Shoulder Subacromial Injection
The shoulder can experience swelling and pain due to several reasons. These may include subacromial impingement, tendonitis, or bursitis. If medication and therapy do not relieve the pain, you may need a shoulder subacromial injection.
What is a shoulder subacromial injection?
A shoulder subacromial injection is a procedure for diagnosis or treatment for conditions in the subacromial bursa (the space between your rotator cuff tendons and under your shoulder blade’s roof). These conditions include subacromial impingement syndrome, calcific tendonitis, and rotator cuff tears.
How is shoulder subacromial injection performed?
The patient sits down and rests the affected arm beside them. The doctor identifies the subacromial bursa (around the shoulder area). This treatment can be done with or without image guidance. The doctor may also mark the subacromial area to identify it easily upon injecting.
An 18 to 23 gauge needle is used with a syringe, which would push seamlessly. The substance administered is usually a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory and swelling prevention medications) and local anesthetic. Undergoing this treatment would usually take 5 to 15 minutes.
What to expect after the procedure
After the shot, the doctor would clean the skin with an antiseptic liquid. There may be numbness in the injected site for at least an hour due to the local anesthetic. The doctor would suggest the patient to rest the shoulder for six hours and limit its use for the following three days. The corticosteroid may take effect after 24 hours.
Is shoulder subacromial injection right for you?
This treatment is typically suggested after anti-inflammatory medicines and physical therapy for patients with shoulder bursitis. If the pain and swelling persist, only then would you be recommended to take this shot. To learn more about shoulder subacromial injection in Torrance, book a consultation with our expert pain management doctor at Torrance Pain Institute.