20 Nov Cortisone Shot vs. Regenerative Therapy for Lasting Shoulder Relief
By Farhan Malik, MD
Atlanta Innovative Medicine
Cortisone shot didn’t work the way you’d hoped? You’re not alone.
Shoulder pain is something many people deal with, and it can really put a damper on your daily activities and overall enjoyment of life. Even simple movements like reaching for your favorite coffee mug in the morning can become challenging.
For many, the first step for relief is often a cortisone shot, which aims to reduce inflammation and provide quick pain relief. But what can you do if a cortisone shot in the shoulder doesn’t work or the pain relief doesn’t last?
At Atlanta Innovative Medicine (AIM), we understand the frustration of dealing with recurring shoulder pain. We offer modern, advanced alternative treatments, including regenerative therapy options such as Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy, which not only alleviate pain but also support your body’s natural recovery and repair processes. These options aim to do more than just mask the pain—they’re designed to help your body heal and provide lasting relief.
In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between cortisone injections and regenerative medicine therapies for shoulder pain relief. We’ll break down how each approach works, share their benefits and potential downsides, and show you how our personalized treatment plans at AIM can help you get back to doing what you love. Whether you’re looking for a more sustainable solution for your shoulder pain or just exploring your options, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Subscribe for Expert Insights and Our Ebook
A Closer Look at Regenerative Medicine: Comparing Your Options Learn about treatment options like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Prolozone Therapy, and Stem Cell Therapy.
What are Steroid Injections, a.k.a. Cortisone Shots?
Steroid injections, often referred to as cortisone shots, are a medical treatment for pain that involves injecting corticosteroids directly into a targeted area, like the shoulder joint. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, including hormones like cortisol, which play a crucial role in the body’s response to stress and inflammation.
Cortisone shots aim to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, especially from arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. Many patients notice relief within a few days, with effects lasting from a few weeks to several months. However, while they provide fast symptom relief, cortisone shots are not a cure for the underlying issues causing the pain; they’re essentially a short-term, temporary solution for painful flare-ups.
How Steroid Injections Work
Cortisone mimics the anti-inflammatory effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body. When injected into the affected joint or area, the steroid travels directly to the site of inflammation, blocking the substances that trigger inflammation and significantly inhibiting the inflammatory response. As a result, when cortisone shots are successful, patients experience a quick reduction in swelling, pain, and discomfort. This immediate effect is why many individuals turn to cortisone shots when they are experiencing acute pain.
Corticosteroid injections are designed to provide quick relief, but their effects are temporary. Over time, the pain relief can diminish as the body adapts, leading some patients to seek more injections. Unfortunately, this repeated reliance on cortisone shots may result in diminishing returns, with each injection becoming less effective. Many patients find that, despite multiple treatments, their relief becomes fleeting, leaving them frustrated and looking for alternatives.
Side Effects of Steroid Injections
Cortisone injections also come with potential side effects, with up to 90% of patients experiencing adverse effects. These side effects can include skin thinning, joint infection, nerve damage, weakened connective tissue, and, as we discussed already, frequent use may lead to dependency on injections for relief with diminishing efficacy.
So, what can you do if you want to forgo a cortisone shot and avoid the potential side effects but don’t want to be in pain? Or what happens if a cortisone shot in the shoulder doesn’t work, and the only other option presented is an invasive surgery? It’s time to explore alternatives.
Alternatives to Cortisone Shots at Atlanta Innovative Medicine
At Atlanta Innovative Medicine (AIM), we prioritize innovative alternatives to cortisone shots that promote healing rather than just masking pain. Our advanced regenerative injection therapies support the body’s natural repair processes to deliver lasting relief from shoulder pain. Unlike cortisone shots, which only alleviate symptoms temporarily, these regenerative therapies target the root causes by stimulating the body’s healing responses, regenerating tissue at the source of pain, and addressing the underlying issues causing the pain and inflammation in the first place.
At AIM, we offer several advanced regenerative medicine therapies for shoulder joint pain, providing effective alternatives to cortisone shots, surgery, and long-term medication use. These injection therapies support tissue healing and repair. While each works differently, they all trigger a natural healing response in the body, allowing us to help you find the best option for your needs.
- Stem Therapy: Stem cell therapy is a promising alternative to cortisone shots and surgery for shoulder injury, even for rotator cuff tears. This treatment involves collecting a small sample of adipose or bone marrow tissue from the patient, which contains millions of stem cells and growth factors. After concentrating this sample, the stem cells are injected back into the damaged tissue, where they can differentiate into various cell types to aid in repairing and regenerating injured joints and tissue. While it requires a small incision for tissue collection, stem cell therapy is very safe and involves little to no recovery time.
