound identify and assess? 

Within MSK, ultrasound is commonly used to assess the following structures: 

• Joints- osteoarthritis, synovitis, inflammation or swelling 
• Ligaments- sprains and ruptures 
• Tendons- Tendinosis/tendinopathy (inflammation or degeneration), tenosynovitis (inflammation), tears or ruptures 
• Muscles- strains, tears or haematomas 
• Nerves- inflammation, swelling or entrapment 
• Bursa- swelling, thickening or inflammation 

What are the common conditions diagnostic ultrasound is used for? 

As described above, below are some common conditions that diagnostic ultrasound can be used for: 

• Rotator cuff related pain (also known as sub-acromial pain or tendinopathy) 
• Ankle sprains 
• Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow 
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
• Jumper’s knee (Patella tendinopathy) 
• Baker’s Cysts 
• Achilles tendinopathy 
• Gluteal Tendinopathy (also known as bursitis or trochanteric pain syndrome) 

What conditions don’t you scan? 

Within our MSK service, we do not offer diagnostic US scans for non-musculoskeletal conditions, this includes but is not limited to: 

• Lumps or bumps (unexplained masses) 
• Vascular concerns (DVTs) 
• Testicular or pelvic health issues 
• Spinal conditions 
• Face/Neck conditions

Disclaimer: Please note that should a patient book an ultrasound scan that is deemed inappropriate or not clinically indicated for their presenting complaint, the sonographer (clinician) retains the discretion to determine whether diagnostic ultrasound is the suitable assessment tool. This decision will be made following a review of your medical history and a clinical assessment. If it is established that ultrasound is not appropriate for your condition, your scan may not proceed, and you will be advised on the appropriate next steps for your care. 

*Referrals for non-MSK conditions may require input from a medical or surgical specialist. In some cases, urgent medical assessment may be necessary. This service does not provide diagnostic evaluation or treatment for non-MSK conditions. The sonographer (clinician) reserves the right to judge whether diagnostic ultrasound is the appropriate assessment modality for your presenting complaint, this will be based on your history and assessment. 

Disclaimer: Please note that should a patient book an ultrasound scan that is deemed inappropriate or not clinically indicated for their presenting complaint, the sonographer (clinician) retains the discretion to determine whether diagnostic ultrasound is the suitable assessment tool. This decision will be made following a review of your medical history and a clinical assessment. If it is established that ultrasound is not appropriate for your condition, your scan may not proceed, and you will be advised on the appropriate next steps for your care.

At Spire Wimbledon Clinic we offer 2 types of injections: Corticosteroid injections and Hyaluronic acid, both are proven to reduce pain and increase mobility.  

Corticosteroid injections 

Corticosteroid injections have been widely used for pain relief in musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine and rheumatology since the 1940s. They are widely delivered for management of pain of osteoarthritis and other MSK conditions- including bursitis, carpal tunnel and certain tendon related conditions. 

The aim of the injections is to help relieve swelling and pain. The injection should reduce pain for least 6 weeks and allow you to slowly return to your normal activities and engage in your rehabilitation programme from your physiotherapist. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural compound found in our joints, it plays a crucial role in lubrication and shock-absorption of a joint. HA injections are designed to help to lubricate joints and restore normal homeostasis (maintenance) of the joint, which reduces inflammation and pain. This treatment is considered for conditions that effect the production of HA, such as osteoarthritis. These injections are sometimes best considered at regular intervals. Various HA products are available, and your injecting clinician will help determine the best option for you.   

 Please, book an physiotherapy initial assessment where your clinician will discuss whether it is safe for you to have the injection. 

FAQs

What is Hyaluronic Acid? 

Hyaluronic acid is a long polysaccharide chain, that is naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations of fluids in the joints.

What are the possible side-effects of a steroid injection? 

• They include the following and a more detailed list can be found on the manufacturer’s information:
• Cosmetic changes including reduced skin pigment and/ or dimpling of the skin at the injection site 
• Flushing of the face for a few hours
• Bruising at the injection site (more likely if you are on blood thinning medications)
• A temporary Increased pain (up to 3-5 days)
• Numbness, tingling or increased pain if a nerve has been touched by the needle
• Tendon rupture
• Slight vaginal bleeding
• Diabetic patients may notice a temporary increase in blood sugar levels and should monitor these after the injection for up to 10 days, seeking medical advice as needed
• Changes in Mood. This is more likely if you or your family have a history of psychosis
• Increased blood pressure, which is unlikely to be noticeable unless your blood pressure is currently not controlled
• Post injection joint Infection: This is very rare, one person in 10,000 may experience this. if the area that was injected becomes hot, red, swollen and very painful, or if you feel unwell within 24-72 hours after the injection you should seek urgent medical attention
• Other infections: Avoid close personal contact with unwell individuals following steroid injection. For example, people with Chickenpox, measles, and tuberculosis, especially if you have not had chickenpox or completed routine childhood vaccinations
• Anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is extremely rare in response to injected steroids or local anaesthetic. 
• You will be asked to wait for up to 30 minutes after the injection to ensure you do not have any immediate adverse reaction to the injection.

Are there times when I should not have a steroid injection? 

Yes, if you: 

• Have an infection on your skin or anywhere else in your body
• Are allergic to Lidocaine (local anaesthetic) or steroids
• Feel unwell
• Are due to have surgery in the area in the next 6 months 
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Have a replacement joint at the injection site
• Are under 18
• Have poorly controlled diabetes and/or hypertension
• Do not want the injection 

At Spire Wimbledon Clinic, our experienced GPs are here to support your everyday health as well as more specialist concerns. Whether you’re due a routine check-up, want fast blood test results, or need discreet sexual health testing, our trusted doctors are here to help.

Our private GP services include:

• Same-day appointments for new or ongoing health concerns
• A wide range of blood tests, with many results available within 4 hours
• Sexual health testing, with same-day results for many tests
• Medical letters, including sick notes, fit-to-fly certificates, and pre-employment health screens
• Visa and immigration medicals
• Rapid referrals for further tests or treatment

Take the stress out of looking after your health. Book your appointment today and get expert, confidential care at a time that works for you.