Shoulder pain can make even simple tasks—reaching for a cup, lifting a grocery bag, or sleeping comfortably—feel impossible. Whether your pain stems from rotator cuff tendinopathy, shoulder arthritis, bursitis, or a frozen shoulder, a precisely placed injection can reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and help you avoid surgery.
At Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, we specialize in advanced, image-guided shoulder injections. Our team—led by Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C—uses state-of-the-art ultrasound guidance to deliver medication exactly where it is needed, ensuring safety, accuracy, and optimal outcomes. We offer a full range of injection therapies, from traditional corticosteroids to cutting-edge regenerative medicine such as PRP.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C | Last reviewed: March 2026
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint with a complex arrangement of tendons, bursae, and ligaments. When oral medications, physical therapy, or activity modification are not enough, shoulder injections offer a targeted approach:
Medication is placed precisely into the joint, bursa, or tendon sheath.
Many injections provide relief within days.
Performed in the office with little to no downtime.
Effective injections can postpone or eliminate the need for rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement.
Corticosteroids, or steroid shots, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that rapidly reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness. They are commonly used for acute flare-ups of shoulder arthritis, bursitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid that provides lubrication and shock absorption. While FDA-approved for the knee, it is used off-label for glenohumeral osteoarthritis to improve lubrication and reduce pain.
PRP is a regenerative therapy made from your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate platelets, which release growth factors that reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair. PRP is used for rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial tears, and shoulder arthritis.
Hydrodilatation is a specialized injection procedure for frozen shoulder. A large volume of saline, corticosteroid, and local anesthetic is injected under pressure into the shoulder capsule to stretch and release adhesions.
At Joint Health Solutions, we never perform blind injections. Every shoulder injection is guided by ultrasound. This matters because:
Ultrasound is ideal for the shoulder because it visualizes soft tissues, fluid, and the joint capsule in real time, allowing for precise placement even in complex anatomy.
Tendon rupture – Extremely rare when injections are placed properly and not directly into the tendon.
| Injection Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Weeks to months |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 6–12 months |
| PRP | 6–12+ months |
| Hydrodilatation | Often long-lasting for frozen shoulder and may resolve the condition |
Duration depends on the severity of the underlying condition, the structure injected, and individual patient factors. Some patients achieve lasting relief, while others may benefit from periodic maintenance injections.
Expert Providers
Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, have extensive training in interventional pain management, regenerative medicine, and ultrasound-guided procedures.
Precision Guidance
All injections are performed under ultrasound for accuracy and safety.
Comprehensive Options
We offer a full spectrum of injection therapies, from traditional to regenerative.
Personalized Care
Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Convenient Charlotte Location
Serving patients from Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Matthews, and surrounding areas.
Most patients feel a brief pinch or pressure during the injection. The procedure is typically well tolerated. If needed, we can use local anesthetic to numb the area. After the injection, some patients experience mild soreness for a day or two.
Corticosteroids often begin working within 24–72 hours, though full effect may take up to a week. Hyaluronic acid may take 2–4 weeks. PRP often causes initial soreness followed by gradual improvement over several weeks to months. Hydrodilatation often improves frozen shoulder within days to weeks.
It depends on the type of injection and your condition. Corticosteroids are often used as needed for flare-ups. Hyaluronic acid is usually a series of 1–3 injections. PRP therapy typically involve 1–3 treatments, often spaced several weeks apart. Hydrodilatation is often a single procedure.
Corticosteroid injections for conditions such as bursitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and arthritis are often covered by insurance. Hyaluronic acid for the shoulder is typically not covered because it is off-label. PRP therapy are generally not covered as they are considered elective. We provide transparent pricing and can discuss financing options.
For corticosteroid injections, we usually recommend resting the shoulder for 24–48 hours. For PRP therapy, we may advise avoiding anti-inflammatory medications and limiting strenuous activity for a short period. For hydrodilatation, gentle range-of-motion exercises are often encouraged immediately to maximize results.
To minimize the risk of tendon weakening or skin changes, we typically limit corticosteroid injections to 3–4 times per year in the same area. The goal is to use them strategically for flare-ups while building a long-term plan with physical therapy and other modalities.
It depends. Cortisone provides rapid relief of acute inflammation but does not heal the tendon. PRP works more slowly but may help stimulate tendon repair and provide longer-lasting improvement. Some patients benefit from a combination approach, with cortisone for initial pain control and PRP later.
It depends on the type of blood thinner and the risk of bleeding. Some patients may need to temporarily hold their medication with approval from their prescribing physician, while others may be candidates for injection with special precautions. We review each case individually.
A subacromial injection targets the bursa above the rotator cuff and is used for impingement, bursitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. A glenohumeral injection targets the main ball-and-socket joint and is used for arthritis or frozen shoulder. Ultrasound guidance allows us to accurately inject the correct structure.
You may be a candidate for a shoulder injection if you have persistent shoulder pain that limits reaching, lifting, or sleeping; oral medications provide inadequate relief; you have rotator cuff tendinopathy or a partial tear not improving with physical therapy; you are experiencing an acute flare-up of arthritis or bursitis; you want to avoid or delay rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement; or you need pain relief to participate in physical therapy.
If you are considering a shoulder injection for rotator cuff pain, arthritis, or frozen shoulder, schedule a consultation at Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte. We will help you determine the best approach for your needs.
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