When is cortisone injection recommended for shoulder impingement?

Shoulder impingement describes pain linked to narrowing or irritation around structures beneath the top of the shoulder during movement. Cortisone can calm local inflammation and make movement exercises more tolerable. It does not permanently change the shoulder shape or guarantee that the source of pain has been identified. Assessment also considers neck pain, tendon problems and joint stiffness, which can feel similar.

Tell the clinician which reaching or lifting actions provoke pain and whether symptoms travel below the elbow. Use the period of relief to follow a tailored programme for shoulder blade control, range of motion and strength. Temporarily reduce painful overhead loading, then rebuild activity in stages. If the shoulder is not improving, reassessment may be more useful than another injection.

Seek prompt assessment after an injury that causes sudden weakness, a visibly changed shoulder or inability to raise the arm. Following injection, urgent care is appropriate for fever, increasing redness, drainage, severe swelling or escalating pain. New chest pain, breathlessness or unexplained arm weakness also needs emergency attention.

Ask what structure is causing the pain, how the injection fits with physiotherapy, which movements to avoid initially and when progress should be reviewed.