This is more information regarding a shoulder joint injection.

The aim is provide temporary relief to facilitate physiotherapy. It is more likely than not that you will get some relief but some patients get no relief.

The local anaesthetic wears off after 1-3 hours so take analgesia. After the injection you need to rest the joint for 24-48 hours, ideally with some support like a sling. In that time you may also experience a steroid flare, which is a worsening of the pain up to 48 hours after injection. Then gentle pendular movements days 3-7 with ice packs as required. As pain decreases perform greater stretches and a stablizing rotator cuff programme.

When not to inject: If any surgery planned for the shoulder, or if had injection in the past 3 months.

There is a low (1 in 18000) risk of infection in the joint after injection. If you experience redness, swelling and or heat in the joint plus a fever then phone your GP if in hours or attend A&E if out of hours.

Other potential side effects include: anaphylaxis, skin depigmentation, subcutaneous fat atrophy, tendon rupture, facial flushing.