Steroid injection Shoulder & PRP: Cost Injections for Shoulder Joint Pain

Shoulder injection is an effective treatment for various joint pathologies. It is used to treat problems such as bursitis, rotator cuff injuries and arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. This technique is performed on an outpatient basis and must be performed with the use of ultrasound to increase its accuracy.

After the injection, it is recommended to rest, avoid intense activities and apply local cold. Results are usually noticed within 24 to 48 hours.

Applications and use of shoulder injections

Shoulder injection is a technique used to treat various pathologies that affect this joint. Through the injection of medication into the affected area, it is possible to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and accelerate the healing process.

The main applications and techniques used in shoulder injection are listed below.

Pathologies treated with injection of the shoulder

• Calcifying tendinitis.
• Bursitis related to the rotator cuff.
• Partial rotator cuff tendon rupture.
• Pathology of the long portion of the biceps.
• Shoulder osteoarthritis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.
• Other problems of the glenohumeral joint.
• Adhesive capsulitis.

Steroid injection in shoulder

What is a steroid injection in the shoulder?

A steroid injection in the shoulder is a medical treatment used to relieve pain and inflammation in the joint or surrounding soft tissues. It typically contains a corticosteroid medication, often combined with a local anesthetic, and is delivered directly into the shoulder area to target the source of discomfort.

This type of injection is commonly used when shoulder pain interferes with daily activities, sleep, or physical therapy progress. It’s a minimally invasive option that can offer significant relief without the need for surgery.

What conditions can it treat?

Steroid injections are used to treat a range of shoulder conditions that involve inflammation or irritation. Some of the most common include:

• Shoulder bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues.
• Rotator cuff tendinitis: Irritation or swelling of the tendons in the shoulder.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Stiffness and pain due to tightening of the shoulder capsule.
• Shoulder arthritis: Inflammatory or degenerative changes in the shoulder joint.
• Impingement syndrome: When shoulder structures are pinched during arm movements.

These injections are often recommended when conservative treatments like oral medication, rest, or physical therapy have not provided sufficient relief.

3. How do steroid injections work in the shoulder?

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands. When injected into the shoulder, they help reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune response in the affected area.

By targeting inflammation directly at its source, the injection can lower swelling, decrease pain, and improve shoulder mobility. The added anesthetic provides immediate but temporary relief, while the steroid begins working over the following days.

The precision of the injection—often guided by ultrasound or X-ray—ensures the medication reaches the specific site of pain or inflammation.

4. What to expect before, during, and after the procedure

Before the injection, your healthcare provider may review your medications and ask about allergies or infections. In most cases, no special preparation is needed.

During the procedure, you’ll be seated or lying down. The area is cleaned and sterilized, and a local anesthetic may be applied. Using a fine needle, the doctor injects the steroid (often with anesthetic) into the shoulder joint or nearby tissue. The process takes just a few minutes and is usually well tolerated.

After the injection, it’s normal to feel soreness at the injection site for a day or two. You may also be advised to rest the shoulder for 24–48 hours. Cold compresses can help ease discomfort. Some patients feel immediate relief; for others, the steroid takes a few days to reduce inflammation and pain.

5. How long does it take to work?

The speed of relief varies from person to person. Some experience reduced pain within hours, especially from the anesthetic, while others notice improvement after two to three days as the steroid begins to take effect.

In general, maximum benefit is seen within a week. The duration of relief can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to the medication.

6. Side effects of steroid injections in the shoulder

While steroid injections are generally safe, they’re not without risks. Common side effects include:

• Temporary increase in pain after the shot
• Skin discoloration around the injection site
• Facial flushing
• Localized swelling or bruising

Less common but more serious effects include:

• Joint infection (rare)
• Tendon weakening or rupture (with repeated injections)
• Bone thinning near the injection site
• Elevated blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes

For this reason, these injections are usually limited to a few times per year in the same area.

7. How often can you get a steroid shot in the shoulder?

Most healthcare providers recommend no more than three injections per year in the same shoulder. Repeated injections over time may weaken tendons or cartilage and lead to joint damage.

