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!
Agree with Jim and Paul, Willow. Cortisone is only a temporary bandaid and can degrade the tendons. If the injury is only tendonitis, it might help if you also begin strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. If it's tendinopathy or tearing or something else, it won't really help. The minute it wears off, you'll be in pain again.
And it is odd to be in PT without a diagnosis. Have you had an arthrogram? And Paul is right, you might need multiple opinions. My orthopod missed my diagnosis (labral tearing) the first time.
Like you, I have somewhat hypermobile joints. It's simultaneously good and bad. The only thing that keeps that pain at bay for me is to do RC exercises and lift weights. I also frequently use fins and do a lot of kicking in my workouts. It saves wear and tear on the shoulders, and also seems to have a positive effect on my swimming.
Good luck!
Agree with Jim and Paul, Willow. Cortisone is only a temporary bandaid and can degrade the tendons. If the injury is only tendonitis, it might help if you also begin strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. If it's tendinopathy or tearing or something else, it won't really help. The minute it wears off, you'll be in pain again.
And it is odd to be in PT without a diagnosis. Have you had an arthrogram? And Paul is right, you might need multiple opinions. My orthopod missed my diagnosis (labral tearing) the first time.
Like you, I have somewhat hypermobile joints. It's simultaneously good and bad. The only thing that keeps that pain at bay for me is to do RC exercises and lift weights. I also frequently use fins and do a lot of kicking in my workouts. It saves wear and tear on the shoulders, and also seems to have a positive effect on my swimming.
Good luck!
