Shoulder Injections â Suprascapular nerve blocks, Glenohumeral, AC Joint, Subacromial Bursa injections and pulsed neuromodulation
Suprascapular nerve injections and pulsed radiofrequency (RF) treatments are targeted procedures used to help manage shoulder pain, particularly when symptoms have not fully responded to physiotherapy, medication, or other conservative treatments. These procedures aim to reduce pain signals from the shoulder, improve movement, and enhance function.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, these treatments are consultant-led and performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance to ensure precision, safety, and comfort.
The suprascapular nerve supplies sensation to much of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures. When this nerve becomes irritated or overactive â due to arthritis, injury, or rotator cuff disease â it can contribute significantly to chronic shoulder pain.
Suprascapular nerve injection:â¨This involves carefully placing a small amount of local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid around the nerve where it passes through the upper shoulder area. The injection helps to calm inflammation, interrupt pain signals from the shoulder. The aim being to intercept pain signals arising from structural that it innervates. We do see patients who have a good response to these injections, where previous shoulder joint injections have failed.
Pulsed radiofrequency (RF) treatment:â¨If the injection provides good but temporary relief, pulsed RF can be offered to prolong the benefit. In this procedure, a fine needle is positioned next to the suprascapular nerve under image guidance. Gentle pulses of radiofrequency energy are applied for several minutes, modulating the nerveâs activity without damaging it. This helps to âresetâ abnormal pain signalling while maintaining normal movement and function. The aim here is to give a longer period of pain relief, in cases where a suprascapular nerve injection has worked, but not for as long as hoped.
Both treatments are minimally invasive and can be repeated if necessary.
The aim of these treatments is to reduce shoulder pain and stiffness, allowing improved movement, strength, and participation in physiotherapy or exercise. Pain relief can also help restore confidence in using the arm and shoulder during daily activities.
Pulsed RF typically provides longer-lasting relief than injection alone.
These procedures are usually carried out as outpatient treatments. Your consultant will use ultrasound or X-ray guidance to accurately locate the suprascapular nerve. Local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure comfortable.
If you prefer or require sedation, this can be arranged when the procedure is performed in theatre under the care of a consultant anaesthetist. Sedation is not available for procedures done in clinic, but we can plan for this if you would be more comfortable in a theatre setting.
Afterwards, you will rest briefly before going home the same day. Some mild soreness at the injection site is normal.
Driving advice: You should not drive that day if receiving any sedation. Our procedures do vary on whether it is possible to drive home yourself. Please seek advice from your consultant about driving advice. If you are seeing us for an injection and planning to drive, please check with us beforehand about whether it will be possible to drive yourself home afterwards.
We also offer other shoulder injections, into the glenohumeral and acrioclavicular joints as well as subacromial bursa. On some occasions these may be preferable over suprascapular nerve injections. However, in general we see better results with suprascapular nerve injections, and these are a more advanced procedure for pain relief. If an injection into the shoulder joint has previously not worked for you, a suprascapular nerve block could be a logical next step.
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this. Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester â with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.
Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester â with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
