Joint pain can make even simple movements feel challenging. One common source of this discomfort is bursitis, an inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints. When these sacs become irritated, movement becomes painful and stiff, but there’s an effective, non-surgical solution: bursa injections.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, our expert interventional pain physicians provide image-guided bursa injections to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore mobility. With clinics across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Stockbridge, Marietta, Calhoun, Rome, and Duluth, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments designed to help you move comfortably again.
If you’ve been struggling with joint or shoulder pain and want to understand how bursa injections can help, here are the five most important things you should know.
1. What Are Bursa Injections and How Do They Work?
Bursa injections deliver a combination of corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medication) and a local anesthetic directly into an inflamed bursa, the small sac that cushions your bones, tendons, and muscles near a joint.
When a bursa becomes swollen (a condition known as bursitis), it causes pain and stiffness, especially during movement. The injected medication works by reducing inflammation, easing irritation, and restoring normal motion.
How They Work
- Corticosteroids decrease inflammation and swelling inside the bursa.
- A local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief.
- Image-guided precision (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) ensures the medication reaches the exact area of inflammation for the best results.
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically completed in under 30 minutes. Most patients notice improvement within a few days, with pain relief lasting from several weeks to months, depending on their condition.
2. Conditions That Can Benefit from Bursa Injections
Bursa injections are used to treat pain and inflammation in many joints throughout the body. The most common sites include the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee.
Shoulder Bursa Injections
A shoulder bursa injection, often referred to as a subacromial bursa injection, targets inflammation in the space beneath the acromion (part of the shoulder blade). This treatment is particularly effective for conditions like shoulder bursitis, where pain is often felt on the outer shoulder and may worsen when lifting the arm overhead.
Other Conditions That May Improve with Bursa Injections
- Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis): Pain along the outer hip or thigh.
- Elbow bursitis: Swelling and tenderness over the back of the elbow.
- Knee bursitis: Discomfort around the kneecap or inner knee.
- Heel bursitis: Pain where the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone.
These injections can also complement other non-surgical treatments like nerve blocks or Tenex Health TX®, which address underlying tendon inflammation or chronic pain.
3. The Procedure: What to Expect During and After a Bursa Injection
Understanding what happens before, during, and after your injection can help you feel more at ease.
Before the Procedure
Your physician will review your medical history and symptoms, then determine the appropriate injection site using diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI. This ensures that the exact bursa causing pain is identified.
During the Procedure
- The skin around the injection site is cleaned and sterilized.
- A local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.
- Using image guidance, your physician inserts a thin needle directly into the inflamed bursa.
- The corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture is injected precisely where it’s needed.
The entire process usually takes 10–30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.
After the Procedure
- Mild soreness or pressure at the injection site is normal for 24–48 hours.
- You may apply ice packs to ease discomfort.
- Pain relief typically begins within a few days and can last several months.
- Avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours to allow the medication to take effect.
If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, contact your physician.
4. Benefits of Bursa Injections Compared to Other Treatments
Bursa injections offer several advantages over traditional treatments for joint pain and inflammation.
Key Benefits
- Rapid Relief: Most patients feel improvement within a few days.
- Targeted Treatment: Medication is delivered directly to the source of inflammation.
- Minimally Invasive: No incisions or hospital stays are required.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours.
- Diagnostic Value: The procedure can confirm whether the bursa is the true source of pain.
Compared to oral medications, bursa injections minimize systemic side effects and provide more localized, long-lasting relief.
5. Why Patients in Atlanta, GA, Choose Bursa Injections for Pain Relief
Bursa injections have become a preferred treatment for patients seeking effective, non-surgical relief from shoulder, hip, or joint pain.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, our team takes a personalized approach to each patient’s care. Using advanced fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance, we ensure every injection is precise and safe.
Our physicians also combine these procedures with comprehensive pain management techniques, including nerve block injections, epidural steroid injections, and minimally invasive spine treatments when appropriate. This integrated approach helps patients achieve sustained relief and improved function, without surgery.
Our specialists across Georgia offer compassionate care for patients struggling with joint pain, bursitis, and chronic inflammation, helping them return to daily life with confidence.
Find Relief and Move Comfortably Again
Joint pain doesn’t have to limit your life. If you’re experiencing persistent pain from bursitis or inflammation, bursa injections may offer the relief you’ve been looking for. At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, our board-certified pain management experts provide safe, precise, and effective non-surgical treatments to help you regain comfort and mobility.
Don’t let joint pain slow you down. Call (770) 679-7000 or book your appointment online now to start your journey toward long-term relief and restored movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE IS SHOULDER BURSITIS PAIN FELT?
Pain is typically felt at the top or outer part of the shoulder, especially during lifting, reaching, or lying on the affected side.
HOW LONG DOES A BURSA INJECTION LAST?
Pain relief may last from several weeks to several months, depending on activity level and inflammation severity.
ARE BURSA INJECTIONS SAFE?
Yes. When performed by experienced physicians using image guidance, they’re considered highly safe and effective.
CAN I DRIVE AFTER A BURSA INJECTION?
Most patients can drive themselves home unless they received sedation. Mild soreness is normal but shouldn’t interfere with driving.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER A BURSA INJECTION?
If joint pain or bursitis doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or medication, talk to a specialist about whether a targeted injection can help.