Your doctor will evaluate how effective the previous injections were and assess whether additional doses are appropriate or if another type of treatment should be considered.

8. How much is a steroid injection in the shoulder?

In a private clinic in Spain, a shoulder steroid injection usually costs between €100 and €300. This range typically includes the medical consultation and the injection procedure.

The final price may vary based on:

• City and clinic: Costs can be higher in major cities or specialized centers.
• Doctor’s specialty: Orthopedic specialists or sports medicine doctors may charge more.
• Use of imaging: If ultrasound or X-ray guidance is used for precision, the cost may increase.
• Medication type: Different corticosteroids can have slight price differences.

At Regenerat Clínica, it’s under €100, performed by an orthopedic surgeon and always ultrasound-guided.

If you don’t have private insurance, this is the approximate out-of-pocket cost. Patients with private health insurance should check coverage details, as some plans may fully or partially cover the treatment.

Public healthcare (Seguridad Social) may offer the injection free or at low cost if prescribed by a public doctor and deemed medically necessary.

9. Alternatives to steroid injections for shoulder pain

If steroid injections are not effective—or are not advisable due to medical history—there are several alternative treatment options:

• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
• Oral medications: Such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to manage inflammation.
• Topical anti-inflammatory creams: For mild to moderate discomfort.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Injections that use components of your own blood to promote healing.
• Surgery: In severe or chronic cases where other methods have failed.

The best option depends on the underlying cause and your overall health goals.

10. When to contact your doctor after an injection

While most people tolerate steroid injections well, you should reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

• Fever or chills (possible sign of infection)
• Severe or worsening pain after a few days
• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the injection site
• Numbness or tingling that doesn’t resolve

Timely communication with your doctor ensures that any complications are managed early and appropriately.

Other types of injections for shoulder joint pain

While corticosteroid injections are the most commonly used for shoulder pain, they are not the only option. Depending on the diagnosis, severity, and patient profile, doctors may recommend alternative injectable treatments to reduce inflammation, promote healing, or lubricate the joint.

Here are the main alternatives:

1. Hyaluronic acid injections (Viscosupplementation)

These are more commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, but in some cases, they may be considered for the shoulder. Hyaluronic acid helps to lubricate and cushion the joint, improving mobility and reducing discomfort.

It’s typically used when joint degeneration is involved and steroid injections have not been effective.

• Ideal for: Mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
• Effect duration: Several months.
• Limitations: Less effective in advanced arthritis; not first-line for shoulder use.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections

PRP uses components from the patient’s own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate the platelets, which are then injected into the shoulder joint or surrounding tendons to promote natural healing.

This Platelet Rich Plasma concentrate is injected as an intraosseous PRP or more commonly, as intra-articular injections in the affected area: PRP in the hip, knee, knee, shoulder ….

PRP contains growth factors that can help in the repair and regeneration of tissues, being useful in cases of tendon injuries and rotator cuff tears.

• Ideal for: Tendon injuries (rotator cuff), mild arthritis.
• Effect duration: Varies; may take weeks to notice improvement.
• Benefits: Regenerative approach with minimal side effects.

3. Stem cell Injections

Still considered experimental in many settings, stem cell therapy involves injecting mesenchymal stem cells (often taken from bone marrow or fat tissue) into the affected shoulder area. The goal is to regenerate damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.

• Ideal for: Chronic tendon injuries or degenerative changes.
• Limitations: Expensive, not widely available, variable results.

4. Autologous serum rich in cytokines

Autologous cytokine-rich serum is another innovative treatment used in regenerative medicine, including the treatment of conditions such as tendonitis, rotator cuff tears and shoulder osteoarthritis.

This treatment is based on the use of components derived from the patient’s own blood.

The serum is obtained from the patient’s own blood. The blood undergoes a process that includes centrifugation and extraction of fractions rich in cytokines, which are proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling and inflammatory response.

Cytokines present in serum can help modulate inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. This is especially relevant in tissues such as tendons and joints affected by osteoarthritis, where inflammation and tissue deterioration are key problems.

For patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder, this treatment may be beneficial in reducing pain and improving joint function, potentially slowing disease progression.

