How to make shots not hurt at all? Science-backed strategies to minimize discomfort

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Fear of needles is a common phenomenon, with studies indicating that up to half of adolescents and a significant portion of young adults report a fear of injections. While it's impossible to eliminate all sensation, mastering how to make shots not hurt at all—or at least minimizing the pain—is achievable through a combination of physical and psychological strategies proven to work for all ages.

Quick Summary

Several strategies, including numbing agents, distraction techniques, and relaxation methods, can help significantly reduce discomfort during injections. Proper physical positioning, muscle relaxation, and calm communication from healthcare providers are also key factors in improving the shot experience. Understanding the body's response to pain helps effectively apply these techniques.

Key Points

Numb the Skin: Topical anesthetics like lidocaine cream, applied 30-60 minutes in advance, or vapocoolant sprays used immediately before, can block pain signals.
Use Distraction: Engage your brain with another activity, such as watching a video, listening to music, or squeezing a companion's hand, to reduce your perception of pain.
Relax Your Muscles: Tense muscles can make injections more painful. Consciously relax the arm or leg receiving the shot, aided by deep breathing exercises.
Employ Vibration: Small, vibrating devices like Buzzy or ShotBlocker confuse nerve signals and can effectively minimize the pain of the needle prick.
Choose the Right Technique for Age: For infants, consider breastfeeding or a sucrose solution, while older children may benefit from having choices and age-appropriate distractions.
Work with the Provider: Discuss your fears and preferences with the person giving the injection. A good technique, including a quick insertion and removal of the needle, makes a difference.
Manage Anxiety: Needle phobia can increase pain perception. Practice relaxation techniques or seek professional help if your anxiety is severe.

The Science of Pain Reduction

Pain from an injection is caused by a few key factors: the needle piercing the skin, the tension in the surrounding muscle, and the psychological fear or anxiety associated with the procedure. Pain reduction techniques work by disrupting the body's pain signaling or distracting the brain from perceiving the pain sensation.

Numbing the Skin

Applying a topical anesthetic is one of the most direct ways to block pain signals from reaching the brain. For instance, lidocaine cream or patches can be applied to the injection site 30 to 60 minutes beforehand. This creates a local numbing effect on the skin's surface. Alternatively, a vapocoolant spray can be used just before the shot for immediate, though temporary, numbing via intense cold. Your brain prioritizes the cold sensation over the needle's prick, reducing the perception of pain.

Distraction Techniques

The brain has a limited capacity to process information, and distraction takes advantage of this by occupying the mind with other stimuli. By focusing on a video, music, or a conversation, the brain's focus shifts away from the injection. This is effective for both children and adults. The 'gate control theory' of pain explains that non-painful input can close the 'gates' to painful input, preventing it from reaching the central nervous system. Pressure and vibration, applied near the injection site, work on this same principle.

Mind-Body Connection

Anxiety and muscle tension can amplify the experience of pain. Relaxing the muscle where the shot is administered, such as the deltoid in the arm, is crucial to minimize discomfort. For many, this is easier said than done, which is where breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques come in. Deep, slow, rhythmic breathing helps calm the nervous system and can reduce pain. Techniques like box breathing or the 4-7-8 method can be practiced beforehand to help manage anxiety.

Practical Strategies for All Ages

Regardless of age, a positive approach and proactive planning can greatly improve the experience.

For Infants and Young Children

Making shots easier for babies and toddlers often involves providing comfort and a sweet distraction.

Breastfeeding or sweet solution: For infants, breastfeeding during the injection or giving a few drops of sucrose solution beforehand has a calming effect and can reduce pain.
Comfort positioning: Hold your child snugly on your lap, with skin-to-skin contact for extra comfort.
Age-appropriate distractions: Use bubbles, pinwheels, or a musical toy to divert their attention.
Calm communication: Your calm tone is reassuring, even if they don't understand the words.

For Older Children and Teens

Empowering older kids with a sense of control can significantly reduce their anxiety.

