Shoulder Injections in Manhattan, NY

A shoulder joint injection is a procedure in which medication is injected directly into your joint. Most often, the medications being used are a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The local anesthetic is used to provide immediate pain relief while the corticosteroid is used to decrease inflammation and provide longer pain relief. Typically, corticosteroids take 3-5 days for patients to notice any improvement.

Patients who experience shoulder pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, like physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, may be a candidate for a shoulder joint injection. During your consultation, your physician will perform a comprehensive history and physical exam, as well as review any diagnostic imaging to determine if you would benefit from a shoulder joint injection.

All shoulder joint injections can be performed in our in-office procedure suite. We use a combination of fluoroscopy (X-Ray) and ultrasound guidance for optimal needle placement. Sometimes, the physician may use a contrast medication to ensure proper placement and spread throughout the joint. Once placement of the needle is confirmed the corticosteroid is injected into the joint. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and there is no downtime.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain and want to know if a shoulder injection is the right treatment option for you, please call our office to book a consultation.

How many shoulder injection treatments are typically needed?

The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated and the individual's response. Some patients experience significant relief after a single injection, while others may require a series of injections spaced over weeks or months.

Can shoulder injections delay the need for surgery?

Yes, shoulder injections at Ospina Medical can be part of a conservative treatment plan to delay or avoid surgery. By reducing inflammation and managing pain, injections may allow time for physical therapy and other noninvasive approaches to improve shoulder function.

Are shoulder injections painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, as a local anesthetic is often used to numb the area. Any discomfort is typically brief, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated.