A shoulder injection delivers medication directly to the source of shoulder pain, whether that’s the main joint, the bursa or the tissue around the rotator cuff. For many people, an injection for shoulder pain can reduce inflammation enough to sleep better, move more comfortably and make progress in physical therapy.
The shoulder is made up of several joints and soft tissues working together. Pain can come from the ball-and-socket joint, the small joint at the top of the shoulder (the AC joint), the fluid-filled sac called the bursa or the rotator cuff tendons.
A shoulder injection places medication at the specific spot your provider has identified as the likely pain source. Accurate placement matters, so injections are often guided by ultrasound.
A steroid injection in the shoulder, usually combined with a numbing medication, is the most common option. It may reduce inflammation in the bursa, the joint or around irritated tendons.
A shoulder joint injection targets the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) joint. It may be used for arthritis or frozen shoulder.
Some patients with chronic tendon problems ask about PRPÂ or prolotherapy. Your provider can explain whether either may be appropriate.
Your provider may consider a shoulder injection for pain related to:
and impingement
or partial tears
Learn about Low Back Pain
(adhesive capsulitis)
Learn about Neck Pain
including AC joint arthritis
including AC joint arthritis
For symptoms and causes, see our shoulder pain guide.
A shoulder injection may be an option if:
Your provider may not recommend an injection if there’s an infection, an allergy to the medication or a full-thickness tendon tear that needs a different approach.
Your provider examines your shoulder, reviews imaging and explains which area will be treated. Mention any blood thinners or allergies.
You’ll sit or lie comfortably. The skin is cleaned, and your provider uses ultrasound or landmarks to guide the needle before injecting the medication.
The numbing medication may relieve pain temporarily. You can usually use your arm for light daily tasks, avoiding heavy lifting or overhead activity for a short time as directed.
Some soreness is common for a day or two. If a steroid was used, relief often begins within several days. How long it lasts varies. Starting or continuing physical therapy after the injection may help you regain motion and strength while pain is lower.
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Possible side effects include temporary soreness, a brief pain flare, skin lightening at the injection site and temporarily higher blood sugar with steroids. Infection and tendon weakening are uncommon. Repeated steroid injections are limited for that reason. Your provider will review the risks with you.
Call our office if your knee becomes red, hot, swollen or increasingly painful, or if you develop a fever.
Seek emergency care right away if you have a fever with chills, a rapidly swelling hot joint, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Steroid shoulder injections are commonly covered when medically necessary. Regenerative injections such as PRP are often not covered. We’ll help you check your benefits.
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You may feel brief pressure or a pinch. Numbing medication helps, and the injection itself is quick.
Relief varies. Some people feel better for weeks, others for months. Physical therapy may help extend the benefit.
Providers usually limit steroid injections in the same shoulder to a few per year to protect the tendons and cartilage.
Most people are advised to avoid heavy or overhead activity for a few days. Your provider will tell you when to resume your usual workouts.
Schedule an evaluation at our Rego Park office to find out whether a shoulder injection may help.