The choice of product for a shoulder injection should be decided by a medical professional based on the patient’s specific diagnosis, severity of the condition and medical history. In addition, each of these treatments may have side effects and limitations that should be evaluated and discussed with the patient.

Infiltrations for adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)

The injections for frozen shoulder is a medical treatment that consists of injecting medication directly into the shoulder joint to relieve pain and inflammation.

This condition, also known as “frozen shoulder,” is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.

Substances commonly used in these infiltrations include corticosteroids and local anesthetics.

• Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joint.
• Local anesthetics, on the other hand, provide temporary pain relief by blocking pain signals in the area.

Prior to injection, the area is cleaned and prepared in a sterile manner. A local anesthetic may be used on the skin to minimize the pain of the injection. The physician then uses a needle to inject the medication directly into the shoulder joint space.

It is important to keep in mind that infiltrations are only part of the treatment of capsulitis and should be supplemented with physical therapy and exercises to improve range of motion and strength in the shoulder.

Techniques and procedures used

Shoulder injection is performed on an outpatient basis by qualified professionals, usually orthopedic surgeons or orthopedic surgeons, and ultrasound is used to increase the accuracy of the technique.

The use of ultrasound makes it possible to visualize the exact location of the needle with greater precision and to ensure patient safety during the procedure.

During the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the area to be treated and the needle is inserted into the shoulder joint to inject the medication directly into the site of injury.

Ultrasound-guided injection in the shoulder

The use of ultrasound in shoulder injections has significantly improved the accuracy and results of this treatment. This imaging equipment makes it possible to visualize the internal structure of the joint in real time and to guide the precise placement of the needle.

This ensures that the drug is administered to the correct site and increases the effectiveness of the treatment. In addition, the use of ultrasound reduces the risk of injury to surrounding tissue and minimizes post-injection complications.

Recovery and care after shoulder injections

After undergoing a shoulder injection, it is important to follow certain recommendations to ensure proper recovery and better results.

Post-injection recommendations

• Rest: It is essential to allow the shoulder to rest during the first 24 hours after the injection. Avoid intense activities and sudden movements.
• Apply local cold: To reduce inflammation and pain, it is recommended to apply ice packs or cold gel packs to the infiltrated area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
• Follow medical indications: It is essential to follow all instructions provided by the physician, both in terms of medication and physical therapy, if necessary.
• Control physical activity: During the first days after the injection, it is advisable to avoid intense physical activities that may compromise the recovery of the shoulder.

Risks or complications

While shoulder shots are safe, it is important to be aware of possible warning signs or complications that require immediate medical attention.

Some of these signs are:

• Intense and uncontrollable pain in the infiltrated shoulder or joint.
• Appearance of fever or significant redness in the infiltrated area.
• Excessive and persistent swelling in the shoulder or around the site of injection.
• Difficulty moving the shoulder or sudden weakness in the arm.

In the presence of any of these signs, it is essential to go immediately to the doctor to receive the necessary evaluation and care.

Duration of the effects of shoulder injection

The results of a shoulder shot may vary depending on the patient, the condition treated and the type of infiltration performed.

In most cases, patients experience relief from pain and swelling within 24 to 48 hours.

Some patients may experience relief for several months.

It is important to keep in mind that shoulder injection is not necessarily a permanent solution for joint pathologies. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment in the future to maintain the benefits obtained.

Shoulder injections vs. other treatments

Shoulder injection has proven to be an effective alternative to surgery in the treatment of certain pathologies.

Shoulder injection vs. surgery

In many cases, the shoulder injection can offer similar results to those obtained by surgery, but with the advantage of being a less invasive procedure.

While surgery requires incisions and a longer recovery time, infiltration is performed by injections and allows for a faster and less painful recovery.

However, it is important to note that infiltration may not be suitable for all conditions and in some cases surgery may be necessary to obtain a permanent or very long-term solution.

Results of shoulder injection

Shoulder injection is effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation in various joint pathologies.

Results vary depending on the patient’s specific condition, but in general, significant pain relief and improvement in joint function have been observed .

