Steroid Injections
The purpose of a steroid injection into the shoulder is either to help with a diagnosis or to reduce pain so that treatment with movement exercises is more succesful.
Firstly, to discuss some common preconceptions
Q. I have heard that these injections are really painful
A. This is an incredibly common notion. Clearly, it involves a needle and so will not be painless however most patients are pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain with the procedure.
Q. How long will I need to rest after the injection.
A. It is recommended that you rest the shoulder for at least 24 hours after injection.
Q. Is this just a temporary 'painkiller'
A. No. If used as part of a treatment plan involving 'rebalancing' the shoulder then it may be curative
Injections into the Sub Acromial space
This is the most commonly used shoulder injection. If you are suffering from sub acromial impingement then this can help the pain whilst you have physiotherapy.
Injections into the ACJ (acromio-clavicular joint )
If your pain is felt over the top of the shoulder, particularly when reaching up high or behind your back then you may have a problem with the joint between the colar bone and the shoulder blade ( the ACJ)
Injections in this joint leading to a reduction in pain are valuable in confirming the diagnosis.
You should be warned that this injection can be quite painful for several days.
Injections into the Glenohumeral (shoulder) Joint
These may be offered for arthritis of the shoulder or for Frozen Shoulder. They are not curative but may be helpful in pain control
Firstly, to discuss some common preconceptions
Q. I have heard that these injections are really painful
A. This is an incredibly common notion. Clearly, it involves a needle and so will not be painless however most patients are pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain with the procedure.
Q. How long will I need to rest after the injection.
A. It is recommended that you rest the shoulder for at least 24 hours after injection.
Q. Is this just a temporary 'painkiller'
A. No. If used as part of a treatment plan involving 'rebalancing' the shoulder then it may be curative
Injections into the Sub Acromial space
This is the most commonly used shoulder injection. If you are suffering from sub acromial impingement then this can help the pain whilst you have physiotherapy.
Injections into the ACJ (acromio-clavicular joint )
If your pain is felt over the top of the shoulder, particularly when reaching up high or behind your back then you may have a problem with the joint between the colar bone and the shoulder blade ( the ACJ)
Injections in this joint leading to a reduction in pain are valuable in confirming the diagnosis.
You should be warned that this injection can be quite painful for several days.
Injections into the Glenohumeral (shoulder) Joint
These may be offered for arthritis of the shoulder or for Frozen Shoulder. They are not curative but may be helpful in pain control