Prolotherapy: Prolotherapy involves injecting a mild irritant to activate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for forming connective tissues, which accelerate healing in the affected areas. By enhancing blood flow and promoting tissue repair, Prolotherapy can reduce pain and improve shoulder joint function, helping patients regain mobility and strength.
Prolozone Therapy: Prolozone therapy is another excellent alternative to cortisone shots for shoulder pain. It utilizes localized ozone injections to reconstruct damaged connective tissues and reduce inflammation. By delivering a combination of dextrose, vitamins, minerals and ozone directly to the injection site, Prolozone therapy promotes tissue regeneration and enhances circulation. This powerful approach not only provides effective relief from chronic pain but also offers a safe, non-surgical option for those seeking sustained recovery.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy is an exceptional alternative to cortisone shots for shoulder pain, harnessing the body’s natural healing capabilities to promote recovery. However, be aware that not all PRP is created equal. At AIM, we utilize super-concentrated PRP (SC-PRP), which can contain up to 9.3 times the average volume of platelets. This high concentration effectively stimulates new tissue growth and repair, addressing joint pain at its source and providing a more sustainable solution to discomfort.
Hemozone Therapy: Hemozone therapy is a cutting-edge alternative to cortisone shots for shoulder injuries and pain. This treatment combines ozone and PRP injections to enhance oxygen delivery, boost immune function, and decrease inflammation. By providing compounded therapeutic effects, Hemozone therapy relieves pain and aids in ligament repair, allowing patients to heal and return to normal activities more quickly. This makes it an excellent option for those suffering from shoulder tendon injuries, which typically take a long time to heal without surgical intervention.
Customized Pain Treatment that Targets the Source.
Explore our extensive pain management treatments and learn how our medical professionals target the source of the issue — without surgery.
Why Choose Regenerative Therapy for Shoulder Pain?
Regenerative therapies are not just about symptomatic relief; they are designed to tackle the underlying health problems causing pain and immobility. By tapping into the body’s natural healing abilities, these treatments can reduce pain, promote repair, and enhance shoulder function. Unlike cortisone shots, most patients undergoing regenerative therapy report either no or only mild side effects and do not experience the dependency or diminishing returns often seen with corticosteroid treatments. Many individuals experience long-lasting results, enabling them to return to their daily activities with renewed vitality.
Regenerative Medicine at AIM
At Atlanta Innovative Medicine, we are committed to improving your health and quality of life by offering advanced, nonsurgical, regenerative medicine using the most advanced technologies. We create customized treatment plans that may combine multiple regenerative treatments with physical therapy, providing a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term health. We also offer financing options for regenerative procedures to make care more accessible.
If you’re interested in regenerative therapy for your shoulder pain, AIM is here to help. Our experienced medical team will answer all your questions and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Don’t put off pain relief—contact us today!
Quizzes
Are you a candidate for Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine can be an effective therapy and treatment option for lasting pain relief for a variety of conditions like osteoarthritis of the knee, hip or shoulder; ACL or meniscus tears; tennis or golfer’s elbow; chronic neck and back pain; and more.
Is it right for you and your condition? Take 1 minute to answer a few “yes or no” questions that help to assess if you might be a candidate for PRP, stem cell or other nonsurgical regenerative treatments.
Are You a Stem Cell Candidate for Your Joint or Spine Damage?
Are you a candidate for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Do I have nonsurgical options for my injured or aging joints?
Take the Pain Medications Risk Quiz
Regenerative Medicine.
Reimagined
- Advanced hybrid therapies, including Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy combined with different mechanisms of action that synergistically come together to support ultimate healing
- More powerful PRP that’s customized, amplified and personalized
- Therapies delivered by an experienced, compassionate team comprised of multidisciplinary experts in traditional and alternative medicine working as your team: Medical Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Physiotherapists and Chiropractors
- Advanced training through the American Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, the American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy Regenerative Medicine, and more
All content of this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Individual results may vary. Your medical professional can explain all the risks and potential benefits of any therapy based on your specific circumstances. At this time regenerative therapies are not FDA approved. Neither Atlanta Innovative Medicine nor its physician affiliates promise regenerative therapies as a cure for any condition, disease, or injury.
Other Atlanta Areas We Service:
© 2024 Atlanta Innovative Medicine, LLC. All Rights Reserved. AIM Scholarship Opportunity
