Ultrasound-Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block

Chronic shoulder pain can significantly limit mobility and impact a patient’s quality of life. An effective and increasingly popular option for shoulder pain relief is the Ultrasound-Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block. This minimally invasive procedure offers targeted relief without the need for surgery.

What is a Suprascapular Nerve Block?

The suprascapular nerve originates from the upper part of the spine and passes through the shoulder, providing sensation and partial motor control to parts of the shoulder joint, including the rotator cuff muscles. When this nerve becomes overactive due to injury, inflammation, or another pathological condition, it can cause persistent shoulder pain.

A Suprascapular Nerve Block involves injecting a local anaesthetic, often combined with a corticosteroid, to block the pain signals that the nerve transmits to the brain. This treatment provides both immediate relief and long-term reduction of inflammation.

What are the clinical indications for a Suprascapular Nerve Block?

A Suprascapular Nerve Block can help patients who are experiencing chronic shoulder pain and have not found sufficient relief through conservative treatments such as rest, medication, and physical therapy.

Some of the conditions for which a Suprascapular Nerve Block is indicated include:

Chronic pain due to arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis
Rotator cuff injuries and tears
Post-operative pain

What is the significance of Ultrasound Guidance in a Suprascapular Nerve Block?

Traditionally, a Suprascapular Nerve Block is performed “blindly, by estimating the placement of the needle based on the surrounding anatomical areas. Ultrasound Guidance has revolutionized the therapeutic process by providing detailed, real-time imaging. The benefits of Ultrasound Guidance include:

Safety: A specialized Radiologist can perform the Suprascapular Nerve Block with complete safety, as Ultrasound Guidance ensures the avoidance of injury to nearby structures and reduces the risk of complications.
Precision: Real time imaging during the procedure increases the effectiveness of the treatment, as the needle is placed precisely where needed.
Faster recovery: Providing targeted relief with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue results in a quicker return to daily activities for the patient.

Testimonials

An excellent scientist with advanced knowledge, capable of diagnosing damage caused by rheumatic diseases and thus contributing to their effective treatment. I hope there are more scientists like her so that patients can continue to enjoy a good quality of life, as these diseases are incurable.

Alexia S.
I visited Ms. Plagou for a health problem I had with my right Achilles tendon. I congratulate her for her scientific expertise and her unique approach with patients. I thank her very much, and she deserves many congratulations, as do her polite associates.

Nestoras N.
As a surgeon I must simply say, UNBELIEVABLE!! Within 15 minutes I was completely rid of the intense discomfort in my shoulder that had been bothering me for several years. My shoulder feels as it was 10 years ago. Zero pain, incredibly free movement. Congratulations, Mrs. Plagou.

Dr. Dimitrios Alexopoulos
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Athena Plagou. With the Barbotage method she applied, she relieved me from terrible pains I had been suffering from for several months due to calcifications in my shoulder.

Before I learned about Dr. Plagou, I had tried cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, nothing yielded results.

I underwent the Βarbotage procedure in her clinic, very easily and painlessly. When it was over, I had stopped feeling any pain, and it has been three years since then without the slightest discomfort.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mary P.
State-of-the-art clinic and equipment, exceptional doctor with extensive experience and impressive specialization.

Eirini D.
Ms. Plagou is an excellent scientist with accurate diagnoses, distinguished in her field, and an exceptional person at the same time. She deserves congratulations!

Dr. Chrysovalantou Souhlaki
I had been suffering from Calcific Tendonitis in my left shoulder for over three months, resulting in severe pain. Before I learned about Ms. Plagou, I had tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physiotherapy, all without success, and I was on the verge of serious surgery with doubtful outcomes.

I underwent Barbotage in her clinic very easily, quickly, and painlessly. As soon as the brief procedure was over, my pain ceased, I slept well, and I quickly resumed all my activities.

I want to thank Ms. Plagou both for the impeccable handling of my problem stemming from her excellent scientific training, as well as for her kindness and friendly demeanor.

Zoe K.
I am very grateful to Dr. Athena Plagou. With her high specialization and professionalism, she accurately diagnosed and successfully treated the tendonitis I suffered from in both of my shoulders.

Other specialists I had consulted previously had suggested arthroscopy, which I did not want to undergo due to my age (86) and because the treatment was not guaranteed.

With the special method used by Dr. Plagou, the fluid causing the pain was absorbed, and the pain was immediately relieved without recurrence for the past four months. Besides her high specialization and effectiveness, Dr. Plagou is also very friendly and fully explains to patients the cause of the problem and the treatment process. Her assistant is also very friendly and efficient. Sincere thanks again.

Nikos K.
Her experience, her thoroughness and her love for what she does make her one of a kind. My daughter suffered for months with pain in her wrist. Having visited several orthopedists, having done magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, only Mrs. Plagou found that she had fluid in her wrist and referred us to a pediatric rheumatologist.

I recommend her. Her assistant is also extremely helpful and kind.

Katerina A.
I want to publicly thank my colleague Athena Plagou for her immediate and effective intervention to treat the problem in my shoulder. The Barbotage method she applied, and in which she is specialized, quickly relieved me from the painful symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis. The return to my daily routine was immediate.

Dr. Vicky Bizimi