Shoulder Injections
A straightforward guide for patients

What Is a Shoulder Injection?

A shoulder injection delivers targeted medication directly into the shoulder joint or surrounding tissues to help reduce pain, calm inflammation, and improve mobility. It is often used for:

  • Rotator cuff irritation or tendinitis
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • General shoulder pain that has not improved with other treatments

In some cases, the injection also helps identify the exact source of pain.

What Substance Is Injected?

Your provider will choose the most appropriate option based on your condition and goals:

  1. Steroid (Corticosteroid)
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Provides fast relief that may last weeks to months
  • Useful for arthritis, bursitis, impingement, or frozen shoulder
  1. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
  • Uses a concentrated portion of your own blood
  • Supports tissue healing and reduces inflammation naturally
  • Often used for tendon injuries or chronic shoulder pain
  • May take longer to feel results but can offer longer-term benefits
  • Please see section on PRP/ Orthobiologics for more details

Both options are delivered using ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement.

Goals of the Injection

  • Reduce shoulder pain
  • Improve range of motion
  • Allow easier daily movement
  • Provide diagnostic information (if pain relief confirms the source)

How the Procedure Works

The injection is quick and typically done in the office or a procedure suite.

  1. Positioning – You will sit or lie comfortably.
  2. Skin cleaning – The area is sterilized to prevent infection.
  3. Local numbing – A small anesthetic may be used to reduce discomfort.
  4. Guided injection – Under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the medication is placed into the targeted area (joint, bursa, tendon region, etc.).
  5. Bandage applied – You may leave shortly after the procedure.

Total time is usually 10–15 minutes.

What to Expect After the Injection

  • Temporary numbness or light soreness is common.
  • Soreness may last 24–48 hours, especially with PRP.
  • Steroid relief may begin within 2–7 days.
  • PRP relief may begin over 2–6 weeks as tissues heal.
  • Normal daily activities may be resumed the same day unless advised otherwise.

Precautions

  • Mild swelling or bruising can occur.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
  • Diabetic patients may notice a temporary increase in blood sugar (with steroid injections).
  • Rare complications include infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, or temporary pain flare.

When to Call the Office

Contact your provider if you experience:

  • Fever or chills
  • Redness or warmth at the injection site
  • Worsening pain
  • New weakness or unusual symptoms