Anyone had a cortisone shot in their shoulder?

fullfloater
Edited Date/Time 5/21/2019 11:48am
I'm about 6-7 weeks into a shoulder injury. Hard impact. No tears but I have some serious impingement. I'm doing physio but wonder if a cortisone shot might help the impingement. Going back to see the doc this week. Anyone?
|
moto0852
Profile picture for user moto0852
Posts
943
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Draper, UT, USA
moto0852 5/21/2019 12:04pm
5/21/2019 12:04pm Edited Date/Time 5/21/2019 12:04pm
I have had it done several times. I had a torn labrum once and just a lot of irritation in the joint from landing on it wrong on another occasion. (Apparently, my Doc says you're not supposed to land on them at all!)

Of the three shots I got, two were magic and worked like a charm. I felt 100% by the time I got out of his office and into my car. The third one didn't do anything.

My Advice? If you're already going to the Doc and it's not too bad of an out of pocket expense, go for it.
5
ProKawi24
Profile picture for user ProKawi24
Posts
2143
Joined
2/20/2018
Location
Herald, CA, USA
ProKawi24 5/21/2019 12:07pm
5/21/2019 12:07pm
I've had 3 in my left shoulder. I have a torn rotator cuff and a partially torn bicep tendon in that arm from MX injuries that have been exasperated by pushing a wheelchair for 18 years now. The injections really helped a lot for about a month - much less pain and more range of motion. After 3 injections (each 6 months apart) the doc said I just need to have a complete surgery because they can't just keep pumping me full of cortisone.

Something I found really helps a lot is a prescription gel called "Voltaren". Much more powerful than Icy-hot/Bengay and without any smell. I hate taking ibprofen because it tears up my stomach so I apply this gel and it really helps with the swelling in my entire shoulder.
2
jgmxdad251
Profile picture for user jgmxdad251
Posts
1253
Joined
11/23/2008
Location
Simi Valley, CA, USA
jgmxdad251 5/21/2019 12:08pm
5/21/2019 12:08pm
Never had one in my shoulder but, both elbows and hands. I’m my experience it eases the pain for about a week, then it comes right back.
4
akmx17
Profile picture for user akmx17
Posts
2706
Joined
3/5/2007
Location
Palmer, AK, USA
akmx17 5/21/2019 12:08pm
5/21/2019 12:08pm
Several, just a Bandaid, it will feel great but it will keep coming back
4

The Shop

See All »
GrapeApe
Profile picture for user GrapeApe
Posts
8863
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX, USA
GrapeApe 5/21/2019 12:24pm
5/21/2019 12:24pm
I've had them at various time through my life and they never worked for me. My last injury was a shoulder injury that resulted in impingement made worse by some bone deposits. I refused the stupid shot and instead tried to treat it with PT, which just made it worse. I resigned myself to surgery, and the doc talked me into a shot as a last ditch effort. Sure, let's waste another couple of weeks. To my amazement my relief was almost immediate and it has been 2 years now with absolutely no pain in that shoulder.

In short, the outcome is a crap-shoot.
1
Nesta
Profile picture for user Nesta
Posts
19
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
Nesta 5/21/2019 12:24pm
5/21/2019 12:24pm
Just went to the doc yesterday for the same thing. He stated to never get cortisone shots, should take it in pill form. Also mentioned injecting my own plasma into shoulder.
SwingHard
Profile picture for user SwingHard
Posts
482
Joined
3/14/2017
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
SwingHard 5/21/2019 12:25pm
5/21/2019 12:25pm
fullfloater wrote:
I'm about 6-7 weeks into a shoulder injury. Hard impact. No tears but I have some serious impingement. I'm doing physio but wonder if a cortisone...
I'm about 6-7 weeks into a shoulder injury. Hard impact. No tears but I have some serious impingement. I'm doing physio but wonder if a cortisone shot might help the impingement. Going back to see the doc this week. Anyone?
Maybe ask your Dr. about PRP , Platelet Rich Plasma injections. Had it done for a torn rotator cuff, it definitely helped!
sumdood
Profile picture for user sumdood
Posts
8857
Joined
3/11/2013
Location
San Clemente, CA, USA
Fantasy
491st
sumdood 5/21/2019 12:29pm
5/21/2019 12:29pm
I've had them in my shoulder, my knee, my thumb and fingers (trigger finger) Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I agree with GrapeApe, crapshoot, but worth a shot. If it postpones surgery by a substancial amount of time why not try it. It's already fucked up
4
Lucifa.
Profile picture for user Lucifa.
Posts
1415
Joined
4/14/2009
Location
Christchurch, NZ
Lucifa. 5/21/2019 12:45pm
5/21/2019 12:45pm
Don't forget to get your TUE first Tongue
3
erik_94COBRA
Profile picture for user erik_94COBRA
Posts
1173
Joined
7/21/2016
Location
Houston-ish, TX, USA
erik_94COBRA 5/21/2019 12:46pm
5/21/2019 12:46pm
Cortisone will reduce the inflammation and make it hurt less for a time, just like everyone says.

