Which treatment is considered useful for a patient with shoulder pain and limited movement?

• A. Radiation therapy
• B. Heat packs and warm soaks
• C. Intra-articular steroid injections
• D. Sling and swath

Answer: (C)

Intra-articular steroid injections are beneficial for patients with shoulder pain and limited movement due to their ability to provide targeted anti-inflammatory effects directly within the joint space. This method alleviates pain, reduces inflammation, and can enhance mobility, making it a strong choice for conditions like shoulder bursitis or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).

The targeted nature of intra-articular injections allows for a higher concentration of corticosteroids at the site of the issue compared to systemic treatments, which can lead to more immediate relief and facilitate a more effective rehabilitation process. Increased pain management can encourage patients to engage more actively in physical therapy, thereby aiding recovery and restoring function.

Other options, while they may provide short-term comfort or benefits in different contexts, do not address the underlying inflammation and pain to the same degree as intra-articular steroid injections. For example, heat packs and warm soaks may relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation but are less effective for reducing inflammation directly within the joint.