Diagnosis
Confirming the cause
The clinical picture is considered alongside investigations, rather than treating an imaging finding in isolation.
Treatment with a clear indication
Non-surgical and minimally invasive orthopaedic treatments
The aim is not simply to reduce pain temporarily, but to improve function through a plan suited to the patient's diagnosis, needs and general health.
Exercise and rehabilitationInjection treatmentsStructured follow-up
1
The right diagnosisWhat is actually causing the symptom
2
A specific goalPain, movement or return to activity
3
An appropriate optionBenefits, risks and alternatives
4
ReassessmentA measurable outcome and the next step
Before any treatment
Treatment is valuable when it addresses a specific problem
The same diagnosis can affect two people differently. The choice depends on function, symptom severity, individual needs, previous treatments and medical contraindications.
Goal
Measurable improvement
We define what we want to improve: walking, sleep, range of movement, strength or return to activity.
Safety
Other conditions and medicines
Age, general health, allergies and current medicines influence the options.
Decision
Benefits and limitations
We discuss how long any benefit may last, the alternatives and when reassessment is needed.
Main options
Non-surgical management focused on function
More than one approach is often combined. The sequence and intensity of the plan depend on the condition, not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Movement and strength
Therapeutic exercise and physiotherapy
Progressive exercise can improve strength, control and function in many long-term conditions. The programme is adapted to the joint, fitness level and goal.
Options for osteoarthritis (In Greek)Daily life
Adjusting load and activity
Temporarily adjusting load, returning to exercise appropriately and, where needed, managing weight can reduce flare-ups without complete immobilisation.
Practical guidesSymptom control
Treatment with medicines
Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines may be used for a limited period when safe. The choice and duration require medical guidance, particularly for patients with other conditions or taking other medicines.
Discuss your planSupport
Aids and temporary reduction of loading
In certain cases, a walking stick, brace or other support may help. Prolonged use without an indication may lead to weakness or reliance on the aid.
Start with your symptomInjection treatments
There is no single injection for every problem
Each option has a different mechanism, level of evidence and potential duration of benefit. The right indication and informed shared decision-making matter more than the name of the treatment.
Autologous plasma
PRP / ACP
Prepared from the patient's own blood. Outcomes vary by condition, protocol and patient characteristics; it does not guarantee cartilage ‘regeneration’.
PRP guideViscosupplementation
Hyaluronic acid
Used in selected joints and patients. Clinical guidelines do not all agree on its benefit, so its use requires realistic expectations.
Understand the evidenceShort-term relief
Corticosteroid
May temporarily reduce pain during certain inflammatory flare-ups. It is not a routine treatment for frequent repetition, and contraindications must be checked.
Cortisone injection guide (In Greek)Injections can be part of the plan, not the whole plan
When indicated, they may create a window for better movement and rehabilitation. The response and next step need to be reassessed.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Dynamic imaging and guidance when needed
Ultrasound can help assess tendons, bursae and other superficial soft tissues, while allowing movement to be observed in real time.
- It complements — rather than replaces — the clinical examination.
- It is not the appropriate investigation for every joint or condition.
- For selected injections, it can support more accurate needle placement.
Decision and follow-up
Treatment needs a starting point, a goal and a review point
A plan should not remain open-ended indefinitely. Specific steps are agreed, and meaningful improvement in function is assessed.
Record the starting point
Pain, movement, activities and the main functional limitation.
Choose an intervention
Based on the diagnosis, safety and the best available evidence.
Put the plan into practice
Clear instructions, a realistic timescale and consistency with rehabilitation.
Reassess
Continue, adjust or discuss another option on the basis of new information.
Barbotage for calcific tendinitis
In selected shoulder cases, ultrasound-guided lavage of the calcium deposit may be discussed. Explore the method, its benefits and limitations (In Greek).
Frequently asked questions
What to expect from non-surgical treatment
What is the best treatment for orthopaedic pain?
No single treatment suits everyone. The choice depends on the diagnosis, the duration and severity of symptoms, the level of function, other health conditions and the patient's goal.
Do injections replace physiotherapy?
Usually not. In selected cases, an injection may form part of the plan, but restoring movement, strength and function often requires appropriate exercise or physiotherapy.
When is non-surgical treatment considered unsuccessful?
Effectiveness is judged against an agreed goal, an adequate treatment period, proper adherence to the plan and structured reassessment. Persistent symptoms do not automatically lead to surgery; the diagnosis and options need to be reviewed.
Scientific basis: this page draws on the recommendations for therapeutic exercise, safe use of medicines and informed selection of injection treatments in NICE — Osteoarthritis in over 16s. The recommendations apply only in the appropriate clinical context.
Medical review: Georgios Petridis, MD, MSc
Treatment is chosen after clinical assessment, discussion of alternatives and agreement on a realistic goal for each patient.
View the biographyNext step
Would you like to know which option suits your case?
Assessment starts with the diagnosis and leads to a plan with a clear goal, duration and follow-up.