Translucent shoulder blade floats above rolling hills, representing pain relief

Say Goodbye to Shoulder Blade Pain: How Ultrasound-Guided Injections Can Help

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is scapulothoracic pain holding you back? Discover how ultrasound-guided injections offer a safe, effective way to find relief and improve your range of motion."

Scapulothoracic pain, or pain around the shoulder blade, is a common issue that can significantly impact your daily life. This discomfort often arises from the gliding motion between your shoulder blade (scapula) and your rib cage. While many factors can contribute to this pain, pinpointing the exact cause can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help manage and alleviate this pain.

One promising approach is the use of ultrasound-guided scapulothoracic interval injections. These injections involve delivering medication, typically a corticosteroid and local anesthetic, directly into the space between the scapula and the chest wall. The purpose? To reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve overall function. This method is especially useful when the source of pain is difficult to diagnose through conventional imaging techniques.

A recent study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine has shed light on the potential benefits of this technique. Researchers retrospectively reviewed their experience with ultrasound-guided injections for scapulothoracic pain, also examining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The results offer valuable insights into the effectiveness and safety of this treatment option.

What Causes Scapulothoracic Pain, and How Can Injections Help?

Translucent shoulder blade floats above rolling hills, representing pain relief

Scapulothoracic pain can stem from a variety of sources, making diagnosis a challenge. Some common causes include:

While many cases of scapulothoracic pain are idiopathic (meaning they have no identifiable cause), several factors can contribute to the discomfort:

Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the movement between the scapula and the ribs.
Snapping Scapula Syndrome: A condition characterized by a grinding, snapping, or popping sensation as the scapula moves across the rib cage.
Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or tightness in the muscles surrounding the shoulder blade can lead to altered mechanics and pain.
Poor Posture: Slouching or prolonged sitting can strain the scapulothoracic joint.
Overuse: Repetitive arm movements, especially in sports or occupations, can irritate the area.
Other Issues: Osseous and soft tissue disorders

Ultrasound-guided injections offer a targeted approach to managing scapulothoracic pain. By using ultrasound imaging, physicians can precisely guide the needle to the affected area, ensuring accurate delivery of the medication. This precision is particularly beneficial because, in our experience, most cases lack correlative imaging findings. There are several key advantages to this technique:

Is Ultrasound-Guided Injection Right for You?

If you're struggling with persistent shoulder blade pain, talking to your doctor about ultrasound-guided scapulothoracic interval injections can be a helpful step. This technique offers a safe and effective way to target the source of your pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, a comprehensive evaluation is crucial to determine the underlying cause of your pain and whether this treatment option is appropriate for your specific condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/jum.14865, Alternate LINK

Title: Ultrasound‐Guided Therapeutic Scapulothoracic Interval Injections

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: William R. Walter, Christopher J. Burke, Ronald S. Adler

Published: 2018-11-25

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is scapulothoracic pain?

Scapulothoracic pain is discomfort located around the shoulder blade. It arises from the motion between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the rib cage. Several factors can cause it, making diagnosis sometimes challenging. Common causes include bursitis, snapping scapula syndrome, muscle imbalances, poor posture, and overuse. While the exact cause is not always identifiable, treatments are available to manage the pain.

What are ultrasound-guided scapulothoracic interval injections?

Ultrasound-guided scapulothoracic interval injections involve injecting medication, typically a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic, into the space between the scapula and the chest wall using ultrasound imaging for guidance. This precise delivery aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve function. This method is particularly helpful when the source of the pain is difficult to diagnose with standard imaging techniques.

Why is ultrasound guidance important for these injections?

Ultrasound guidance allows physicians to precisely target the affected area during scapulothoracic interval injections. This accuracy ensures that the medication is delivered exactly where it's needed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Precision is key as many cases lack clear findings on correlative imaging. This targeted approach can be more effective and may reduce the risk of side effects compared to non-guided injections.

What are the common causes of scapulothoracic pain?

Several factors can contribute to scapulothoracic pain. Bursitis, which is the inflammation of the bursae cushioning the movement between the scapula and ribs, is a common cause. Snapping scapula syndrome, characterized by grinding or popping sensations, muscle imbalances, poor posture, and overuse from repetitive arm movements can also lead to the pain. In some instances, the pain may be idiopathic, meaning there's no identifiable cause, or due to osseous and soft tissue disorders. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment.

What role does Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) play in diagnosing or understanding scapulothoracic pain?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is mentioned as a tool that researchers use to examine findings alongside ultrasound-guided injections for scapulothoracic pain. MRI can provide detailed images of the soft tissues and bones in the area, which may help to identify structural issues contributing to the pain, such as tears, inflammation, or other abnormalities. However, the method of delivery and pain relief is focused on ultrasound-guided injections.