Knee Pain – Meyer Physio

Arthrosamid Knee Injection

Suegnet Meyer — Fri, 30 May 2025 14:46:19 +0000

Long-lasting relief from knee osteoarthritis – without surgery

Knee osteoarthritis narrows your life gradually. Stairs, the dog walk, standing at the sink, getting out of a low chair — each becomes something to plan around. For many people the next thing offered is a knee replacement, and not everyone is ready for that.

Arthrosamid is a single hydrogel injection that relieves knee osteoarthritis pain, reduces stiffness and restores function, without surgery. Meyer Physio is an approved Arthrosamid clinic, offering it privately in Weybridge, Surrey.

What Is Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid® is an advanced, long-lasting injectable hydrogel designed to relieve knee osteoarthritis pain without the need for surgery. Made from 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, it offers long-lasting relief from a single injection — considerably longer than is typically seen with alternative treatments such as hyaluronic acid or Cingal injections.

It integrates with the joint lining, known as the synovium, enhancing lubrication, cushioning the joint, and reducing inflammation to improve comfort and mobility.

Why Choose Arthrosamid?

Lasting Relief – Benefit from a single injection, with clinical studies showing effects lasting up to three to five years.
Non-Surgical – Outpatient procedure with no hospital stay or downtime.
Clinically Proven – The polyacrylamide hydrogel technology is backed by over 20 years of research.
Delays Surgery – May help to delay knee replacement.
Excellent Results – 70–75% report a significant improvement in symptoms; up to 50% describe it as “life-changing”. For more on results and outcome studies, see the Arthrosamid website.

How Does Arthrosamid Work?

Knee osteoarthritis leads to cartilage breakdown and inflammation in the synovial lining of the joint.

Once injected, Arthrosamid:

Bonds with the joint lining to create a soft, cushioning barrier
Enhances lubrication within the joint
Reduces synovial inflammation and associated pain
Improves joint function and mobility

What to Expect

Step 1 – Consultation

Your clinician will assess your knee and determine whether Arthrosamid is suitable for you.

Step 2 – Injection

You will be given antibiotics about an hour before your Arthrosamid treatment to protect you from any potential risk of infection.

To ensure the hydrogel is delivered to the precise location in the joint, we always perform ultrasound guided injection therapy.

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and the hydrogel is then injected directly into the knee joint in a single, one-step procedure.

Step 3 – Aftercare

Mild discomfort may occur once the anaesthetic wears off. We’ll advise you on post-treatment care and symptoms to monitor, though side effects are rare.

The clinician who assessed your knee and gave the injection is the same one who sees you afterwards, so your follow-up carries on from the treatment rather than starting again with somebody new.

Is Arthrosamid Right for Me?

It may be a good option if:

You have knee osteoarthritis that’s no longer responding to physiotherapy, exercise, or standard pain relief
You want to avoid or delay surgery
You’re seeking a long-term solution with minimal disruption to your lifestyle

Private Arthrosamid treatment in Weybridge

This treatment is not routinely funded on the NHS, so it is provided privately on a self-pay basis. We are an approved Arthrosamid clinic and carry out the assessment, the ultrasound-guided injection and your follow-up in Weybridge, so there is no onward referral to another provider and no waiting list.

Your first appointment is a full hour of assessment. Where Arthrosamid is the right option we explain what it involves, what it is likely to achieve and what it costs, and arrange the treatment once you have had time to consider it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon will I feel the results?

Most people start noticing improvements around 4 weeks post-injection.

Does the injection hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area first, and most people tolerate the procedure well. You may feel pressure as the hydrogel goes in, and the knee can be mildly sore for a few days afterwards. Tell us at any point if you are uncomfortable.

How long does Arthrosamid last?

Clinical studies show benefits may last up to three to five years from a single injection.

What is the recovery time?

This is an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay and no significant downtime. Mild discomfort is common once the local anaesthetic wears off. You will be given specific aftercare advice at your appointment, and the Arthrosamid patient rehab booklet below sets out the exercise guidance that follows treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are rare. The most common is temporary discomfort or swelling around the knee in the days after the injection. Antibiotics are given about an hour beforehand as a precaution against infection. We will go through the risks with you at your consultation and tell you what to watch for afterwards.

