Shoulder pain can strike unexpectedly, with bursitis being a common cause. Bursitis can make everyday activities difficult by causing sudden and intense pain.
At Eastside Family Health Center in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Frank Marinkovich, MD, offers specialized treatments for shoulder pain, including MSK (musculoskeletal) injections, designed to alleviate symptoms of bursitis effectively.
What is Shoulder Bursitis?
Your shoulder is a complex joint consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, and bursa sacs. Bursa sacs are fluid-filled structures that allow smooth movement of the shoulder components against each other.
The most significant bursa sacs in your shoulder are the subacromial bursae, which facilitate the rotator cuff's movement across your shoulder blade.
Under normal circumstances, these bursa sacs function without causing discomfort. However, when they become inflamed, they lead to a condition known as bursitis, characterized by pain. Bursitis can occur due to overuse or acute injuries to the shoulder joint, affecting one or both shoulders.
Individuals who frequently use their shoulders in repetitive motions, such as athletes or those engaged in manual labor, are at a higher risk of developing shoulder bursitis. Continuous overhead movements can inflame and irritate the bursae, leading to pain.
Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include not only pain but also swelling, stiffness, a decreased range of motion, and tenderness in the shoulder joints.
Understanding MSK Injections
For patients suffering from shoulder bursitis, Dr. Marinkovich may recommend MSK injections. These injections, which include various types like trigger point and intra-articular injections, provide effective relief when conservative treatments fail.
Corticosteroid injections are a commonly used form of MSK injection for treating inflammation caused by bursitis. They combine an anesthetic with a potent anti-inflammatory drug to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
At Eastside Family Health Center, MSK injections are utilized to alleviate discomfort without the need for invasive procedures or surgery.
How Does an MSK Injection Work?
MSK injections target the primary issue of shoulder bursitis—inflammation. Among the different MSK injections available, corticosteroid injections are particularly effective in reducing inflammation within the bursae.
These injections contain powerful anti-inflammatory agents that minimize swelling and alleviate pain in the shoulder joint. During the injection procedure, ultrasound guidance is used to ensure precise needle placement. Once positioned correctly, the medication and numbing agent are injected into the shoulder.
Patients often experience immediate pain relief from the anesthetic, while the anti-inflammatory effects may take a few days to fully develop, providing long-lasting relief from shoulder bursitis.
In addition to MSK injections, Dr. Marinkovich offers advice on activity modification and lifestyle changes to manage and prevent shoulder bursitis. These recommendations may include adjustments to daily routines to reduce stress on the shoulder joint, helping to prevent future flare-ups.
To learn more about how MSK injections can help you, contact Eastside Family Health Center today or schedule an appointment online.
