Why I Wouldn't Get a Cortisone Shot

Let's talk about why I personally wouldn't get a cortisone (steroid) injection—and why I rarely, if ever, recommend them to my patients.

The Problem with Cortisone

Cortisone injections are effective at temporarily reducing inflammation. However, this relief is typically short-lived. More importantly, emerging research shows that cortisone can actually accelerate joint degeneration.

What We Do Instead

At the Protea Performance Center, we focus on regenerative medicine—treatments that aim to heal tissue rather than just suppress symptoms.

Our approach includes:

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): We draw a small amount of your blood, concentrate the platelets, and inject them into the affected joint.
• Bone Marrow Concentrate: For more advanced cases, we can use your own bone marrow-derived cells to support tissue repair.
• Adipose Tissue Injections: Fat-derived treatments that provide cushioning and regenerative support.

The Evidence

Multiple studies now demonstrate that PRP can be more effective than cortisone for conditions like knee osteoarthritis—with benefits that last longer and without the degenerative side effects.

My Recommendation

If you're dealing with joint pain and have been offered a cortisone injection, I encourage you to explore regenerative alternatives first. Our goal is to help you move pain-free and protect the health of your joints for years to come.