Cortisone shot advice

I know that there are threads on here already about shoulder injury and Cortisone shots but I don't have time to look for them. I have decided to get a Cortisone shot this week for bicep tendonitis. My question is: Can I swim then? My fear is that if I do I might tear it and do further damage. However, I am also thinking that if the shot works, the inflammation will go down and I won't hurt it. Any advice and/or experience is appreciated. :agree:
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Steroid injections are associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture. The risk is more for ankle tendons, but prudence would have you rest for several days after a steroid injection in the shoulder. I have had many bouts of swimmer's shoulder as I have relearned swimming as an adult. When my shoulder gets sore, my approach is to back-off, rest a few days, figure out what technique modifications I need, and slowly modify my stroke so that I can swim pain-free. I was sore again in February, but I have changed my recovery and my pull and am doing well now. On a couple of occasions, I have seen a physical therapist, when my usual strategy was not enough. Several weeks in the gym improved my shoulders both times. Please proceed with caution after understanding the potential risks and considering alternative treatments. I am very reluctant to get a steroid injections -- would only consider if all else had failed, including resting for a few weeks, consulting a Sports Medicine specialist, had whatever diagnostic imaging was needed, and had failed a course of physical therapy. Then, only if the pain kept me awake at night. I am just a fitness swimmer, but I am also an expert in musculoskeletal imaging and periodically give steroid injections as part of my practice, usually for a frozen shoulder.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Steroid injections are associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture. The risk is more for ankle tendons, but prudence would have you rest for several days after a steroid injection in the shoulder. I have had many bouts of swimmer's shoulder as I have relearned swimming as an adult. When my shoulder gets sore, my approach is to back-off, rest a few days, figure out what technique modifications I need, and slowly modify my stroke so that I can swim pain-free. I was sore again in February, but I have changed my recovery and my pull and am doing well now. On a couple of occasions, I have seen a physical therapist, when my usual strategy was not enough. Several weeks in the gym improved my shoulders both times. Please proceed with caution after understanding the potential risks and considering alternative treatments. I am very reluctant to get a steroid injections -- would only consider if all else had failed, including resting for a few weeks, consulting a Sports Medicine specialist, had whatever diagnostic imaging was needed, and had failed a course of physical therapy. Then, only if the pain kept me awake at night. I am just a fitness swimmer, but I am also an expert in musculoskeletal imaging and periodically give steroid injections as part of my practice, usually for a frozen shoulder.
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