Costisone Shots
Yay or Nay for Pain Relief?
If you've ever gone to the doctor for shoulder, hip, or joint pain, chances are you’ve been offered a cortisone shot. It’s known for providing quick relief, but at a cost many people aren’t warned about.
While cortisone (a synthetic version of cortisol) can provide temporary pain relief, it rarely addresses the root cause and comes with some serious downsides, like cartilage damage, bone loss, tendon weakening, and nerve damage. For a small number of people, a single injection may fully resolve their pain, making the risks feel worthwhile. But for most, the relief is short-lived, or doesn’t happen at all. Unfortunately with each jab, the integrity of the soft tissue around the injection site has been reduced, potentially leading to more issues over time.
Why Does Pain Increase After 40?
Several factors make us more prone to aches and pains as we age:
Repetitive use injuries from daily habits and movement patterns
Poor ergonomics - hello, desk jobs and phones!
Hormonal shifts from perimenopause and menopause
Lack of movement and other healthy habits
Higher inflammation levels
Loss of muscle mass
7 Effective - and Safer - Ways to Reduce Pain
The good news? There are powerful, natural ways to relieve pain, without the risks of cortisone:
Find the root cause – For example, If you sit a lot and have hip or lower back pain, add movement, stretching, and strength work for your core, hips, glutes, and hamstrings.
Release tension - Work with your body to learn where you unconsciously hold tension and learn ways to release it.
Get regular massage & bodywork – Targeted Myofascial Release and some massage will help release tension, improve circulation, lubricate the joints, hydrate the fascia, and provide longer-lasting relief than a cortisone shot, all while addressing the actual cause of pain.
Support hormonal balance – When our estrogen drops, so does collagen, which impacts joint health. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can all alter the way the body responds to pain and lower levels in the body can lead to more pain.
Take high-quality collagen – Great for joints and gives you stronger hair, nails, and glowing skin!
Prioritize movement & strength training – Muscle loss increases with age, so building strength is essential for pain-free living.
Reduce inflammatory foods – Many clients feel less joint pain within days of cutting sugar. While you don’t have to eliminate it, understanding the connection helps you make informed choices. Incorporate ginger, turmeric, omega-3s and other anti-inflammatories for natural pain relief.
