Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure is generally well-tolerated. Local anesthetic is used first to minimize discomfort. Most patients describe mild pressure rather than pain. A brief pain flare in the 24-48 hours following injection is a normal temporary reaction.

Typical relief lasts 1-6 months depending on the condition treated and individual response. For some well-localized bursitis, relief may be lasting. For progressive osteoarthritis, repeated injections (maximum 3-4 per year) may be needed.

In most cases yes, especially for upper extremity injections. For knee or ankle injections, mild post-procedure discomfort may affect driving in the first few hours. Discuss your specific situation with your doctor before the procedure.

Reasonable, spaced use of cortisone injections is considered safe according to available scientific data. Frequent repeat injections in the same tendon (more than 3-4 per year) may be associated with increased risk of tissue weakening. This is why a qualified physician evaluates each case individually and respects recommended intervals.

Yes. Clinique Sport Santé Laurentides offers real-time ultrasound-guided cortisone injections. To book an evaluation, use our online booking system.

PRP injections are not covered by the RAMQ. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the cost. Check with your insurer for details.

For most tendinopathies, 1 to 3 injections spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart are considered. For osteoarthritis, 1 to 2 per year may be discussed.

For certain chronic tendinopathies, recent data suggests PRP may offer longer-lasting benefit. Cortisone is faster-acting but shorter-lived for chronic tendinopathies.

Yes, generally. NSAIDs can interfere with platelet response. Your physician will provide precise instructions on medications to avoid.

A relative rest of 3 to 7 days is recommended. Progressive return to activity is then planned with your physician and physiotherapist.

No. Viscosupplementation is not covered by the RAMQ. Some private insurance plans may reimburse part of the cost. Check with your insurer for details.

Either a single injection (Durolane, Monovisc, Synvisc-One) or 3 weekly injections (classic Synvisc). Treatment can be repeated every 6 to 12 months based on clinical response.

For well-selected moderate osteoarthritis, it may improve quality of life and delay surgery, but does not cure osteoarthritis or regenerate cartilage.

The knee has the most evidence. It can be used for other joints (hip, shoulder, ankle) but with less robust data. Your physician will evaluate the indication for your specific situation.

Book online through the Pomelo booking system. Dr. Labrecque-Sauvé will perform a thorough clinical evaluation to determine if viscosupplementation is appropriate for you.

Tendinitis strictly refers to acute tendon inflammation. Tendinopathy is the broader term that also includes tendinosis — chronic fiber degeneration without active inflammation, more common in persistent tendon pain. Tendinopathy is now preferred in clinical practice as it is more precise.

Acute tendinopathies that are well managed can resolve in 4 to 8 weeks. Chronic forms may require 3 to 6 months of structured rehabilitation. Duration depends on location, stage, treatment adherence, and individual risk factors.

Mild acute tendinopathies may improve spontaneously with relative rest. However, chronic forms tend to persist or worsen without active management. Medical evaluation establishes an appropriate treatment plan and helps avoid complications such as tendon rupture.

Scientific evidence on PRP for tendinopathies is broadly positive, particularly for lateral epicondylitis and chronic Achilles tendinopathy. PRP is generally considered when conservative treatments have not yielded sufficient results after 3-6 months.

Clinique Sport Santé Laurentides offers sports medicine consultations including clinical evaluation, MSK ultrasound, and tendinopathy management in the Laurentians, Quebec.

Most concussions resolve within 7 to 14 days in adults. In children and teenagers, recovery may take 2 to 4 weeks or longer. Approximately 10 to 15% of cases develop into post-concussion syndrome with symptoms persisting beyond 4 weeks, requiring specialized multidisciplinary management.

No. International guidelines from the Concussion in Sport Group are clear: no same-day return to play. The athlete must be symptom-free at rest and complete a medically supervised graduated return-to-play protocol before resuming contact sport.

Helmets significantly reduce the risk of skull fractures and hematomas, but do not fully prevent concussions. A concussion is caused by the movement of the brain within the skull (acceleration-deceleration), a phenomenon that current helmets cannot entirely prevent. It remains essential to wear a certified, properly fitted helmet at all times.

Post-concussion syndrome refers to the persistence of symptoms (headaches, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, mood changes) beyond 4 weeks after a concussion. It affects approximately 10 to 15% of concussed individuals and requires thorough medical evaluation and multidisciplinary care involving sports medicine, neuropsychology, and vestibular physiotherapy.

