Shoulder Injections for Pain Relief: A Comprehensive Guide by Palomar Spine & Pain

If you've been dealing with persistent shoulder pain, you know how much it can interfere with daily life. Whether it’s from arthritis, injury, or overuse, shoulder pain can limit mobility, disrupt sleep, and make even the simplest tasks difficult. Fortunately, shoulder injections offer a targeted, minimally invasive treatment option to reduce pain and restore function.

At Palomar Spine & Pain, we specialize in providing effective pain relief treatments, including shoulder injections. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shoulder injections, how they work, and why they might be the right solution for your pain.

What Are Shoulder Injections?

Shoulder injections are a non-surgical treatment that involves delivering medication directly into the shoulder joint or surrounding soft tissues. The goal is to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. They are typically used to treat conditions such as:

• Shoulder arthritis

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Bursitis

• Tendinitis

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

• Labral tears

These injections provide relief by targeting the exact source of pain, making them an effective solution for individuals who haven’t responded well to other treatments like physical therapy or oral medications.

Types of Shoulder Injections

At Palomar Spine & Pain, we offer several types of shoulder injections tailored to your specific condition:

1. Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid (steroid) injections are among the most common treatments for shoulder pain. These injections reduce inflammation and provide quick relief for patients suffering from arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. Steroids help manage pain and inflammation for several months, though they are typically used sparingly to avoid potential side effects.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP injections use your body’s natural healing properties to promote tissue repair. Blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets, which are then injected into the shoulder joint or damaged tissues. PRP is particularly effective for rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, and labral tears, helping to accelerate recovery.

3. Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)

This type of injection is used to lubricate the shoulder joint, often providing relief for patients with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid acts as a cushion, allowing for smoother joint movement and reducing pain caused by bone-on-bone friction.

4. Nerve Block Injections

Nerve blocks target specific nerves responsible for shoulder pain. By temporarily “blocking” these pain signals, nerve block injections can provide short-term relief, making them a great option for diagnostic purposes or pain management before surgery.

Benefits of Shoulder Injections

There are several advantages to using shoulder injections as part of your pain management plan:

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Injections are a less invasive option compared to surgery, allowing for quick recovery and minimal downtime.

• Targeted Pain Relief: Medications are delivered directly to the source of your pain, providing fast and effective results.

• Improved Mobility: By reducing pain and inflammation, shoulder injections can help restore range of motion and improve daily function.

• Personalized Treatment: Depending on your specific condition, your physician can tailor the type of injection that’s most appropriate for your needs.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Shoulder injections are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning you can return home the same day. At Palomar Spine & Pain, our specialists use ultrasound or fluoroscopy imaging to guide the needle accurately to the target area, ensuring the medication is delivered precisely where it’s needed.

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and while you may experience mild discomfort at the injection site, it is usually minimal. Most patients start to feel relief within a few days, though the timing can vary depending on the type of injection.

How Long Do Shoulder Injections Last?

The duration of pain relief depends on the type of injection and the condition being treated. For example:

• Corticosteroid injections can provide relief for several weeks to months.

• PRP injections may take longer to show effects but can lead to more lasting improvements in tissue healing.

• Hyaluronic acid typically offers relief for several months.

• Nerve block injections may provide temporary relief for a few weeks.

Are Shoulder Injections Right for You?

If you're dealing with chronic shoulder pain and haven’t found relief through physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments, shoulder injections may be the next step. At Palomar Spine & Pain, our team of experts will carefully assess your condition and recommend the most effective treatment options to help you regain a pain-free lifestyle.

Why Choose Palomar Spine & Pain for Shoulder Injections?

At Palomar Spine & Pain, we are dedicated to providing personalized care for each patient. Our board-certified physicians have extensive experience in pain management and use the latest techniques to ensure safe and effective treatments. We offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, advanced injection therapies, and follow-up care to ensure long-term relief.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don't let shoulder pain hold you back any longer. Contact Palomar Spine & Pain to schedule a consultation and learn more about how shoulder injections can help you get back to your active life. Our specialists are here to help you find the relief you deserve.