Shoulder Injections

Reviewed by Greg Jaroszynski MD, FRCSC | Last updated May 2026

Shoulder injections may be used diagnostically or therapeutically for selected joint, bursa, tendon sheath, and rotator cuff-related conditions.

Common shoulder targets

Glenohumeral joint.
Subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.
Acromioclavicular joint.
Long head of biceps tendon sheath.
Selected peritendinous rotator cuff regions.

Corticosteroid injections

A corticosteroid injection may provide short-term pain and function improvement in selected patients with shoulder arthritis, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, or rotator cuff-related pain.

PRP and partial rotator cuff problems

PRP may be discussed in selected partial-thickness rotator cuff tears or chronic tendinopathy, but evidence is mixed and technique matters. It should not be presented as a reliable way to heal a full-thickness tear.

Image guidance

Many shoulder injections can be performed with landmarks, but ultrasound guidance can improve precision for deeper or more specific targets such as the glenohumeral joint or biceps tendon sheath.

Important: Injection treatment should be matched to the diagnosis, physical examination, imaging, health history, and goals. It is usually used to reduce symptoms and improve function, not to guarantee tissue regrowth or cure a structural problem.

More injection information

For a broader explanation of injection choices, evidence limits, safety issues, and references, review the main Injection Therapy section.

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