Shoulder pain can arise from various conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries. When conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications do not provide sufficient relief, injections can be an effective alternative to reduce pain and inflammation.

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Common Types of Injections for Shoulder Pain

1. Corticosteroid Injections

• Purpose: Reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Best For: Arthritis, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, and tendonitis.
• How It Works: A steroid medication is injected directly into the joint or surrounding tissues to decrease inflammation.
• Duration of Relief: Can last several weeks to months.
• Potential Side Effects: Temporary pain at the injection site, weakened tendons with repeated use.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections

• Purpose: Lubricate the joint and improve movement.
• Best For: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
• How It Works: A gel-like substance mimicking natural joint fluid is injected to enhance cushioning.
• Duration of Relief: Several months.
• Potential Side Effects: Swelling, stiffness, mild pain at the injection site.

3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

• Purpose: Stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
• Best For: Rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, and chronic shoulder pain.
• How It Works: A sample of the patient’s blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which are then injected into the injured area.
• Duration of Relief: Varies; may require multiple injections.
• Potential Side Effects: Temporary soreness, mild swelling.

4. Stem Cell Therapy Injections

• Purpose: Promote natural tissue repair.
• Best For: Degenerative shoulder conditions and tendon injuries.
• How It Works: Stem cells harvested from bone marrow or fat tissue are injected into the damaged shoulder to aid regeneration.
• Duration of Relief: Several months to years.
• Potential Side Effects: Swelling, minor discomfort.

5. Nerve Block Injections

• Purpose: Provide temporary or prolonged pain relief by numbing the affected area.
• Best For: Severe shoulder pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
• How It Works: A local anesthetic is injected near the nerves to block pain signals.
• Duration of Relief: Hours to days; may be used before surgery or other procedures.
• Potential Side Effects: Numbness, temporary weakness.

When to Consider Shoulder Injections

You may benefit from shoulder injections if you:

• Have chronic or acute shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with medications or therapy.
• Experience inflammation that limits movement and daily activities.
• Are seeking a non-surgical option for pain relief.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• The doctor will clean the injection site and may use ultrasound guidance for precision.
• A local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
• The injection is administered, followed by a short observation period.
• Post-procedure care includes resting the shoulder and avoiding strenuous activities for a day or two.

Types of Injections for Shoulder Pain: Final Thoughts

Shoulder injections can provide effective pain relief and improve mobility when other treatments fail. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the best type of injection for your condition. If you’re struggling with persistent shoulder pain, consider exploring injection therapy as a potential solution.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse, click here to consult a professional!

FAQ: Shoulder Pain Injections