Cortisone Injections Vs Physical Therapy In Injury Recovery

Two options that are commonly recommended to treat injuries and chronic joint issues. These are PT and Steroid Injections (Cortisone, etc). 

Cortisone Injections are an anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into the joint or tendon to reduce pain. Physical Therapy provides a patient specific plan including, manual therapy techniques, modalities (moist heat, ice, electrical stimulation), therapeutic exercise, and functional training to minimize discomfort, prevent reinjury, and return to normal activity participation.

PT may be for you!!!

Multiple studies have been completed on commonly injured joints indicating the benefits of PT vs cortisone injections. It is important to note that cortisone injections in these studies did show significant improvement in recovery from pain and can be even more effective in conjunction with PT. However, that does not consider some of the side effects that can come with injections such as increased blood sugar, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis (with long term use).

PT has been shown to provide effective recovery and decreases in pain, during and immediately following a consistent bout of participation, but the benefits don’t stop there!!  Studies have shown that compared to cortisone injections, PT has required less one year returns to the doctor for related issues, and less pain and functional disabilities after a full year following completion compared to cortisone injections.

Not only is PT effective in the present but it’s been shown to be more effective in the long term without the side effects or repeated need for injections in the future. Your body is an investment worth making, and if you have any ailments, PT is a decision worth investing in!