274 Shockwave Therapy vs. Cortisone Injections

This episode compares shockwave therapy and cortisone injections as treatment options for common musculoskeletal pain (heel, shoulder, elbow, and other areas). We explain how cortisone can provide quick, short-term relief but may not address the underlying tissue problem, while shockwave therapy promotes tissue healing and longer-term improvement.

Imagine pain-free movement that lasts longer than a few days. Today we explore how a simple shot compares with a non-invasive therapy that can restart your body’s healing process.

Episode Summary

Who this is for: Anyone dealing with persistent heel, shoulder, elbow, or other musculoskeletal pain who has been offered cortisone injections or unsure about long-term relief.
What you’ll learn: How cortisone works, why pain may return after a cortisone shot, what shockwave therapy does, who is a good candidate, and how to decide between these options as part of a broader treatment plan.
The hero’s path: You are the hero with goals to move better and live without chronic pain. The clinician’s job is to guide you with a simple, evidence-based plan that fits your life.

Key Takeaways (simple, actionable points)

Cortisone offers quick relief but may not fix tissue damage; long-term outcomes can be worse for some conditions.
Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s healing, promotes new blood vessel growth, and can provide longer-lasting improvements with a series of sessions.
The best approach often involves a personalized plan that considers tissue health, activity goals, and a rehabilitation component.
A thorough evaluation is essential before choosing a treatment path.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Landorf et al. (2006). Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial. Archives of Internal Medicine.
Coombes et al. (2013). Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections for tendinopathy: a systematic review. Lancet.
Speed et al. (2014). A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Gerdesmeyer et al. (2003). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic calcifying tendonitis of the rotator cuff: JAMA.

cortisone shockwave

Justin Trosclair

About the Author

Dr. Justin Trosclair, D.C., an expert in Chiropractic Care, has been focusing on back and neck pain relief for over 12 years and has delivered treatment to more than 6000 patients. With advanced training in treating disc derangement conditions, you can count on him to keep up to date with the latest research in physical medicine for spinal pain. He has 5 years of hospital experience in China, is currently working in Germany, and had a private practice in Colorado for 6 years. Dr. Trosclair hosts a doctor to doctor interview podcast called ‘A Doctor’s Perspective‘ with over 220 episodes. During his free time he wrote 3 books. Today’s Choices Tomorrow’s Health (rebooting health in 4 categories), a Do-It- Yourself acupressure book for 40 common conditions called Needle-less Acupuncture, and a step by step guide to look like a local for Chinese dinner culture called Chinese Business Dinner Culture. If you have kids, you may be interested in his 6 series tri-lingual animal coloring book series (english, spanish and chinese).