INJECTIONS FOR SHOULDER PAIN
Shoulder pain can affect daily activities, sleep, and mobility. At our Hampshire-based service, a range of targeted procedures – including cortisone injections, hydrodilatation, and shoulder barbotage – are available to support the management of shoulder discomfort. These image-guided interventions are used in the treatment of various conditions and are designed to address specific issues within the shoulder joint.
These conditions can lead to restricted movement, stiffness, and ongoing discomfort. Depending on the underlying diagnosis, different types of injections may be considered as part of a broader management plan.
Types of Shoulder Injections Offered
Our service offers several injection-based approaches tailored to the clinical presentation:
Cortisone Injections
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to target inflammation in the shoulder joint or surrounding soft tissues. Subacromial injections, for instance, are often used for bursitis or impingement-related pain. These injections are carried out under ultrasound guidance to help ensure accurate placement.
Hydrodilatation
Hydrodilatation may be considered in cases of frozen shoulder, where tightness and capsular thickening contribute to stiffness. This technique involves the gradual injection of a fluid mixture into the joint capsule, aiming to stretch the capsule and improve movement.
Barbotage
This procedure is used primarily in calcific tendinopathy, where calcium deposits form within the rotator cuff tendons. Using ultrasound guidance, barbotage involves introducing a needle into the deposit and flushing it with fluid to help break it down.
Who May Benefit from an Injection for Shoulder Pain?
Individuals experiencing the following may be referred for a shoulder injection:
- Persistent or worsening shoulder pain
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that disrupts sleep or daily tasks
Each case is assessed individually, and injections are offered based on clinical indications.
Image-Guided Precision
All procedures are carried out using ultrasound guidance, which helps in visualising soft tissue structures and targeting the precise location of the issue. This technique enhances procedural accuracy and avoids surrounding structures such as blood vessels or nerves.
Your Care Pathway with us
- To book an appointment you can call our normal reception line, 0142084487, email direct to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and testing.
- Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief.
- Discussion of your treatment plan; Treatment Plans can include i.e advanced treatments for ex. Cortisone Injections, Hyaluronic injections and various other options tailored for your specific needs.
Injection Procedure: What to Expect
Before the Injection
You will typically undergo an assessment to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Imaging may be used to evaluate the condition of the rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, and joint capsule. The injection procedure will be explained in detail, including potential risks and benefits.
During the Injection
- The skin is cleaned and prepared using aseptic technique.
- A fine, sterile needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance.
- Depending on the procedure, a combination of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic, saline, or other agents may be used.
- The injection is usually quick and well tolerated.
After the Injection
Some temporary soreness or swelling may occur at the injection site. You may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a short period.
Why Choose Alton Pain Clinic?
At Alton Pain Clinic, we offer a specialist service that focuses on precision-guided musculoskeletal care. Our approach to managing shoulder problems includes:
- Individualised assessments based on clinical examination and imaging
- Ultrasound-guided injections for accurate targeting of affected structures
Whether you’re dealing with shoulder problems such as frozen shoulder, impingement, or rotator cuff irritation, our services are tailored to your specific needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the shoulder joint, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
The duration of pain relief varies, but many patients experience relief for several weeks to months, depending on the individual and the specific condition.
Hydrodilatation involves injecting a saline solution into the shoulder joint to expand the joint capsule, providing relief for conditions like frozen shoulder.
Shoulder Barbotage is a specialized procedure for treating calcific tendonitis. It involves breaking down and removing calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons.
Different injections cater to various shoulder conditions. Consultation with your clinician is crucial to determine the most suitable intervention for your specific situation.
Recovery time varies, but many patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Your clinician will provide personalized post-injection guidelines.
The number of injections depends on the condition being treated and individual response. Your clinician will discuss a personalized treatment plan with you.
In some cases, repeated injections may be recommended for ongoing relief. However, long-term solutions may involve additional treatments, and your clinician will discuss suitable options.
In certain cases, a combination of injections may be recommended for enhanced effectiveness. Your clinician will determine the best approach based on your specific condition and response to treatments.
Shoulder OA (osteoarthritis) occurs when the cartilage lining the shoulder joint gradually wears down, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes a grinding sensation with movement.
Shoulder bursitis typically causes pain around the outer shoulder, often worse when lifting the arm overhead or lying on the affected side, due to inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa that cushions the joint.