What is Ultrasound-Guided Injection for Shoulder Pain?

Ultrasound-guided injections are a non-surgical procedure used to help treat mild pain and inflammation in the shoulder. Ultrasound is used to ensure the medication is injected in the most effective location.

Who needs Ultrasound-Guided Injection for Shoulder Pain?

This procedure may be used to help ease pain or discomfort in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other shoulder conditions causing discomfort or pain. Ultrasound-guided injections are a conservative treatment method, so this procedure may be paired with other non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy exercises and behavior modification.

What are the steps in Ultrasound-Guided Injection for Shoulder Pain?

The Patient is Prepared

The patient's shoulder is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected into the shoulder to temporarily numb it. The ultrasound probe is then placed to provide image guidance to the physician.

The Medication is Injected

Using the images provided by the ultrasound, the doctor determines the problem area in the shoulder joint. A needle is then inserted, and medication is injected into that area. The needle is then removed.

After the Procedure

Ultrasound-guided injections of the shoulder are performed on an outpatient basis, so the patient is able to leave after the procedure. The medication injected will help ease the patient's pain and inflammation, but the procedure can be repeated if necessary.