Subacromial Injections in Louisiana
A subacromial injection delivers medicine into the space above the shoulder joint to reduce shoulder pain. It is used to treat adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tendinosis, impingement syndrome, and bursitis. LA Pain Doctor performs subacromial injections for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is the Subacromial Space?
The subacromial space lies between the top of the upper arm bone and the acromion, the bony tip of the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff tendons and a fluid-filled sac called the subacromial bursa sit in this space. When the tendons or bursa become inflamed or pinched as you raise your arm, it can cause significant pain and limit movement.
Conditions a Subacromial Injection Treats
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tendinitis and tendinosis
- Partial rotator cuff tears
- Subacromial bursitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Symptoms That May Point to a Subacromial Problem
Patients often feel pain on the outside or front of the shoulder that worsens when reaching overhead, behind the back, or lifting objects. Pain may be worse at night, especially when lying on the affected side, and the shoulder may feel weak.
What to Expect
You will sit comfortably while your provider cleans and numbs the skin over the shoulder. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is placed into the subacromial space, and a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
The anesthetic may relieve pain right away and help confirm the diagnosis. The steroid typically begins working within a few days, and relief can last weeks to months. Physical therapy afterward helps strengthen the rotator cuff and prevent future flare-ups.
Related Treatments
If pain comes from within the shoulder joint, a glenohumeral joint injection may be recommended instead. Trigger point injections can relieve tight shoulder and neck muscles, and prolotherapy may help chronic tendon problems. Learn about Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder and explore our shoulder and arm pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subacromial Injection
What is a subacromial injection used for?
It treats shoulder pain from impingement, rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, partial rotator cuff tears, and frozen shoulder.
How long does relief last?
Relief often lasts several weeks to months, especially when combined with physical therapy.
Is the injection painful?
The skin is numbed, and most patients feel only mild pressure. The procedure takes just a few minutes.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Lying on an inflamed shoulder increases pressure on the tendons and bursa, which often makes pain worse at night.
Can a subacromial injection help a rotator cuff tear?
It can relieve pain from partial tears and tendinitis, making therapy easier. Complete tears may need further evaluation.
How soon will I feel better?
Many patients feel some relief right away from the anesthetic, with the steroid working within a few days.
Where can I get a subacromial injection?
LA Pain Doctor performs subacromial injections at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Raise Your Arm Without Pain
Get relief from shoulder impingement and tendinitis. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.