Steroid injections have been available in healthcare for seventy years for various uses.

But how should we discuss the risks and benefits of them for musculoskeletal pain with patients?

How should we support someone who is really keen for one, but it’s not in their best interests?

On this episode Ben is joined by Nick Livadas, Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner & Lecturer at Teeside University for which he leads the Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy module.

They discuss;

(00:00:00) – Introduction

(00:01:25) – What Made Nick Interested In Steroid Injections?

(00:04:30) – What Do Patients Usually Ask About Steroid Injections?

(00:08:50) – Shared Decision Making With Steroid Injections

(00:13:15) – How Have Patient Questions & Knowledge About Steroid Injections Changed Over Time?

(00:13:40) – Should We Still Describe Steroid Injections As A “Window Of Opportunity”?

(00:18:00) – How Should We Tell A Patient A Steroid Injection May Not Help Them?

(00:19:40) – What Should We Say To Someone When The Benefit Of The Steroid Injection Lasts Longer Than Expected?

(00:23:07) – How To Discuss The Risks Of Steroid Injections To Patients?

(00:29:55) – How To Tell The Patient When A Steroid Injection Isn’t In Their Best Interests

(00:36:10) – Are These Conversations Really The “Advanced” Part Of Being An APP?

(00:38:50) – How To Support Those Who Are Afraid Of An Injection

(00:41:48) – Nicks Hardest Conversations (And Helpful Strategies)

(00:48:50) – The Time Limit Downside To Being An Advance Practitioner

(00:54:04) – What Would Nick Change About Persistent Pain Management In Society?

(00:56:23) – How NEMS was formed & What It Is

(01:01:10) – How To Contact Nick & Further Courses

You Can Find Nick On;

X & LinkedIn – @nicklivadas

His Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy Course at Teeside University is here:

https://www.tees.ac.uk/parttime_courses/sport_&_exercise/ucpce_musculoskeletal_injection_therapy.cfm

You Can Find North-East Musculoskeletal Society (NEMS) at:

X – @nemsoc16

Instagram – @nemsociety

You Can Find Ben on X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube & LinkedIn - @BWhybrowPhysio

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