Cortisone Shot London is a low-cost service for private insurance and self-pay patients. With long NHS waiting times, it helps people return to activity and sport sooner. So, who benefits from a cortisone shot, who should perform it, and how much does a cortisone injection cost privately in the UK?
For clinical details on ultrasound-guided cortisone injection, see ultrasound-guided cortisone injection; for the full fee list, see the one-stop injection page.
What is cortisone?
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. Many joint and tendon conditions, including arthritis, are driven by inflammation. Injecting corticosteroid into a joint or tendon reduces the inflammation and relieves pain.
How is a cortisone injection delivered?
We give cortisone injections blind, or under ultrasound or X-ray guidance. Guidance is preferable for joints, as it improves accuracy. Ultrasound has advantages over X-ray: it’s done in a clinic room rather than a theatre (lower cost), uses no ionising radiation, and lets us avoid nerves and vessels. For tendons, ultrasound is clearly superior to X-ray, and tendons such as the tennis elbow, plantar fascia, hip, and shoulder should always be injected under ultrasound guidance.
What is a “one-stop” private cortisone injection?
Normally, you’d see a consultant, get referred for imaging, return to discuss it, then be referred again for the injection — up to four appointments for one shot. Sport Doctor London offers a one-stop injection service: Dr Masci assesses you, performs the ultrasound, and injects you in a single visit. It saves busy people time and money. In some cases, you may need further imaging first, so an injection may not be possible at the first visit.
How much does a private cortisone injection cost in the UK?
Like any procedure, the cost varies widely — a private cortisone injection ranges from about £250 to £1,000 for the same shot. But don’t be fooled: a higher price doesn’t mean better care, and the cheapest isn’t necessarily safe either. In the UK, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and even beauty therapists inject cortisone, sometimes with little training.
At Chelsea, Dr Masci offers competitive ultrasound-guided injections, with a cortisone injection costing £400, including the consultation and ultrasound. Some clinics charge more. It’s a one-stop clinic — everything in a single visit rather than spread over three or four appointments.
The self-pay costs include:
- Cortisone injection (joint or tendon): £400
- Hyaluronic acid injection: £470–£490
- PRP injection: £510 first, £410 subsequent
- Arthrex ACP Max (one-shot super PRP): £1,350
- Arthrosamid (knee arthritis): £2,500
- Advanced procedures from £420 — tendon scraping, shoulder barbotage, groin nerve blocks, sacroiliac joint injection, and pubic symphysis injection
| Injection | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cortisone | £400 |
| Durolane | £490 |
| Standard PRP | £510 first £410 subequent |
| Arthrex ACP Max | £1350 |
| Arthrosamid | £2500 |
| Advanced procedures | from £420 |
What about cheaper cortisone injections?
Some clinics charge less, but may not have doctors specialising in ultrasound-guided injections. You wouldn’t pick a surgeon on price alone, so why an injector? Many physiotherapists, podiatrists, and beauty therapists inject without years of medical training. Before any ultrasound-guided cortisone injection, ask these four questions. A cheaper cortisone injection isn’t always the best choice.
What conditions can a cortisone injection treat?
We treat upper-limb, lower-limb, and pelvic conditions, including arthritis and tendonitis, with cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and PRP. Specialised injections include shoulder calcification lavage, tendon scraping, and sacroiliac joint injections. For knee arthritis, options also include Durolane and Arthrosamid.
Dr Masci is a Sport and Exercise Medicine consultant with expertise in ultrasound-guided injections and around 20 years’ experience in cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and PRP injections across three central London clinics.
Frequently asked questions about private cortisone injection cost
How much does a cortisone injection cost privately in the UK?
Roughly £250–£1,000, depending on the clinic, the injector, and whether a consultation and ultrasound are included. At Chelsea, Dr Masci’s ultrasound-guided cortisone injection is £400, including consultation and ultrasound.
Why is there such a big price range?
Because the service varies, a £400 one-stop visit with a specialist doctor (consultation + diagnostic ultrasound + guided injection + saved images) is very different from a cheap blind injection by a non-doctor. Price reflects what’s included and who’s injecting.
Does my insurance cover a private cortisone injection?
Usually, yes — we work with all major insurers, though some require pre-authorisation first. Our admin team can help arrange it.
Is a cheaper cortisone injection a false economy?
It can be. An inaccurate blind injection may not work, leading to repeat visits and increasing the risk of side effects. Accuracy and a qualified injector matter more than the headline price.
Final word from Sport Doctor London about private cortisone injection cost
A private cortisone injection in the UK ranges widely in price, but cost alone is a poor guide to quality. Look for a specialist doctor, ultrasound guidance, sterile technique, and saved images — Dr Masci offers all of these as a one-stop visit from £400 at Chelsea.
To book, contact the team here or call +44 (0) 203 488 0350.
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