Dr. Nitish Mandal
Targeted injections
The pain has an address. Swallowing another tablet treats the whole body. A targeted injection puts a small amount of medicine at that address.
What targeted injections are
Medication is delivered at the specific pain site, often with ultrasound guidance so the needle reaches the joint, nerve, or inflamed tissue.
Ultrasound-guided injections are mentioned for selected shoulder, chest-wall, and other conditions, including frozen shoulder, costochondritis, and trigger points.
When they are discussed
- Pills have not changed the pain, or they upset the stomach.
- The painful spot can be found on examination.
- You want a clinic procedure and to go home the same day.
Where they are used on this site
Shoulder and chest wall
- Hydrodilatation and ultrasound-guided injections for frozen shoulder and rotator cuff-related pain.
- Ultrasound-guided parasternal blocks and intercostal nerve injections for costochondritis.
Muscle knots and other sites
- Myofascial trigger point injection with a low-dose steroid when a knot is confirmed.
- Other targeted injections after the source is identified, including a diagnostic block when needed.
What the visit is like
- The site is confirmed on examination, sometimes after a diagnostic block.
- Local anaesthetic is used. Ultrasound or another guide places the needle.
- You are typically able to go home after the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this the same as a regular painkiller injection in the muscle?
- No. The point is placement at the pain source, often with ultrasound, not a general shot in the arm.
- Will I be able to go home the same day?
- Yes. These are clinic procedures. You are typically discharged after the injection.
- Does every condition need an injection?
- No. Some people need only a plan and fewer provocative movements. The injection is for when the source is clear and tablets have not been enough.
An injection is only useful at the right structure. The first visit is to find that structure, then decide whether a targeted injection is the next step.
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How is this different from a painkiller shot in the arm?
The medicine is placed at the pain source, often with ultrasound, not as a general injection in the muscle.