Should I Get a Cortisone Injection for My Shoulder Pain?
- Murray Leyland
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
I was just with a patient the other day who asked me this exact question —
“Should I get a cortisone injection for my shoulder?”
It’s one of the most common conversations we have in the clinic.
Shoulder pain can be stubborn, frustrating, and downright limiting. And when movement hurts, it’s tempting to look for the quickest fix.
So, let’s unpack it properly — when cortisone works, when it doesn’t, and how to make sure it’s actually helping you move better (not just masking pain).
What Is a Cortisone Injection?
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that’s injected into the joint or surrounding tissue. Think of it as a fire extinguisher — it quickly cools down inflammation that’s causing heat, pain, and stiffness.
It doesn’t “heal” the shoulder directly, but it can make you comfortable enough to start the work that does — movement, strength, and recovery.
When Cortisone Can Really Help?
If you’re dealing with a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), cortisone can be a game changer. It’s actually considered gold-standard management early in the condition because it helps to halt the inflammatory process that causes the joint capsule to tighten and lock up.
Research supports this — studies have shown that intra-articular corticosteroid injections significantly improve pain and range of motion in frozen shoulder compared to placebo or physiotherapy alone (PMCID: PMC8560293)
Most people notice pain relief and improved movement within days or weeks. That reduction in pain means you can finally start gentle exercises to regain range and strength — which is where physio really shines.
When Cortisone Might Help — But Isn’t the Whole Answer?
Another common reason for shoulder pain is bursitis or rotator-cuff–related pain. In these cases, cortisone can reduce inflammation and calm things down — and that’s great.
But on its own, it rarely fixes the problem long-term.
Why? Because the bursitis or tendon irritation is usually a symptom of how the shoulder moves — not just random inflammation.
Once the pain is settled, we need to retrain movement patterns, shoulder stability, and strength to stop it coming back.
Evidence shows that while cortisone can provide short-term pain relief, active rehabilitation yields better long-term outcomes for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain (Littlewood et al., 2021).
That’s why at Thornton Physio, we often combine cortisone with a guided exercise program to get both relief and results.
What About Risks and Side Effects?
Good news — cortisone injections for the shoulder are generally very safe when done properly.
Side effects are uncommon, and serious complications are rare. You might get some temporary soreness or a “steroid flare” for a day or two, but that usually settles quickly.
You might have heard myths like “it’ll damage the joint” or “it only masks the pain.” The truth is, cortisone doesn’t harm healthy tissue when used appropriately — it simply reduces inflammation.
A 2023 systematic review found that complication rates for ultrasound-guided shoulder injections are extremely low, confirming their safety and accuracy when performed correctly (PubMed ID: 37021475)
The key is making sure it’s part of a bigger plan, not the only plan.
The Best Approach
Here’s how I usually frame it: Cortisone can open the door, but rehab walks you through it.
The ideal pathway looks like this:
Assessment – get a clear diagnosis to find out what’s driving your shoulder pain.
Cortisone (if appropriate) – use it to reduce inflammation and allow movement.
Rehab – strengthen, stabilise, and restore function so pain doesn’t return.
This approach helps you not only feel better fast — but actually stay that way.
Final Thoughts
Cortisone injections can be incredibly helpful, especially when combined with the right physiotherapy plan. But knowing whether it’s the right step for you comes down to understanding what’s causing your pain in the first place.
frequently asked questions (faq)
How long does a cortisone injection last for shoulder pain?
Answer: Relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the underlying issue and how well you manage it afterward.
Can cortisone make my shoulder worse?
Answer: Occasionally you might feel a short-term “flare” of pain, but lasting worsening is rare. If pain increases beyond a few days, it’s best to check in with your physio or GP.
Is cortisone safe?
Answer: Yes — when administered correctly and not overused. Most guidelines recommend limiting injections to a few per year in one area.
Should I rest or exercise after a cortisone injection?
Answer: Take it easy for 24–48 hours, then start gentle movement. Your physio can guide you through safe exercises to build back strength and mobility.
What if cortisone doesn’t help?
Answer: If pain persists, the next step is a detailed biomechanical assessment. Sometimes the issue isn’t inflammation at all but a movement or tendon problem — and that’s where targeted rehab comes in.
Ready to get started?
If your shoulder’s been giving you grief and you’re wondering whether cortisone is the next move, come in for an assessment. We’ll take a look, explain what’s going on, and build a plan to get you moving confidently again.
I know we can fix that shoulder and get you back to doing what you love.
Your Personal Best, Our Priority.
Murray Leyland
Director, Thornton Physiotherapy
🎥 Didn’t catch the video earlier? Watch the video here.
REFERENCES
Sun, Y., et al. (2021). Intra-articular corticosteroid injection improves pain and range of motion in frozen shoulder. *Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research*. [PMCID: PMC8560293](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8560293/)
Littlewood, C., et al. (2021). Corticosteroid injection for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain: short-term relief but limited long-term benefit. *Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy*. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00167-020-06390-x](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00167-020-06390-x)
Kim, S. J., et al. (2023). Complications of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections around the shoulder: A systematic review. *PubMed ID: 37021475*. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37021475/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37021475/)
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