Make a plan: Work with your child to develop a coping strategy for the appointment.
Give choices: Allow them to choose which arm to use or whether they want to look away.
Use their preferred distraction: A tablet with a favorite game or a playlist with headphones can be an effective distraction.
Praise positive behavior: Offer praise afterward to create a positive memory of the experience.

For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same techniques, especially those focused on relaxation.

Breathe and relax: Practice deep breathing before and during the injection. Consciously relax the muscle in the injection arm.
Sit or lie down: If you are prone to fainting, sitting or lying down can help. Inform the provider of your history.
Bring a comfort item: Squeezing a stress ball or a companion's hand can provide a physical distraction.
Visualize: Focus on something in the room or use visualization to think of a calm place.

Tools and Techniques for a Better Experience

Medical advancements have provided tools to make injections less painful. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider.

Comparison of Pain Reduction Methods


Method	How it Works	Time to Take Effect	Cost	Best for	Notes
Topical Numbing Cream (Lidocaine)	Numb the skin's surface, blocking pain signals.	30-60 minutes.	Moderate (OTC).	All ages, planned procedures.	Needs to be applied well in advance.
Vibration Devices (Buzzy, ShotBlocker)	Deliver high-frequency vibration to confuse the brain's pain signals.	Immediate.	Moderate (reusable device).	All ages, useful for unplanned shots.	Can also provide a cold sensation for added effect.
Vapocoolant Spray (Cold Spray)	Rapidly cools and numbs the skin's surface.	Immediate.	Low.	Quick, last-minute shots.	Effect wears off quickly.
Distraction (Tablet, Music, Toy)	Occupies the mind, reducing pain perception.	Immediate.	Low (or device cost).	All ages.	Very versatile and can be combined with other methods.

Proper Technique by Healthcare Providers

The skill of the person giving the injection also makes a difference. Healthcare providers can minimize pain by:

Letting alcohol dry: Injecting through wet alcohol can cause a sting.
Using correct needle length: The appropriate needle size for the individual ensures the injection is delivered to the correct location.
Inserting and removing the needle quickly: A fast, confident motion is less painful than a slow one.
Relaxing the muscle: Encouraging the patient to keep the muscle loose and relaxed reduces the discomfort.
Applying pressure: Lightly applying pressure around the injection site can help dull the sensation.

Conclusion

While the goal of making shots not hurt at all is not fully achievable, employing a combination of psychological and physical techniques can dramatically reduce the discomfort and anxiety associated with injections. By utilizing numbing agents, distraction, and relaxation exercises, individuals can feel more in control and have a more positive experience. For children, the approach centers on comfort, honesty, and providing choices. Adults can manage their response through breathing and relaxation. For recurring injections, rotating sites and using medical devices like vibration tools can further enhance comfort. The key is finding the right combination of methods that work for you, and openly communicating your needs with your healthcare provider.

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, numbing creams like 4% lidocaine are effective at blocking pain signals from the skin's surface, significantly reducing the needle prick sensation. For best results, it should be applied to the injection site 30 to 60 minutes before the shot.

A 'shot blocker' or a vibrating device works on the gate control theory of pain. When pressed against the skin near the injection site, the vibration and pressure distract the nerves, effectively confusing the brain and reducing its perception of the injection pain.

Yes, deep breathing exercises are very helpful. They calm the nervous system and help relax muscles, especially in the injection area. Techniques like box breathing can divert your focus and reduce anxiety, which lessens pain perception.

For infants, distractions include breastfeeding, sucrose solution, or a pacifier. For older children, a tablet with a video, a musical toy, or even blowing bubbles can be effective. Providing choices and staying calm yourself is also key.

The ideal approach varies by person. Some find it comforting to watch the process, while a study noted that others feel less anxious when looking away. Experimenting with both options can help you determine what is more comfortable for you.

When a muscle is tense, it can feel more painful when a needle enters it. Relaxing the muscle allows for a smoother, less resistant injection. For adults, focusing on deep breathing can help release muscle tension.

After an injection, especially a vaccination, soreness is common. You can apply a cool, wet compress to the site and keep the arm moving to promote blood flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used, but check with your doctor first, especially for vaccinations.