In some cases, chronic pain may seem out of proportion to any identifiable injury, or present with unusual symptoms that affect other systems of the body. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, POTS, irritable bowel syndrome, and long COVID can fall into this category.
Regardless of the cause, our focus is to understand the full picture — and provide evidence-based, individualised treatment that addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of pain.
At GC Sports Med, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic pain — with the goal of restoring function and improving quality of life.
The assessment process begins with a detailed medical history and clinical examination, followed by targeted investigations such as imaging or diagnostic injections when appropriate. Our aim is always to identify and address the physical source of symptoms wherever possible.
In cases of chronic or persistent pain, additional care is taken to validate the patient’s experience and investigate thoroughly, especially when the diagnosis is unclear or when standard imaging has not identified a clear cause. If a structural injury is found, we will treat it accordingly.
However, when no ongoing injury can be identified — or when a central pain component is clearly present — we shift the focus toward managing the nervous system’s response to pain. This may involve education, safe and progressive physical exercise, nervous system desensitisation strategies, multidisciplinary input, or targeted pain management techniques.
Every consultation is tailored to the individual, ensuring that no avenue is overlooked and that treatment is approached with clarity, compassion, and clinical integrity.
Cortisone injections may be recommended when both diagnostic clarity and symptom relief are needed.
All cortisone injections are ultrasound-guided for precision. When cortisone is combined with local anaesthetic, a successful reduction in pain after injection confirms the targeted area is the source. If not immediately clear, we may monitor your response over time or with the aid of a pain chart.
Cortisone helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain in conditions like bursitis, tendinopathy, and joint irritation. However, repeated cortisone injections can weaken tendons or cartilage, so we use them sparingly and strategically.
We use cortisone:
✔ To confirm diagnosis when the pain source is unclear
✔ To support rehabilitation when pain limits progress
Injuries from a sudden event — such as a sprain, strain, fracture, or dislocation — are common in sport, accidents, and falls.
Symptoms: sharp pain, swelling, bruising, loss of function, or joint instability.
Treatment Options:
Thorough assessment to determine injury severity
Imaging — X-ray is crucial; MRI may be added if needed
Bracing or splinting to support healing
Corticosteroid injections for inflammation control
Rehabilitation planning to restore movement and prevent reinjury
Occasional use of PRP injections for ligament or tendon healing
These develop when repeated strain outpaces the body’s ability to recover. Common contributing factors include poor biomechanics, inadequate rest, or unsupportive equipment.
Examples: osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, bursitis.
Symptoms: develop gradually and worsen with continued activity.
Treatment Options:
Corticosteroid injections for targeted inflammation relief
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to support tissue healing
Hyaluronic acid injections for joint lubrication
Rehabilitation strategies including strengthening, load management, and activity modification
This type of pain arises from nerve irritation, compression, or damage.
Causes: disc bulge, nerve entrapment, or prior trauma.
Symptoms: aching, burning, tingling, numbness, or pain that radiates.
Treatment Options:
Medications tailored to nerve-related pain
Peri-neural corticosteroid injections (hydrodissection) to reduce nerve irritation
Rehabilitation focused on improving nerve mobility and reducing mechanical stress
Back pain may be acute or ongoing and often relates to structural or degenerative changes.
Examples: disc bulges, facet joint pain, spinal osteoarthritis, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Symptoms: localised or referred pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Treatment Options:
Clinical assessment with appropriate imaging (CT, MRI, or SPECT when indicated)
Rehabilitation focused on strength, flexibility, and control
Chronic pain medications when appropriate
Corticosteroid injections for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
Radiofrequency ablation (if required; referred externally)
PRP injections in selected cases
These conditions involve ongoing pain that may not be linked to a current physical injury. In some cases, symptoms began after an acute injury but persisted beyond the usual healing time. In others, there is no identifiable structural cause. Pain may be widespread, changeable, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, or digestive issues.
Examples include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, long COVID, and other forms of central sensitisation or neuroplastic pain.
Comprehensive assessment to rule out ongoing physical injury
Education to support understanding and reduce fear around persistent pain
Safe and progressive physical activity
Desensitisation strategies targeting the nervous system
Psychological support, including education-based approaches and, where appropriate, formal therapies such as CBT
Referral to multidisciplinary supports where needed
ASSESSMENT
We assess the underlying cause of pain through taking of a thorough patient history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging.
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Tailored therapies, that are evidence-based, including education, rehabilitation and physical activity guidance, medications, and injections, are recommended based on the condition.
EDUCATION
Helping patients understand the mechanisms behind their chronic pain is a central component of the treatment pathway.
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