Injections for Shoulder Pain

EFFECTIVENESS: 2/5

While injections may provide short-term relief, evidence of long-term effectiveness is lacking, and combined with issues related to risk result in a very low rating for this therapy.

SELF CARE: 0/5

One obviously cannot inject themselves; therefore we rate this therapy as 0/5.

COST: 1/5

While not as costly as surgery, the costs of injections compared to other more conservative measures are very high, therefore they receive a very low rating.

USEFULNESS: 1/5

Steroid injections are not recommended for shoulder sprain/strain injuries. However, they may be recommended for short-term use only for conditions such as: adhesive capsulitis, impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or arthritis. Used over time and depending upon dosage, steroid injections have been shown to potentially damage the joints/soft tissue. So, while one may receive short-term benefit, long-term manage may result. Consider injections only as a last resort. [i], [ii]

[i] Babatunde OO, Jordan JL, Van der Windt DA, Hill JC, Foster NE, Protheroe J. Effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A systematic overview of current evidence. PLoS One. 2017;12(6):e0178621.

[ii] Skedros JG, Hunt KJ, Pitts TC. Variations in corticosteroid/anesthetic injections for painful shoulder conditions: comparisons among orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and physical medicine and primary-care physicians. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 Jul 6;8:63.