Can I still have knee replacement surgery later?

Yes — Arthrosamid doesn’t interfere with the possibility of future knee surgery.

Can I receive Arthrosamid treatment in both my knees?

Yes, it is possible to have both knees treated with Arthrosamid but your clinician is best placed to decide the time period before the treatments. Please contact us for a discounted price for treatment of more than one joint.

How much does Arthrosamid cost?

It is provided as a single treatment package. Current fees are on our treatment pricing page, and a discounted price applies where both knees are treated.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any questions about this treatment or would like to know whether it’s suitable for you, feel free to get in touch with Meyer Physio by phone or email. You can also explore the patient brochure and leaflets linked below, or the official Arthrosamid website for further information.

Arthrosamid Brochures

To learn more about the Arthrosamid treatment, download a patient brochure or patient leaflet from the Arthrosamid website below:

Arthrosamid^® Patient Brochure	Download [Link verified 21/08/2026]
Arthrosamid^® Patient Leaflet	Download [Link verified 21/08/2026]
Arthrosamid^® Patient Rehab Booklet	Download [Link verified 21/08/2026]

* Arthrosamid^®, the Arthrosamid logos and images are copyright Contura International Ltd.

Written by Suegnet Meyer, Advanced Practice Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and MSK Sonographer. HCPC registered [PH55635]. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy member [66175].
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026.

The post Arthrosamid Knee Injection first appeared on Meyer Physio.

Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome

Suegnet Meyer — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 18:30:28 +0000

There exists a lack of consensus determining the etiology of Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). It is suggested that multifactorial causes for PFPS exist. For example: Quadriceps muscle mass can be reduced due to Vastus medialis atrophy causing Quadriceps strength deficiency or altered Quadriceps recruitment patterns. Abnormal activation patterns due to deficient neuromuscular imbalance causing Vastus lateralis to contract earlier than Vastus Medialis Oblique resulting in a lateral directed force on the patella and abnormal patella tracking has also been suggested. Thus abnormal activation patterns due to a deficient neuromuscular pattern has been considered.
The management of PFPS by restoring quadriceps function and correcting the neuromuscular patterns between VMO and VL has been reported in the literature and is used in clinical practice.
Muscle function magnetic resonance imaging (ffMRi) can be used to assess muscle function. ffMRI quantifies the shifts of T2 values with exercise. The T2 shift indicates the extent of work performed by a superficial or deep muscle. During ffMRI spatial variations can be observed in a single muscle during normal function as well as in musculoskeletal disorders when a variant in activation of the muscle pattern is presented (Cagnie et al., 2011, O’Leary et al., 2011).
It was demonstrated during a ffMRI study : 46 patients with PFPS in comparison with normal controls had no significant difference between the activation pattern of VL & VMO in PFPS and normal participants (in both genders) (Pattyn et al 2013). This MRI assessment took place in a non-weight bearing posture. Bolgla et al (2011), noted that discrepancies in assessing quadriceps function may occur due to the influence of weight bearing and non-weight bearing activities and needs to be taken in consideration. Interesting these authors notes a 13% strength deficit of Quadriceps of the PFPS subjects but noted that the subjects may not have experienced pain during weight bearing testing. However, this study concluded that quadriceps strengthening will still be beneficial clinically.
Furthermore, faulty hip kinematics can also influence PFPS. Bolgla, (2011) demonstrated that subjects with PFPS have significant hip abductor and especially external rotator weakness. They suggested that this should be addressed during rehabilitation.

PFPS vs Pain

Hodges et al (2009) induced pain by injecting fat pads which did cause delayed VMO. With the increasing or aggravating the pain caused decrease in VM muscle activation. Furthermore swelling can also cause reduced VMO activity. Stokes et al., (1984) injected 10ml of fluid causing VM to inhibited while VL was inhibited only after injecting 40ml fluid. Swelling and Pain will inhibit VMO activation according to these studies and be a contributing factor to PFPS.

