Shoulder Injection for Pain Relief

If shoulder pain is stopping you from sleeping, working, or lifting your arm comfortably, a shoulder injection could help. Whether caused by arthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff injury, a targeted steroid injection can calm inflammation and ease pain quickly.

Shoulder injections can provide good relief often within a few days. They are of often used to take the edge off the pain so that rehabilitation exercises can then be done to regain range of motion.

What Is a Shoulder Injection?

A shoulder injection involves placing a small amount of medicine directly into or around the shoulder joint. Because the medicine goes straight to the area that’s inflamed, it can provide relief faster than tablets or gels.

We usually use a corticosteroid (steroid) combined with a small amount of local anaesthetic to help you feel comfortable immediately after the procedure.

Conditions That Respond Well to Shoulder Injections

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Shoulder arthritis (osteoarthritis)
• Rotator cuff tendinitis / impingement
• Subacromial bursitis
• Post-injury inflammation

Each of these problems can cause inflammation and stiffness and a steroid injection in the shoulder helps reduce that inflammation so the shoulder can move more freely again.

Where Is the Shoulder Steroid Injection Site?

There are a few possible shoulder injection sites depending on the condition:

• Subacromial space: Most common site for shoulder impingement or bursitis - just below the shoulder tip
• Glenohumeral joint (True Shoulder Joint): For frozen shoulder or arthritis inside the joint
• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint: For pain on top of the shoulder

Expert diagnosis and targeting ensures the injection goes to the exact location that needs treatment, improving effectiveness.

How a Shoulder Steroid Injection Helps

• Reduces swelling and inflammation in the joint or bursa
• Decreases pain within a few days
• Improves range of motion
• Helps physiotherapy work more effectively

Many patients describe it as a “shot for shoulder pain” that allows them to move more freely and return to daily activities sooner.

What to Expect During the Procedure

1. Assessment: your doctor will confirm the source of your shoulder pain and discuss options.
2. Cleaning and preparation: the skin is cleaned and a fine needle is used.
3. Injection: a small amount of steroid and anaesthetic is injected into the target area.
4. Aftercare: you can usually drive home and return to light activity the same day.

The whole process takes around 20 minutes. Most people feel mild stiffness for a day or two, followed by noticeable pain relief.

How Long Does It Take to Work and How Long Does It Last?

• Pain relief may start within 2-5 days.
• Improvement often continues over the first week.
• Benefits can last from several weeks to a few months.

Some people combine their shoulder injection with physiotherapy to maintain movement and strengthen the joint helping results last longer.

Aftercare and Recovery

• Rest the shoulder for 24-48 hours after your injection.
• Avoid gym, heavy lifting or overhead work for 2 weeks.
• Apply an ice pack if you feel sore.
• Most people can return to normal activities quickly.

If you experience increased pain for a short time, this may be a steroid flare and should settle with rest and simple pain relief.