However, inflammation is part of the healing process. It literally signals to your body that something is amiss and your body will respond accordingly. When you interrupt the inflammation/pain cycle with injections you are slowing down the true healing.

I would skip.
4
1
Nuffsaid
Profile picture for user Nuffsaid
Posts
573
Joined
3/24/2018
Location
Bakersfield, CA, USA
Nuffsaid 5/21/2019 12:54pm
5/21/2019 12:54pm Edited Date/Time 5/21/2019 12:55pm
Had them regularly when younger for my pitching arm, over long period use left my sholder joint bone looking like a sponge, just ate the bone away. Research it for your own piece of mind
Drtbykr
Profile picture for user Drtbykr
Posts
2058
Joined
10/29/2006
Location
Fredericton, CA
Drtbykr 5/21/2019 12:56pm
5/21/2019 12:56pm
Yes, but it didn’t help. Needed a distal clavicle excision surgery, went from about 30 usage to 95%.

Very happy with the results.

danman
Profile picture for user danman
Posts
1204
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Readstown, WI, USA
danman 5/21/2019 1:46pm
5/21/2019 1:46pm
I've had labrum surgery twice. Just before the second one, I had a cortisone shot so I could just deal with the pain until I could get surgery. Well, the cortisone worked great. No pain, so much so that I went out and damaged it substantially more. My labrum was like 90-95% torn off the bone, so the rehab sucked.
Shitty part, I re-tore it again last fall, so at some point, a third surgery.
If you can deal with the pain and discomfort, don't get the shot.
Sibex
Profile picture for user Sibex
Posts
63
Joined
1/28/2019
Location
GB
Sibex 5/21/2019 4:26pm
5/21/2019 4:26pm
Cortisone shots can work ok. A lot of it depends on the skill of whoever gives you the injection. I had a very experienced consultant do my shoulder, and he told me that sometimes doctors are a little bit twitchy about getting the tip of the needle right into the joint properly.

Anyway, I had the treatment 5 years ago and it’s still all good. That was a rotator cuff, and an impingement.
1
sandman768
Profile picture for user sandman768
Posts
8092
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
sandman768 5/21/2019 4:36pm
5/21/2019 4:36pm
I’ve had a few, has to hit the right spot to be effective....
1
Dirtydeeds 5/21/2019 4:54pm
5/21/2019 4:54pm
Had a couple, headin in for another next week. They’re so-so.
dickjackson170 5/21/2019 4:59pm
5/21/2019 4:59pm
I had 2 in my neck and 1 in my trap at the same time to alleviate cervical nerve pain. I had relief for a about 4 days. If your issues aren't nerve related, you might have better luck. Plus, everyone is different.
1
tobz
Profile picture for user tobz
Posts
3891
Joined
3/5/2007
Location
Adelaide, AU
tobz 5/21/2019 5:24pm
5/21/2019 5:24pm
It's a combination of anaesthetic and steroid for inflammation. So the 4 day to 2 week relief is the anaesthetic. If the doctor guiding the needle in hasn't hit the right spot then the steroid won't have much affect.

It's worth a shot, just don't think your cured, the injury is still there, it just let's you rehab or do daily tasks without pain.

Pit Row

See All »
JMS800
Profile picture for user JMS800
Posts
25
Joined
5/7/2019
Location
AU
JMS800 5/21/2019 5:40pm
5/21/2019 5:40pm
I've had multiple cortisone shots under my kneecap for inflammation issues, Works great for about 4 days then pain comes back
blaze 57
Profile picture for user blaze 57
Posts
392
Joined
4/11/2018
Location
Inchelium, WA, USA
blaze 57 5/21/2019 5:58pm
5/21/2019 5:58pm Edited Date/Time 5/21/2019 5:59pm
tobz wrote:
It's a combination of anaesthetic and steroid for inflammation. So the 4 day to 2 week relief is the anaesthetic. If the doctor guiding the needle...
It's a combination of anaesthetic and steroid for inflammation. So the 4 day to 2 week relief is the anaesthetic. If the doctor guiding the needle in hasn't hit the right spot then the steroid won't have much affect.

It's worth a shot, just don't think your cured, the injury is still there, it just let's you rehab or do daily tasks without pain.
My shoulder injection was done using an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the correct area, They wanted to hit right under the tendon sheath in my case. I had the bicep tendon injection but the cortisone injection was used for diagnostic reasons to see if it killed the pain or severe tendinitis before surgery to see if it was the bicep tendon causing the issue and it was and surgery followed..
Johnny Lock 5/21/2019 6:33pm
5/21/2019 6:33pm
Yes I have in my right shoulder. My ortho called it a “lube job”. It worked as intended. Don’t recall how long it lasted.
tobz
Profile picture for user tobz
Posts
3891
Joined
3/5/2007
Location
Adelaide, AU
tobz 5/21/2019 8:57pm
5/21/2019 8:57pm
Myself and many people I know havnt experienced any of those side affects.

Some have had their pain cured completely, some have it remedied for many months, and then some like myself only experienced relief for a few days.

