Injections for Shoulder Pain

Offered in East Orange and Newark, NJ

As one of the most prominent joints in the body, the shoulder is at risk of pain and other bothersome symptoms related to overuse, sudden injury, underlying illness, and more. Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) is here to help those seeking an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for their shoulder conditions. Located in Newark, New Jersey, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician who is board-certified and fellowship-trained to help patients find relief with non-surgical shoulder injection treatments if deemed the appropriate course of action.

What Are Shoulder Injections?

Shoulder injections are a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate shoulder pain. They involve injecting medication directly into the shoulder joint or soft tissues around the shoulder blade. These injections can contain various substances, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or local anesthetics, which provide immediate pain relief.

What Conditions Do Shoulder Injections Treat?

These injections can address a variety of shoulder problems. Conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder joint bone spurs, and rotator cuff tears causing severe pain are common reasons for this treatment. Even referred pain, the pain felt in an area other than where the problem lies, can be managed effectively with shoulder injections.

Shoulder injections are utilized for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with a wide range of shoulder symptoms, including conditions such as:

Avascular necrosis
Bursitis of the shoulder
Frozen shoulder
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rotator cuff tears
Sprained, separated, or dislocated shoulders
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Tendonitis (tendinitis)
Tendonosis
And more

What Should I Expect During My Shoulder Injections?

During your appointment at Nirvana Healthcare Network, our expert clinician will first examine your shoulder joint bone and the surrounding area using blood or imaging tests. Then, the specialist will use a fine needle to inject the medication into the shoulder’s soft tissues or joint. You may experience slight discomfort during the procedure, but rest assured, our team aims to make this process as comfortable as possible.

The Most Common Symptoms of Shoulder Issues

Though the shoulders are prone to many types of injuries and conditions and medicated injections are regarded as an effective treatment, they are typically reserved for patients who have not found success with other non-surgical modalities, such as physical therapy or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. At Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP), Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn utilizes a holistic approach and relies on advanced medical imaging and other specialized methods to pinpoint the exact cause of a patient’s shoulder pain. Shoulder issues are prevalent and can significantly impact your daily life, making recognizing the signs and symptoms crucial early on. The most common causes of shoulder pain include:

Persistent shoulder pain: This could be a dull ache, sharp pain, or even a crushing pain that worsens with movement. Pain could also radiate to other areas in a phenomenon called referred pain.
Difficulty lifting your arm: If you find it hard to lift your arm overhead or experience discomfort, it could signal a rotator cuff problem. You could be dealing with strained rotator cuff tendons, rotator cuff tendinitis, or even a rotator cuff tear.
Reduced range of motion: People with shoulder issues often find it tough to fully move their shoulder or arm, which could indicate conditions like frozen shoulder.
Swelling or redness: Any noticeable swelling or redness around the shoulder area might suggest inflammation or injury.
Weakness: Feeling weak when attempting to lift objects or move your arm can be a sign of a torn rotator cuff or other shoulder muscle injuries.
Clicking or popping sounds: These could point toward a shoulder dislocation or other joint issues.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional right away. At Nirvana Healthcare Network, we offer comprehensive shoulder diagnosis, including imaging tests, to accurately diagnose your shoulder condition and provide effective treatment options, such as shoulder injections in Newark, NJ.

Types of Shoulder Injections

The shoulder is composed of the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone), and humerus (upper arm bone) and is home to two joints responsible for motion. These include:

Glenohumeral joint: This is where the scapula’s shallow socket meets the humerus’ rounded end.
Acromioclavicular joint: This is where the clavicle meets the highest point of the scapula.

As such, the type of shoulder injection deemed appropriate by Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn will depend on which joint(s) or bursa are affected by a patient’s pain and symptoms.

Several types of shoulder injections can be used to treat shoulder pain and improve mobility. One of the most common types is a corticosteroid injection, which reduces inflammation in the shoulder joint. This type of injection is often used for conditions like rotator cuff injuries and osteoarthritis. Another type of injection is a local anesthetic, which temporarily numbs the shoulder area to provide immediate pain relief. This can be particularly helpful during physical therapy sessions or diagnostic procedures.

Additionally, some patients may receive a platelet-rich plasma injection. This innovative treatment uses the patient’s blood to promote healing in the injured shoulder tissue. Finally, hyaluronate injections can be used for chronic painful shoulder conditions. They work by lubricating the joint, easing movement, and reducing pain. Each type of injection has its benefits and potential side effects, so it’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.

The Benefits of Shoulder Injections for Pain Relief

Shoulder injections are a highly effective treatment option for various shoulder conditions, offering immediate and lasting relief from pain. Here are some key benefits of getting shoulder injections for pain relief:

Immediate Pain Relief: The medication in the injection works instantly to reduce inflammation and swelling, providing rapid relief from severe or chronic shoulder pain.
Improved Mobility: By reducing pain and inflammation, these injections can significantly enhance your range of motion, making daily activities more accessible and comfortable.
Diagnostic Tool: Shoulder injections can also help diagnose the specific cause of your shoulder pain. If the injection provides relief, it confirms that the pain originates from the shoulder joint.
Non-Surgical Treatment: Shoulder injections offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery. They can be an excellent first line of defense, especially for conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis or shoulder joint bone spurs.
Facilitates Physical Therapy: Reduced pain after the injection can make physical therapy exercises more manageable, speeding up your recovery process.

At Prospect Spine & Wellness, we specialize in providing effective shoulder injections tailored to your specific needs in Newark, NJ. Our team of healthcare professionals is committed to helping you regain your mobility and live a pain-free life. Contact us today to explore this beneficial treatment option.

Learn More at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) in Newark, NJ

When you’re ready to find relief from your shoulder pain, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn is here to help. For more information about shoulder injections or other treatments that might be effective for your symptoms, contact Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) in Newark, NJ, today.