There is no established "safe" number of concussions. Each concussion is taken seriously, and the risk of long-term consequences increases with repeated head injuries — especially when the interval between concussions is short (second impact syndrome). The decision to retire from contact sport after multiple concussions is an individualized clinical discussion with a sports medicine physician.

Without treatment, epicondylitis can persist 6 to 24 months. The earlier conservative treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Early physiotherapy intervention significantly accelerates recovery.

In most cases, no. Diagnosis is clinical. Ultrasound or MRI may be ordered if the diagnosis is uncertain or to plan surgical intervention.

Most patients respond favorably to conservative treatment in 3 to 6 months. Chronic cases may require 6 to 12 months of intensive treatment. Patience is essential: tendon remodeling takes time.

This depends on severity. During the acute phase, it is recommended to reduce or stop provoking activities. Gradual return with corrected technique is possible once pain resolves. Avoid playing while in pain.

Surgical procedures (tendon repair, tendon release) show good results in 80-90 percent of refractory cases, but post-operative recovery requires 3-6 months of rehabilitation. Surgery is only considered after 6-12 months of failed conservative treatment.

Without treatment, epicondylitis can persist 6 to 24 months. The earlier conservative treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Early physiotherapy intervention significantly accelerates recovery.

In most cases, no. Diagnosis is clinical. Ultrasound or MRI may be ordered if the diagnosis is uncertain or to plan surgical intervention.

Most patients respond favorably to conservative treatment in 3 to 6 months. Chronic cases may require 6 to 12 months of intensive treatment. Patience is essential: tendon remodeling takes time.

This depends on severity. During the acute phase, it is recommended to reduce or stop provoking activities. Gradual return with corrected technique is possible once pain resolves. Avoid playing while in pain.

Surgical procedures (tendon repair, tendon release) show good results in 80-90 percent of refractory cases, but post-operative recovery requires 3-6 months of rehabilitation. Surgery is only considered after 6-12 months of failed conservative treatment.

A Grade I sprain can heal on its own with rest and pain management, but Grade II and III sprains require active management. Without adequate rehabilitation, the risk of developing chronic ankle instability is 30–40%. This instability manifests as frequent re-injuries, a sense of giving way during walking, and persistent pain. A clinical assessment determines the grade and initiates the right treatment.

Recovery time depends on the grade: Grade I = 1–2 weeks, Grade II = 3–6 weeks, Grade III = 6–12 weeks. These timelines apply to functional recovery for daily activities. Return to high-level sport may take 2–3 additional weeks. Early physiotherapy significantly accelerates recovery and reduces the risk of lasting complications.

Not always. The Ottawa Ankle Rules guide X-ray decisions: imaging is indicated when there is bony tenderness at the malleolus or inability to take 4 weight-bearing steps. These rules have 99% sensitivity for detecting clinically significant fractures. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is often more informative for assessing ligamentous structures and can be performed on the same day as your consultation.

Surgery is indicated in fewer than 10% of sprains. The main indications are: chronic instability persisting despite 3–6 months of comprehensive rehabilitation, complete Grade III rupture in a competitive athlete with high functional demands, or an associated osteochondral lesion of the talar dome. The vast majority of sprains, even severe ones, respond very well to conservative management with structured physiotherapy.

Preventing re-injury rests on three pillars: completing full proprioceptive rehabilitation (not stopping when pain disappears), wearing a brace or taping during return to sport for 6–12 months, and ongoing strengthening of the peroneals and lower limb. Athletes who complete a supervised proprioceptive program reduce re-injury risk by 40–50%. A single poorly treated sprain can lead to chronic instability lasting years.

Duration varies by severity and how quickly treatment begins. With appropriate management (targeted physiotherapy + load modification), most patients improve significantly within 6 to 12 weeks. Mild cases can resolve in 4–6 weeks; chronic cases (pain present for more than 3 months) may require 4 to 6 months of serious rehabilitation. The key is not to ignore the pain and treat early — every week of delay can turn an acute syndrome into a chronic problem.

Yes, under certain conditions. Mild pain (1–2/10) that doesn't worsen during the run and resolves within an hour afterward is generally tolerable. But pain > 3/10 that worsens as the run progresses, or that persists the next day, is a signal to reduce volume or temporarily stop running. Partially replacing running with cycling, swimming, or elliptical training during rehabilitation allows you to maintain cardiovascular fitness without aggravating the syndrome.

