Shoulder Pain Injections
Also known as: shoulder pain injections, a type of joint injections, are available in three primary types: cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.
What are shoulder pain injections?
Dealing with shoulder pain can be incredibly challenging, but injections offer an effective treatment option for those looking to avoid surgery. Here are some common types of shoulder pain injections:
Corticosteroid/Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are beneficial for shoulder issues because they contain anti-inflammatory medication that alleviates pain and improves mobility.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
These injections are effective in promoting the production of synovial fluid in the shoulder, making them ideal for individuals with osteoarthritis. They help alleviate symptoms associated with the condition.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Platelet rich plasma therapy is a regenerative medicine technique that utilises the body’s natural healing capabilities by enhancing the growth factors present in blood cells to facilitate the repair of injured tissues. PRP injections involve drawing blood from the patient, which is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the components. The resulting plasma is injected into the shoulder. Although relatively new, PRP injections have shown promising results in treating rotator cuff tears and shoulder osteoarthritis.
Symptoms & related conditions
These injections are typically utilised to address a variety of degenerative conditions, including:
- Frozen shoulder: This condition involves inflammation of the joint capsule, leading to severe pain and restricted movement.
- Rotator cuff pain: Commonly experienced, rotator cuff issues can involve joint complications and tears, often resulting from excessive shoulder activity or weakness due to overuse.
- Subacromial bursitis: This condition occurs when the shoulder becomes inflamed, often causing discomfort, especially at night, as the shoulder is then quite sensitive.
- Calcific tendinitis: Characterised by the growth of small bony deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, this condition can lead to sudden, unexplained pain in the shoulder, joint, and neck.
- Shoulder osteoarthritis: This progressive joint condition arises from the deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder, potentially causing shoulder impingement and general joint stiffness.
Hospital fee guide price: £1,820
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
Before treatment
You’ll first come in for a consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons. They will thoroughly review your joint health and explore potential shoulder conditions, discuss the levels of persistent pain you’re experiencing, and likely conduct some tests. These tests might include MRI scans, diagnostic ultrasound scans, and blood tests. This comprehensive evaluation will help your consultant determine which guided injections would be most beneficial for your torn tendon, rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, or general shoulder joint pain.
During treatment
On the day of the pain relief treatment, you will be guided to a dedicated room where you will receive your injection. Next steps depend on the type of injection you will receive:
Steroid injections
Steroid injections are utilised to decrease inflammation and relieve pain in targeted areas such as joints, tendons, or soft tissues. Once you’re in the procedure room, the doctor will clean the injection site and may use imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, to ensure precision. A local anaesthetic might be applied to minimise discomfort. The doctor then injects a solution containing corticosteroids directly into the affected area. These medications suppress the immune response, reducing swelling and irritation in the tissues. Relief can occur within a few days and may last weeks or even months, depending on the condition.
PRP injections
Generally, we suggest PRP treatment works better if you follow the following guidelines:
- Make sure you come in well hydrated (drink at least a litre of water on the day of the injection)
- Avoid medications that affect platelet function, such as aspirin or ibuprofen at least a week before
- Tell your doctor if you have any conditions that may affect the outcome of PRP, such as low platelet count, clotting disorders, or blood tumours
The appointment will last around 40 minutes in total. First the clinical staff will draw some blood from a vein in your arm. This blood is then spun very quickly in a specialist piece of equipment known as a ‘centrifuge’. This causes the plasma to separate from normal blood cells. The consultant radiologist will then inject the plasma using ultrasound guidance to accurately target the joint or tendon to be treated.
The effect of PRP Injections varies based on the patient and the condition treated. For conditions such as arthritis, 2 or 3 injections can last from 12-18 months. However, the impact on tendons is harder to estimate.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections supplement the naturally occurring synovial fluid in the joint, improving lubrication and cushioning. During the procedure, the area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic may be applied. The doctor may use ultrasound for accurate placement before injecting the hyaluronic acid gel-like solution into the joint space. The treatment can help restore mobility and reduce pain, typically providing relief for several months. It is especially effective for patients where inflammation is not the primary issue but rather wear and tear.
Each injection type has unique benefits and is chosen based on your specific condition and goals for treatment. These procedures are typically quick, minimally invasive, and designed to provide targeted relief.
After treatment
Once the chosen injection is administered into your shoulder joint, you’ll be released to go home and rest. Although ultrasound guided injections should take away most of your shoulder pain, you may feel some general swelling and inflammation straight after your injection. However, for the most part, your symptoms should begin to slip away.
Some injections may need to be repeated multiple times a year. However, this will be discussed with the team within your treatment plan.
Your shoulder mobility will be impacted straight after the procedure, so it’s important to have someone look after you after your treatment. Patients often have someone to drive them to and from the appointment.
We also recommend that you rest for at least a week after your injections. You should stay away from sports for two weeks, take some time away from work, and then make sure the procedure worked successfully in a follow-up appointment with the team.
Shoulder Pain Injection Risks and Side Effects
While shoulder pain injections are generally considered a low-risk treatment option, it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort at the injection site, which is usually mild and temporary. Swelling or bruising can also occur, but these symptoms typically resolve on their own.
In rare cases, there may be a risk of infection at the injection site. Allergic reactions, although uncommon, are another potential side effect. Additionally, there is a small risk of nerve damage, which underscores the importance of having the procedure performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
It is crucial to discuss these potential risks and side effects with your doctor before undergoing treatment to ensure that you are fully informed and can make the best decision for your health.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Appointment
Your treatment journey typically begins with a GP appointment. They may refer you for physiotherapy or to a specialist consultant. Alternatively, you can self-refer to a physiotherapist or consultant. Your doctor might also recommend a scan, such as an ultrasound or X-ray, to help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment plan
Initial treatment usually involves more conservative methods, such as physiotherapy exercises, if these measures do not yield improvement, pain injections may be suggested.
Pain injections
On the day of your treatment, a pain injection will be administered to the affected site.
Follow-Up
You’ll have a follow-up appointment with the referring doctor. During this meeting, you’ll discuss the effectiveness of the treatment and consider potential next steps.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
Hospital fee guide price: £1,820
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
Medically reviewed by Mr Nawfal Al-Hadithy - Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Shoulder, Elbow & Hand Surgeon on 23/12/2024