Influence of the hip & foot on PFPS?

In addition to my previous answer last week, weakness of the hip abductors and external rotators can cause PFPS as demonstrated by Souza & Powers (2009). Increased hip internal rotation ROM with weakness of hip abductor muscles were observed in females suffering from PFPS (in weight bearing). Powers (2003) also previously documented that since the patella is influenced by the interaction of proximal and distal segments that abnormal tibia and femur motion in the transverse and frontal planes have an effect on the PFJ. This highlights the importance of stability of the hip (strength training of hip abductors and external rotators) and the foot. This will also have a better long term effect and prevent further injury.

Rehabilitation of the VM / VMO to Optimise Patello-Femoral mechanics

Beside taking the hip Abductor strength and feet biomechanical factors as well as muscle lengths of gastrocs/soleus/hamstrings in consideration, rehab in closed chain kinematics :

Method

To make sure that the VMO is optimally rehabilitated, firstly educate the patient how to static contract the VM (pain free) by locating and palpating the VM or using EMG feedback. By using PF tape or ice brushing can facilitate VM contraction. The patient needs to train VM contraction regularly during the day. Since optimum contraction will be in a closed chain, persue weight bearing position but in a pain free ROM. By watching out for signs of fatigue, posture positioning of the foot and hip, and preferrebly in closed chain, get the patient to do this frequently during the day to promote the neuro-muscular pattern and try to facilitate the VM contraction and endurance. Progresssion for endurance and strength in larger range of motion can be achieved by using terminal extension with theraband. Assess what ROM gives them pain during function (stairs) and break the components down and strengthen the knee/hip in that spesific range but still be aware of pain as a contraindication and keep icing to reduce pain and inflammation. Taping may also help. Use a raised chair height or perhaps the side of a desk and let them train, controlling the VM while getting up from this elevated position instead of working through a full range of motion, causing pain that they are unable to tolerate anyway. If this is tollerated, progress mini squats supported to single leg squats with support, then without support, but ensuring no pain with good hip foot knee control and posture. Progressive weight training can then be introduced and sport specific exercises.

References

Bolgla, L. A., Malone, T.R. Umberger B.R., (2011). Comparison of hip and knee strength and neuromuscular activity in subjects with and without patella femoral pain syndrome. The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 6(4) : 285-296.
Cagnie B, Elliott JM, O’Leary S, D’hooge R, Dickx N, Danneels LA (2011). Muscle functional MRI as an imaging tool to evaluate muscle activity. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy; 41 (11): 896–903.
Hodges PW., Mellor R., Crossley K., Bennell K. (2009). Pain induce by injecting hypertonic saline into the infra patellar fat pad an effect on coordination of the quadriceps muscle. Arthritir Rheum 61); 70-77.
O’Leary S, Cagnie B, Reeve A, Jull G, Elliott JM (2011). Is there altered activity of the extensor muscles in chronic mechanical neck pain? A functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011; 92 (6): 929–34.
Pattyn, E., Verdonker, P., Adelheid. S., Van Tiggelen, D., (2013). Muscle functional MRI to evaluate quadriceps dysfunction in patella femoral pain. Medicine and science in sports and exercise: 45 (6) 1023-1030.
Powers, CM., (2003). The influence of altered lower extremity kinematics on patellofemoral joint dysfunction : a theoretical perspective. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy. 33(11):639-646.
Souza RB, Powers CM. (2009). Differences in hip kinematics, muscle strength and muscle activation between subjects with and without patella femoral pain. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy 39(1) 12-19.
Stokes M., Young A., (1984). The contribution of reflex inhibition to arthrogenous muscle weakness. Clinical Science. 67: 7-14.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article – Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, is aimed at Physiotherapists and other medical professionals. It is provided here for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health management advice. The materials herein are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor, physiotherapist or other health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article or website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.

Copyright

The content of this article – Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome, is copyright © 2016 of Suegnet Meyer and Meyer & Associates. Transmission or reproduction of the contents, beyond that allowed by fair use as defined in the copyright laws requires the written permission of the copyright owners.

The post Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome first appeared on Meyer Physio.