Yes. Women have a wider Q-angle (due to a broader pelvis), which increases lateral forces on the patella. Their incidence is approximately twice that of men for this syndrome. Additionally, a tendency toward greater ligamentous laxity and relative gluteus medius weakness are contributing factors. Treatment is identical, but emphasis on hip abductor and external rotator strengthening is particularly important for women.

Untreated PFPS with chronic abnormal forces on the cartilage can contribute to chondromalacia patellae (progressive cartilage degradation) and, over time, patellofemoral osteoarthritis. However, the vast majority of patients who receive appropriate treatment and correct underlying biomechanical factors do not progress to arthritis. Early and rigorous treatment is the best long-term investment for your knee health.

See a doctor if: pain persists for more than 2 weeks despite rest, if it's progressively worsening, if the knee is swollen, if you're limping after activity, or if pain now occurs at rest. A sports medicine physician can establish a precise diagnosis, rule out other conditions (patellar tendinopathy, iliotibial band syndrome, chondromalacia, early arthritis), and prescribe a targeted rehabilitation program. Early consultation accelerates return to sport and prevents complications.

These terms describe the same injury continuum from least to most severe. A strain (Grade I) involves microscopic fiber tears without macroscopic rupture — moderate pain, recovery in 7–14 days. A "pull" typically refers to a Grade I–II injury felt as a sudden sharp pain during exertion. A partial tear (Grade II) involves rupture of 5–50% of fibers, with recovery over 3–8 weeks. A complete tear (Grade III) involves rupture of more than 50% of fibers up to full muscle rupture — 3–6 months recovery. In medical practice, injuries are classified as Grade I, II, or III based on imaging (ultrasound or MRI).

Recovery time depends on grade: Grade I (strain) = 7–14 days; Grade II (partial tear) = 3–8 weeks depending on extent; Grade III (severe or complete tear) = 3–6 months. These timelines apply to return to competitive sport, not merely pain disappearance. Returning too early — based on pain alone — is the primary cause of re-injury. Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) objectively confirms healing and refines the prognosis. Structured treatment (POLICE protocol + progressive rehabilitation) can accelerate recovery by 20–30%.

No for Grade II and III injuries — continuing aggravates the tear (converting a partial tear into a complete rupture) and triples the risk of future re-injury. For mild Grade I strains, reduced-intensity activity may be tolerable if pain stays ≤ 2/10 and does not worsen. But high-intensity sport must stop immediately after a suspected injury. The simple rule: if you felt or heard a "snap" during exertion, stop. A consultation within 24–48 hours establishes the exact grade and initiates appropriate rehabilitation as early as possible.

Yes, during the first 48–72 hours (acute phase). Forced stretching of a torn muscle worsens the injury, enlarges the hematoma, and can convert a partial tear into a complete rupture. After 72 hours, gentle and pain-free stretching can be gradually introduced under supervision. Early controlled mobilization promotes correct alignment of scar fibers. Active stretching and eccentric exercises are progressively reintroduced during rehabilitation, following a structured protocol supervised by a physiotherapist or sports medicine physician.

The strongest evidence supports PRP for Grade II hamstring partial tears, where several randomized trials document a 2–4 week reduction in return-to-sport time. PRP is administered under real-time ultrasound guidance between Day 3 and Day 10 post-injury. It is particularly indicated for professional or high-level athletes under time constraints, and for recurrent injuries with poor scar quality. For Grade I strains and complete tears requiring surgery, the indication for PRP is less clear. The decision is individualized based on grade, location, athlete profile, and return-to-sport objectives.

Plantar fasciitis typically lasts 6 to 12 months with well-managed conservative treatment. Without treatment, it can become chronic and persist for years. The good news: 90% of patients heal without surgery. The key is starting treatment early (stretching, orthotics, physiotherapy) and being patient. Cases refractory after 3 months of conservative care benefit greatly from shockwave therapy or PRP, which significantly accelerate healing.

Yes, in most cases — but with important adjustments. The goal is to maintain tolerable mechanical load on the fascia (to stimulate healing) while avoiding overload. If pain stays below 3/10 during and after running and doesn't worsen session to session, a gradual return is possible. Reduce volume by 50–70%, run on soft surfaces, wear well-cushioned shoes, and supplement with cycling or swimming. A sports medicine physician or physiotherapist can develop a personalized return plan.

