Cortisone Shots: The GOOD, BAD and the UGLY

Cortisone Injections: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – What Athletes Need to Know

As athletes and active adults, staying pain-free and performing at your best is essential. When pain or inflammation arises, cortisone injections are often recommended by physicians to provide relief. While cortisone can be effective for certain conditions, it’s crucial to understand both the benefits and risks before opting for this short-term fix. At Powers Performance Physical Therapy, we believe in treating the root cause of pain rather than masking it, empowering you to move better for the long term.

What Are Cortisone Injections Used For?

Cortisone injections are commonly administered into joints such as the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, spine, or ankle to alleviate pain, swelling, and irritation. Each injection typically contains:

• A corticosteroid: For prolonged anti-inflammatory effects

• A local anesthetic: For immediate, temporary pain relief

Cortisone is effective in treating specific inflammatory conditions, including:

• Bursitis

• Tendinitis

• Gout

• Arthritis

However, while these injections can offer quick relief, they don’t solve the underlying issue—and they come with significant downsides if not used carefully.

The Hidden Risks of Cortisone Injections

The number of cortisone injections you receive must be strictly limited because overuse can lead to severe complications. Some of the most common risks include:

• Cartilage damage and tendon weakening

• Bone deterioration (osteoporosis)

• Increased risk of joint infections and nerve damage

• Thinning of skin and surrounding tissue at the injection site

• Temporary pain flare-ups after the injection

• Elevated blood sugar levels in the short term

These risks become more severe with frequent injections, which is why it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

The Problem with Quick Fixes

At Powers Performance Physical Therapy, we don’t recommend cortisone injections as a first line of defense. While they can provide temporary relief, they often come with unintended consequences.

• Masking Pain Can Lead to Worsening Injuries

Cortisone can act as a “free pass,” allowing athletes to continue performing movements that caused the pain in the first place. By numbing the body’s natural “warning signals,” you risk worsening the condition without realizing it until the injection wears off.

• Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Problems

Cortisone doesn’t correct faulty movement patterns or address the root cause of pain. If left untreated, these issues can worsen over time, leading to more serious injuries and chronic pain.

A Better Approach: Get to the Root Cause with Physical Therapy

Rather than relying on a palliative fix, we take a comprehensive approach to pain relief and injury prevention. Our goal is not just to reduce symptoms but to restore proper biomechanics and help you move stronger and pain-free for the long term.

Here’s how we do it:

• Movement Assessments: Identify dysfunctional patterns contributing to pain.

• Hands-On Manual Therapy: Relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve joint function.

• Strength & Mobility Programs: Customized gym programming to enhance performance.

• Nutrition Counseling: Reduce inflammation and fuel recovery through proper diet.

• Recovery Tool Access: Use of advanced recovery tools at our facility anytime outside of your sessions.

• 24/7 Messaging Support: Get direct access to your therapist when you need guidance.

The First Step to Long-Term Relief

If chronic pain and inflammation are keeping you from doing the activities you love, don’t settle for temporary fixes. The best solution is to work with a physical therapist who can assess your condition, identify the root cause, and develop a customized plan to restore proper movement and keep you performing at your peak.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Movement

At Powers Performance Physical Therapy, we’re committed to helping athletes and active adults move better, recover faster, and perform stronger—without relying on short-term fixes like cortisone injections. Invest in your long-term health and performance with a personalized plan built just for you.

🚀 Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today with the link in our instagram bio or through our website and let us help you get back to the activities you love—stronger than ever.

Amy Powers, MSPT

Powers Performance Physical Therapy, LLC

Helping Athletes & Active Adults Move Stronger, Recover Faster

P.S. Temporary relief can be tempting, but the real power lies in addressing the root cause. Skip the injections and invest in long-term solutions with physical therapy.