I have been in 8 weeks of PT for a mysterious and troublesome shoulder injury, as yet undiagnosed, making progress that amounts to 2 steps forward one step back, and the therapist is talking about referring me for a cortisone injection. I have had 2 cortisone injections in my spine and they did nothing for me. I am not excited and am quite dubious about the prospect of getting one in my shoulder. I have unstable joints in general and this shoulder is particularly unstable. I have read that cortisone can weaken tendons and ligaments and that seems like the last thing I need.
Can anyone share their experience with cortisone injections for shoulder problems? I am feeling very frustrated but am getting to the point where I might try this. I cannot do freestyle at all and my daily life such as personal care and home maintenance is greatly challenged by this darn shoulder. Plus my border collie is depressed because I cannot throw his frisbee. Things are getting desperate!
In what may be a first...I agree with Jim.
I've had the "pleasure" of getting cortisone shots on 3 different occasions prior to: two shoulder surgeries (one on each) and knee surgery (patella reattachment).
I had the treatments because I had gone to the point of no return and had to have the surgeries but wanted to continue (in the cases of the shoulders) swimming/racing thru the season and (in the case of the knee) skiing until the end of the season.
Both the surgeons were very clear that the cortisone would help with the pain but offer no healing benefits and that I there was no risk of further damaging the affected areas...in all 3 cases they limited the treatments to 3 over a period of 3-4 months.
I also have a question as to why your getting PT for something that is as of yet "undiagnosed"...in general it would be better to get several opinions from othropedic surgeons before going into PT and possibly getting treatment for the wrong thing...and the Doc's are the ones who should/shouldn't recommend getting the shots.
In what may be a first...I agree with Jim.
I've had the "pleasure" of getting cortisone shots on 3 different occasions prior to: two shoulder surgeries (one on each) and knee surgery (patella reattachment).
I had the treatments because I had gone to the point of no return and had to have the surgeries but wanted to continue (in the cases of the shoulders) swimming/racing thru the season and (in the case of the knee) skiing until the end of the season.
Both the surgeons were very clear that the cortisone would help with the pain but offer no healing benefits and that I there was no risk of further damaging the affected areas...in all 3 cases they limited the treatments to 3 over a period of 3-4 months.
I also have a question as to why your getting PT for something that is as of yet "undiagnosed"...in general it would be better to get several opinions from othropedic surgeons before going into PT and possibly getting treatment for the wrong thing...and the Doc's are the ones who should/shouldn't recommend getting the shots.