A cortisone injection relieves pain effectively in the short term (4–8 weeks) but does not treat the underlying cause — the degeneration of the fascial fibers. It is useful to "break the cycle" of pain and allow rehabilitation to resume. No more than 2–3 injections should be given in total, as repeated cortisone can weaken the fascia and increase rupture risk. For a more durable, regenerative treatment, PRP injection or shockwave therapy are better long-term options.

They are two distinct things. Plantar fasciitis is a degeneration of the fascia at its calcaneal insertion — this is the pathology that causes pain. A heel spur is a bony outgrowth that forms at that site in response to chronic tension — it is a possible consequence, not the cause. About 50% of chronic plantar fasciitis cases have a visible heel spur on X-ray, but 20–30% of the pain-free population also has one. Treating the spur directly (surgery) is almost never necessary — treating the fasciitis resolves symptoms in 95% of cases.

Yes — PRP is one of the best-evidenced options for refractory plantar fasciitis. Comparative studies show PRP is superior to cortisone at 6 and 12 months, with durable effects. Unlike cortisone, PRP stimulates collagen fiber regeneration rather than simply suppressing inflammation, giving it a long-term advantage. A single ultrasound-guided injection is usually sufficient, sometimes two if needed. It is the ideal option for patients who have not responded to conservative treatment after 2–3 months and want a regenerative rather than symptomatic approach.

Yes, in many cases. Small, stable tears in the vascularized zone (meniscus periphery), and degenerative tears in less active individuals, can heal or become asymptomatic with well-conducted conservative treatment (physiotherapy, activity modification, injections). Recent studies show that for degenerative tears in patients 45 and older, physiotherapy alone achieves equivalent results to surgery at 2 years. The decision between conservative treatment and surgery depends on tear type, location, age, and desired activity level.

Recovery duration depends on the procedure. After partial meniscectomy (resection), recovery is fast: return to walking in 1–2 days, return to office work in 1–2 weeks, non-contact sports in 6–8 weeks, team sports in 8–12 weeks. After meniscal repair (suturing), recovery is longer: 4–6 weeks of non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing, full return to sport in 4 to 6 months. This longer timeline is justified by the need to allow the meniscus to heal properly — premature return compromises the outcome.

An untreated meniscal tear or significant meniscectomy increases the long-term risk of arthritis, because the meniscus normally protects the articular cartilage. However, this risk varies with the extent of the tear and surgical resection. A successful meniscal repair protects the cartilage better long-term than resection. Prevention involves appropriate treatment, maintaining strong periarticular musculature, and managing body weight, which directly reduces joint loading.

Sports combining pivots, knee rotation, and physical contact carry the highest risk: soccer, basketball, hockey, handball, rugby, alpine skiing, and martial arts. Sports without pivots (swimming, cycling, rowing) have very low meniscal risk. Running carries moderate risk, especially on uneven terrain. The key lies in preventive strengthening and mastering the technique of high-risk movements (landings, direction changes).

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections show potential interest in promoting healing of meniscal tears in the vascularized zone and reducing chronic inflammation associated with degenerative tears. They may be offered as a complement to conservative treatment or as an adjunct to meniscal repair surgery to improve healing rates. The evidence base is evolving — your physician will evaluate whether this option is appropriate for your specific clinical profile.

ESWT stands for Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy. The term extracorporeal means the waves are generated outside the body by a device and applied to the body — without incision or surgery.

The standard protocol is 3 to 5 sessions, typically spaced one week apart. Treatment response varies — some patients feel relief after the first session, others need all sessions. Optimal results are typically observed 2 to 4 weeks after the last session.

ESWT has demonstrated effectiveness for several chronic tendinopathies, particularly lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and shoulder calcifications. Results vary depending on the condition and its chronicity. An evaluation by a sports medicine physician is recommended to determine if ESWT is appropriate.

Treatment can be uncomfortable — most patients describe a sensation of percussion or hammering in the treated area. Discomfort is generally short-lived and the majority of patients tolerate it well. Intensity can be adjusted by the practitioner.

ESWT coverage varies by insurance plan. CNESST sometimes covers treatment for work-related injuries. Some private insurance plans may cover a portion of costs. Check with your insurer before treatment.