Cortisone Injections for Joint Pain | Chiropractor & Physio in Tumut – Bowles Health
What Are Cortisone Injections?
Cortisone injections (also called corticosteroid injections) are powerful anti-inflammatory treatments commonly used to relieve pain and swelling in joints or soft tissues.
Cortisone mimics your body’s natural cortisol. When injected directly into an inflamed area, it can significantly reduce inflammation, leading to less pain and improved movement.
At Bowles Health in Tumut, we often see patients who’ve had cortisone injections—or are considering them—for musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections are typically used for:
Arthritis (e.g. knee, hip, shoulder, thumb joints)
Bursitis and tendinitis (e.g. tennis elbow, rotator cuff issues)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Lower back pain (e.g. epidural steroid injections for sciatica)
These injections can offer quick relief from inflammation, allowing for easier movement and less pain.
How Effective Are Cortisone Injections?
Benefits
Fast-acting pain relief (often within days)
Effects can last for weeks to months
Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
May help patients start physiotherapy with less discomfort
Risks and Limitations
Cartilage damage: Frequent injections may speed up cartilage degeneration
Tendon weakening: Risk of tendon rupture if injected too close
Temporary relief: Cortisone treats the inflammation, not the root cause
Potential dependency: Repeated use can mask the underlying issue
It’s essential to understand that cortisone injections are not a cure. They're best used as a short-term tool in conjunction with other long-term treatments—like physiotherapy or chiropractic care.
Why Choose Conservative Treatment First?
While cortisone injections can provide relief, they should not be the first or only treatment. At Bowles Health, our physiotherapists and chiropractors in Tumut focus on treating the root cause of your pain—not just the symptoms.
We often help patients reduce or avoid the need for cortisone injections through:
Manual therapy
Strength and mobility exercises
Postural retraining
Biomechanical assessments
Lifestyle advice and pain education
Conservative treatments are non-invasive, carry fewer risks, and can lead to longer-lasting results.
How Many Injections Are Safe?
Most medical guidelines recommend no more than 3–4 cortisone injections per joint per year, and only when truly necessary. Overuse can lead to tissue damage and may worsen joint health long-term.
Our Approach at Bowles Health Tumut
If you're considering cortisone injections or looking for alternatives, our team at Bowles Health offers:
Thorough assessments
Individualised treatment plans
Collaboration with your GP or specialist
Post-injection rehabilitation if needed
We aim to restore your function, reduce your pain, and help you avoid unnecessary interventions.
Book an Appointment with Our Tumut Physiotherapy & Chiropractic Team
If you're dealing with joint pain, inflammation, or recurring soft tissue injuries, contact Bowles Health in Tumut today. Our experienced team of physiotherapists and chiropractors can help you explore your options and build a path to long-term recovery.
Reference:
Brukner P, et al. (2017). Brukner & Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine: Injuries, Volume 1, 5e. McGraw-Hill Education. Source
