

What are hydrodistension injections?
Hydrodistension injections injections are performed under ultrasound guidance with the aim of precisely depositing anti-inflammatory steroid, local anaesthetic and saline to give pain relief whilst also deliberately stretching the lining of the joint (joint capsule).
This procedure is increasingly used in the treatment of ‘frozen shoulder’ (adhesive capsulitis) and has been shown to be effective in the majority of patients by giving pain relief and also helping them to regain movement.
These injections can give rapid and effective reduction in pain and inflammation; however, improvements are usually temporary. As with all medicines, some people may experience side effects.
Genuine Patient Reviews

Immediately after the cortisone injection I felt better next day I took the flight to sharm a year on I feel great never had any issue with the leg
Thanks to Robert Mast
Neil Coker
Well the difference was night and day there was a almost an instantaneous change, I had been told that after the initial pain killer wore off that it might take up to 7 Days for it to start working but I found it more bearable from the next day and by the time I flew to Florida 5 days later I was walking but with stiffness and some night time pain on resting, by 10 days I was walking and swimming with some pain but nothing anywhere like it was, now a month after the initial injection there is barely any pain unless I get it cold and then I can still walk and the pain is bearable.
It was the best money I have ever spent and Rob was professional, extremely knowledgeable and made me feel at ease from the first moment we meet.
Procedure went very well
Took no time at all
I will go back to Rob in future as necessary
Thank you
Met with Rob again after two years at his Hertford clinic for a guided Steroid injection into my shoulder that was painful after a fall. The procedure went very well and my shoulder is back to normal.
Just like the last time he administered an ultrasound guided injection. I limped into the clinic in terrible pain and once he administered the injection all my pain disappeared. No limping and did not need to hold onto my son’s arm.
Rob takes time to listen and then explains the procedure, so helpful.
Thank you Rob.
Went through the whole procedure in clinic with me
Had physio with Nicola after, who i cant not fault
I get odd pain now again in my shoulder when its cold and damp
Thanks Rob, for you kind help and i would use u again and practice
thanks
Claire
The results of the treatment have been exceptional. I can move freely and in complete comfort and my wife says there is no longer any sign of a limp or uneven gait. The moments of sharp pain I would typically experience two ot three times a day have been completely absent and I no longer find myself tensing in anticipation before standing from sitting, approaching stairs, or turning over in bed.
Highly recommend Rob as a specialist in this area.
Rob was able to see my wife at a couple of days notice, and following a physical examination and an Ultrasound scan, identified the problem as subacromial bursitis, which would benefit from an Ultrasound guided cortisone injection.
The "3 stage" process all took place within the same appointment ( a major plus) and was completed in under an hour and at a very reasonable cost.
Within a week, my wife experienced a major improvement in her condition, and is now back to normal after less than 4 weeks.
A full clinical report, together with the Ultrasound photos were received a week or so later, as well as a copy being forwarded to our GP with her agreement.
Based on our experience, we would highly recommend Rob to anyone who feels his expertise would be beneficial.
We all know when we are injured we want things sorted right away & I was extremely happy that he squeezed me in for an appointment the following Thursday.
At the appointment he explained everything as we went along & hopefully now with the steroid injection I can move forward.
Nick Tokely
Robert Mast at Sonoscope kindly saw my mother with a few days of making the appointment . Excellent service and superb bedside manners. Made my mother feel at easy and the steroid injection administered under Ultrasound worked brilliantly. Literally the next day my mother started to feel the benefits of the treatment. I would highly recommend Robert and his clinic to anyone needing help with pain relief.
Very honest and very well priced .
I certainly will reccomend him
Rob is great, explains everything clearly. My nan is very happy. She only got one knee done. Now she’s saying She wants to go back to see Rob to do her other knee. Friendly, informative and efficient service. We’d highly recommend. Great service.
He kept me informed and explained the procedure step by step, happy to answer my never-ending questions.
This helped immensely as it was the 1st time having this treatment and therefore was pretty nervous. Robs friendliness and reassurance kept me calm and would highly recommend him.
Condition and outcome explained in a simple but comprehensive way. Empathetic practitioner.
Would highly recommend.
The ultrasound guided injection was carried out in a professional reassuring manner. Thank you
Rob is friendly and professional. He explains everything to you, in terminology that you understand which is super helpful.
Marilyn Cunningham
26 March 2022
Brilliant service and a very kind considerate practice.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Rob, a true professional and my mothers shoulder is at long last free from pain.
I attended for injection into the glenohumeral joint for frozen shoulder (6 months since onset) but because I was experiencing extreme pain at a different part of my shoulder (2 days since onset) he took the trouble to understand this new event and offer the cortisone injection in a different location. This injection alleviated the pain and I was able to return two weeks later for the planned frozen shoulder injection.
I was a bit nervous before going in, but the lovely and friendly receptionist soon cheered me up.
Rob was friendly , calm and very professional.
He explained everything and showed me the procedure while showing me the area going to be treated on the ultrasound screen step by step.
I highly recommend Rob and would certainly go back if I should require further treatment
Rob is very professional and takes the time to explain what he is looking at on the ultrasound and what he is doing to do and why.
I would certainly recommend.




I was seen at the booked time by very pleasant professionals.
The injection was swiftly and professionally administered.
12 hours later the pain is very very much reduced and I am hoping for no pain after 24 hours





I then had an injection at Sonoscope. The ultrasound guided injection was done by Rob who clearly knew his stuff and explained the injection in detail. He made me feel at ease. The injection was almost painless and exactly into the bursa. Within a week I was pain free! This allowed me to progress further with exercises. He would highly recommend his services !
(Bob)
Speak to our specialist
Let's find the source of the pain
How successful is it?
Several studies have shown that ultrasound guided shoulder joint hydrodistention can help reduce patients’ pain and improve their range of motion. This technique is performed under aseptic conditions and a local anaesthetic is injected into the shoulder joint usually combined with a steroid joint and the needle is guided by the ultrasound images.
Will it be painful?
You may feel mild discomfort during the procedure and a fullness or heaviness as the joint is filled. After the examination, you may experience swelling and discomfort. These symptoms usually disappear after 48 hours and, if necessary, you may take your usual painkillers.
What are the risks and the benefits of this procedure?
The benefit of this treatment is that it should reduce the pain and discomfort in your shoulder and help with movements. There is a small risk of infection when a needle is placed in a joint but we minimise the risk by using an aseptic technique. However, if you experience redness, persistent pain or swelling after the procedure, you should contact your GP or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.

Meet Rob - Our Specialist Physiotherapist/ Sonographer
Rob is a specialist Extended Scope Physiotherapist with more than 20 years experience in managing complex musculoskeletal conditions.
He uses diagnostic ultrasound as an extension of his clinical skills. He is an interventional sonographer in a busy radiology department of a central London Foundation Trust Hospital .
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