injection of the shoulder

Last reviewed 01/2018

The shoulder consists of a number of sites that are amenable to injection therapy both as a diagnostic procedure and as a form of treatment. These include:

• the glenohumeral joint
• the subacromial bursa and space
• the acromioclavicular joint
• the bicipital groove
• a suprascapular nerve block

The choice of injection site and method of approach will vary according to the nature of the symptoms and the precise diagnosis. A good knowledge of the anatomy is required to give these injections accurately. Note that these injections should only be undertaken by clinicians experienced in these procedures.