It is important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of the injection therapy may vary from patient to patient, and in some cases may require additional sessions to obtain the desired results.

Opinions on shoulder injections

These opinions can vary widely depending on the individual patient’s experience, but here you can hear the opinions of some of our clinic’s patients.

Patients who prefer to avoid more invasive treatments such as surgery often value infiltrations as a less radical option.

Our patients report significant pain relief after injections, which allows them to resume daily activities that were previously difficult or painful. They also appreciate the absence of side effects since all the products we use such as hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma are natural.

Some patients emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach that focuses not only on infiltration, but also on physical therapy and other treatment methods to address the underlying cause of their condition.

Each patient’s experience with injections for tendinitis, rotator cuff tears or shoulder osteoarthritis will depend on individual factors such as the severity of the condition, the infiltration technique used, and personal response to treatment.

Advantages of shoulder injections

1. Shoulder infiltration may offer similar results to surgery in certain cases.
2. It is a less invasive procedure with a faster recovery.
3. The effectiveness of infiltration may vary from patient to patient.
4. The price of hyaluronic acid infiltration of the shoulder for the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis and/or acromioclavicular osteoarthritis can be much lower compared to other long-term treatments.

Cost injection in shoulder: Cortisone, Hyaluronic Acid, Platelet Rich Plasma..

The price of shoulder infiltration can vary depending on several factors, including the type of medication used and the location where the procedure is performed.

In particular,  platelet-rich plasma injection is a common option for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Prices may vary, but in general, this type of infiltration has a much lower cost compared to surgery and other long-term treatments.

Infiltration prices will depend on the product to be infiltrated.

Depending on this the prices range from:

• Cortisone injection cost in shoulder 30 €.
• Hyaluronic acid injection in the shoulder 180 €.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the shoulder 270 €.
• Up to 450 € for autologous serum injections rich in cytokines used in cases of osteoarthritis.

Frequently asked questions about shoulder injections

What are the types of shoulder injections?

• Conventional injections: These include the administration of anesthesia along with corticosteroids to the patient.
• Hyaluronic Acid injections: Used specifically for certain treatments.
• Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection: A more advanced and specialized option.

When is injections necessary?

It is advisable to opt for when severe pain persists and neither rehabilitation nor analgesic treatments are sufficient. This technique is useful before considering more invasive options such as surgery.

How long does the effect of a corticosteroid injection last?

It is important to understand that cortisone injection in the shoulder do not permanently cure the injury. Although they provide pain relief and reduce swelling, their effect usually lasts between three weeks and a month and a half. If the underlying cause of the pain is not treated, discomfort may recur.

How many times can your shoulder be infiltrated?

Regarding the frequency of injections, the guidelines suggest:

• Space them between 7 days and 1 month apart.
• Do not perform more than four in the same joint per year, and no more than two consecutive ones if they are ineffective.

How much does a shoulder injection hurt?

The injection in the shoulder is usually not painful, and resembles a common injection in the arm. However, it may cause some discomfort in some cases.

For this reason, at the Regenerat clinic we use local cold plus local anesthesia so that the patient feels comfortable and has no discomfort or pain during the infiltration.

What to expect after a shoulder injection?

After a shoulder injection, the specialist will advise limiting the activity of the treated joint for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Resting and avoiding sudden movements is crucial to reduce inflammation and allow treatment to be effective.

Regenerat clinic: III Wellness and Quality of Life Awards

Reference Center in Regenerative Therapies

Make an appointment for your shoulder tendinitis, rotator cuff tear, osteoarthritis of the shoulder…

If you are looking for a treatment for shoulder bursitis, tendinitis, rotator cuff rupture, osteoarthritis in the shoulder… Regenerat clinic is your best option.

Specialists in shoulder injuries with regenerative medicine treatments.

Dr. Miguel Alfonso Porcar and his team apply the most advanced techniques of cell therapy and platelet growth factors.

We will provide you with a personalized treatment, always focused on improving your quality of life and reducing pain and inflammation in your affected joint.

Our clinics are located in the towns of Catarroja and Torrent in Valencia.