Shoulder osteoarthritis
Guided Injections.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis Injections: Effective Relief & Improved Mobility
Shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. If traditional treatments like physiotherapy, pain medications, and activity modifications are not providing enough relief, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections may be a practical solution.
Understanding Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Shoulder OA develops when the cartilage cushioning the joint wears down, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It is commonly seen in individuals over 50, athletes, and those with prior shoulder injuries.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Persistent shoulder pain
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Pain during overhead movements
- Clicking or grinding sensation (crepitus)
Benefits of Corticosteroid Injections
- Rapid pain relief, often within days
- Reduces joint inflammation, improving mobility
- Enhances physiotherapy outcomes by reducing discomfort
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
What to Expect During the Procedure
- The area is sterilised, and a local anaesthetic may be applied.
- Ultrasound imaging is used to guide the injection precisely into the affected joint.
- The corticosteroid medication is administered.
- You may experience mild discomfort, but the procedure is quick and minimally painful.
Who Is Eligible for This Therapy?
This injection therapy is recommended for individuals who have chronic shoulder pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments and experience inflammation due to sports injuries or repetitive movements. Or for people looking to delay or avoid surgical intervention.
Treatment options
Guided Corticosteroid Injections
For persistent pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief.
Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections guided by ultrasound scans are a state-of-the-art treatment for osteoarthritis, cartilage degradation, and joint pain at MSK Clinic Physio.
Your Clinician
BSc Physiotherapy MSCP (Hons)
PGCert Independent Medical Prescriber
PGCert Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapist
PGCert Diagnostic Ultrasound
Hunter, D. J., et al. (2019). “Osteoarthritis treatment: The role of intra-articular therapies in disease management.” Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 15(2), 77-90.
Arroll B, Goodyear-Smith F. (2005). “Corticosteroid injections for painful shoulder: a meta-analysis.” The British Journal of General Practice, 55(512), 224–228.
Neogi, T. (2013). “The epidemiology and impact of pain in osteoarthritis.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 21(9), 1145-1153