Shoulder lavage is a medical procedure used to address certain conditions within the shoulder joint. This technique involves flushing out the joint to remove unwanted substances. A common concern for patients is the pain associated with this procedure. This article clarifies what shoulder lavage entails and what to expect regarding pain.
Understanding Shoulder Lavage
Shoulder lavage is a procedure designed to clear the shoulder joint. It is most commonly performed to treat calcific tendinitis, a condition where calcium deposits form within the tendons of the shoulder, often the rotator cuff. These deposits can lead to significant pain and limit the arm’s range of motion. The purpose of lavage is to break down and remove these calcium accumulations.
The procedure is typically performed using an ultrasound guidance system. This allows the medical professional to precisely locate the calcium deposits. A small needle is then inserted into the deposit to break it into smaller pieces. Then, a mixture of saline solution and local anesthetic is flushed into the area to wash out the fragmented calcium.
Pain During the Procedure
A primary concern for many patients is the level of pain experienced during the shoulder lavage itself. The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the shoulder. While you may feel some pressure or movement, you should not experience pain during the procedure.
A small needle injects the local anesthetic into the skin and soft tissue. Patients might feel brief soreness as the anesthetic is administered. Some procedures may also include a regional nerve block for added comfort. The goal is to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, with many describing it as relatively painless.
Managing Post-Procedure Pain
Once the local anesthetic begins to wear off, typically within three to four hours after the procedure, you can expect to experience some discomfort or pain in the treated shoulder. The level of pain can vary among individuals, but it is often described as mild to moderate. This pain is a normal part of the healing process as the body responds to the intervention.
To manage this pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is commonly recommended. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, as these can interfere with the body’s natural immune response to break down any remaining calcium deposits. Applying a cold pack to the shoulder can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain; however, always wrap the ice pack in a cloth and apply it for no more than 15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between. Elevating the arm can also reduce swelling and improve comfort.
Recovery and Persistent Discomfort
Initial post-procedure pain typically subsides over days to a few weeks. The body continues to resorb any remaining calcium particles, which is part of the healing process. Even if some deposits are too hard to completely remove, breaking them up can encourage the body’s immune system to dissolve them over time.
Physical therapy often begins two to three weeks after the procedure. These exercises help restore the shoulder’s range of motion and strength, reducing lingering discomfort. While significant improvement is common, some individuals might experience persistent discomfort if the calcification was extensive or if the body takes longer to fully absorb the remaining debris. Continuing prescribed exercises and following medical advice supports optimal recovery and long-term pain reduction.