Alternatives to Cortisone Shots for Shoulder Pain

Dealing with persistent shoulder discomfort can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it hinders your daily activities and diminishes your quality of life. Many individuals turn to cortisone shots for shoulder pain, seeking relief from the constant ache. While these injections can offer temporary respite, understanding their potential limitations and exploring alternative therapies that provide more sustainable relief can help you make a more informed decision.

Cortisone injections are commonly used to address inflammation and pain in the shoulder area. They deliver a corticosteroid medication directly into the affected region, aiming to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. This approach can provide quick relief, allowing individuals to engage in physical therapy or resume daily activities with less pain.

However, it’s important to note that the relief from cortisone shots is often temporary. Some individuals may experience side effects such as:  

• Pain and swelling at the injection site
• Facial flushing
• Elevated blood sugar levels. 
• Weakened tendons

These are some reasons why it’s fundamental to consider other treatment options for your shoulder pain and decrease the repeated use of cortisone injections.

Why Seek Alternatives to Cortisone Shots for Shoulder Pain?

Given the potential drawbacks of relying solely on cortisone injections, both patients and healthcare providers are exploring alternative treatments that may offer more lasting benefits without the associated risks.

• Desire for Long-Term Relief: Cortisone shots may provide only temporary alleviation, leading individuals to seek treatments that address the root cause of their pain for more enduring results.
• Minimizing Side Effects: Some patients experience adverse reactions to cortisone, prompting the exploration of therapies with fewer or no side effects.
• Preventing Tissue Damage: Frequent cortisone injections can weaken tendons and other tissues, increasing the risk of further injury.
• Holistic Health Approach: Many individuals prefer treatments that promote the body’s natural healing processes rather than relying on synthetic medications.

Exploring various treatment options can be empowering and lead you to more effective management of shoulder pain. By considering alternatives to cortisone shots, you can explore therapies that better align with your health goals and provide more sustainable relief.

Non-Surgical Shoulder Pain Treatments Without Cortisone

If natural and lifestyle approaches have not provided sufficient relief, considering other medical interventions can be a valuable step toward effectively managing your shoulder pain.

1. Physical Therapy

Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can be instrumental in alleviating shoulder discomfort. A licensed physical therapist will assess your symptoms and design a personalized regimen to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, enhance flexibility, and restore range of motion, addressing existing pain and helping prevent future injuries by promoting better posture and joint mechanics. 

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical treatment that involves extracting a patient’s blood, isolating the platelet-rich portion, and injecting it into the affected shoulder area. Platelets contain growth factors that play a role in tissue repair and inflammation modulation. PRP is used to address musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder injuries, with the goal of supporting the body’s natural healing processes. While outcomes vary, some studies suggest PRP may help improve pain and function in certain cases. 

3. Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body’s joint fluid, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber. In cases where shoulder pain is associated with joint degeneration or reduced synovial fluid, injecting hyaluronic acid can help restore lubrication, minimize friction, and alleviate pain. This treatment improves mobility and provides relief, especially for individuals who have not responded well to other conservative measures.

4. Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic near specific nerves to interrupt pain signals from reaching the brain. They can provide immediate, though temporary, relief for shoulder pain. This intervention is often used diagnostically to identify the source of pain or therapeutically to manage acute discomfort, allowing patients to participate more effectively in rehabilitation programs.

5. SoftWave Therapy

This non-invasive treatment uses patented broad-focused true shockwave technology to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. SoftWave therapy works at the cellular level, increasing blood flow (angiogenesis), modulating inflammation, and activating dormant cells to promote tissue regeneration—all without causing microtrauma.

SoftWave therapy provides lasting relief for shoulder pain, joint discomfort, and chronic conditions by treating both surface and deep tissue areas—offering a proven, non-invasive alternative when other treatments fail.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Shoulder Pain

Making thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine can significantly reduce shoulder pain. Incorporating specific practices can promote healing and prevent further discomfort.

• Maintain Proper Posture: Keeping your shoulders back and spine aligned reduces unnecessary strain on shoulder muscles and joints.
• Engage in Regular Gentle Exercises: Incorporating low-impact activities like walking or swimming can enhance blood flow and support joint health.
• Apply Cold or Heat Therapy: Ice packs can reduce inflammation, while warm compresses may relax tight muscles.
• Practice Mindful Movements: Being conscious of your movements and avoiding activities exacerbating pain can prevent further irritation.
• Ensure Ergonomic Workspaces: Adjusting your work area to promote comfort can prevent repetitive strain on the shoulder.

The Best Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Are you looking for safe, reliable, and effective relief from shoulder pain?

SoftWave therapy is FDA-cleared, patented, and nationally recognized for its leading tissue regeneration technology. Unlike other types of high-energy shockwave treatments, SoftWave is the only shockwave therapy on the market that uses true broad-focused shock waves that treat larger and deeper areas of tissue. 

Thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of SoftWave for shoulder pain, including:

• Little to no side effects
• Short treatment time
• Quick recovery
• Long-lasting results

Find a SoftWave Therapy provider near you or learn more about SoftWave and whether or not you’re eligible for full treatment today!