Well worth it, imo.
alphado
Profile picture for user alphado
Posts
4084
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Erie, PA, USA
alphado 5/22/2019 5:13am
5/22/2019 5:13am
I had three given to me at one time for a partial tear. Took that pain away so I could do physical therapy. PT fixed it. I had two ortho guys that wanted to cut me open. I waited and now it is all good.
Steve125
Profile picture for user Steve125
Posts
1410
Joined
11/24/2010
Location
USA
Steve125 5/22/2019 9:47am
5/22/2019 9:47am Edited Date/Time 5/22/2019 9:48am
I got 1 in my shoulder after an injury where I couldn't even shift my car (manual) because it hurt so much. Got the shot and within 12 hours I was good as new. This was 9 years ago and still good.
Two Stroke
Profile picture for user Two Stroke
Posts
51
Joined
7/5/2011
Location
Pine Bluff, AR, USA
Two Stroke 5/22/2019 11:01am
5/22/2019 11:01am
I get one in my shoulder every three months and one in my left knew at the same time. . The shoulder I have a torn rotator cuff and a partially torn bicep muscle. The knee is from getting old and some injuries. (I'm 74) The doc recommended a knee replacement first and I asked what else we could do and he suggested the shots. It worked so well that when I came up with the shoulder injury and the shoulder specialist in with the knee doctor said surgery and recovery of 8 months I asked if cortisone shots would work. He gave me one and it's been about three years. I usually can tell about a week before I'm, supposed to go back but last time I didn't have any pain at all. It seems to work well for some people and not so well for others. It works for me.
1
peltier626 5/22/2019 11:07am
5/22/2019 11:07am
erik_94COBRA wrote:
Cortisone will reduce the inflammation and make it hurt less for a time, just like everyone says. However, inflammation is part of the healing process. It...
Cortisone will reduce the inflammation and make it hurt less for a time, just like everyone says.

However, inflammation is part of the healing process. It literally signals to your body that something is amiss and your body will respond accordingly. When you interrupt the inflammation/pain cycle with injections you are slowing down the true healing.

I would skip.
This.
3
kNewc
Profile picture for user kNewc
Posts
1169
Joined
3/17/2017
Location
USA
kNewc 5/22/2019 11:27am
5/22/2019 11:27am
I had one due to slamming into my shoulder (broken ribs, small rotator cuff tear) about 2 years ago. The cortisone shot helped after the initial injury (where you are at now). The biggest thing that helped my shoulder was lifting weights. But don't do any movement that hurts. I did bench, upright row, curls, and skull crushers and after 6 months my shoulder felt great. Now after 2 years I hardly notice it unless I do a lot of repetitive tasks.
profeshenal125 2/9/2023 7:26am
2/9/2023 7:26am
Two Stroke wrote:
I get one in my shoulder every three months and one in my left knew at the same time. . The shoulder I have a torn...
I get one in my shoulder every three months and one in my left knew at the same time. . The shoulder I have a torn rotator cuff and a partially torn bicep muscle. The knee is from getting old and some injuries. (I'm 74) The doc recommended a knee replacement first and I asked what else we could do and he suggested the shots. It worked so well that when I came up with the shoulder injury and the shoulder specialist in with the knee doctor said surgery and recovery of 8 months I asked if cortisone shots would work. He gave me one and it's been about three years. I usually can tell about a week before I'm, supposed to go back but last time I didn't have any pain at all. It seems to work well for some people and not so well for others. It works for me.

I had my right shoulder & left knee injected wed. This morning I hv pain shoulder into my hand. I can’t lift 1 lb a little surprised by that. A few things torn up in my shoulder . I,m not too concerned about. I just wanted to get rid of the Tendinitis. 

1
DYE
Profile picture for user DYE
Posts
238
Joined
2/23/2016
Location
USA
DYE 2/9/2023 7:38am
2/9/2023 7:38am Edited Date/Time 2/9/2023 7:40am

I know this is an old thread resurrected but I'll chime in for future reference. Currently 5 months into a shoulder injury. First MRI shows no tears just fluid buildup. With the popping/clicking/instability and bicep hurting I'm pretty sure its a slap tear. They gave me one shot in the tendons for the rotator cuff that was super inflamed and that didn't do anything. Came back for followup and they gave me another one in bicep tendon. This one helped tremendously but there is still something going on in there that''s just not right. I think it''s just putting a band aid on the real issue. I mean I've seen varsity blues, I know how this plays out!

Edit: And whoever said it above nailed it. For it to work it has to be in the exact correct spot from my experience. 

alphado
Profile picture for user alphado
Posts
4084
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Erie, PA, USA
alphado 2/9/2023 7:39am
2/9/2023 7:39am

I'm getting PRP injections in my back on Monday.  Going to schedule them for my knee too.  Ironically, I got knocked on my ass playing hockey a couple weeks ago and landed with my arm behind my back.  I could feel something tearing as I landed.  Got the symptoms of a torn labrum.

2

Post a reply to: Anyone had a cortisone shot in their shoulder?