Orthopedist Discusses Injections For Tennis Elbow
In this video, Dr. Geier, an Orthopedic Surgeon, honestly reveals why it is that although Cortisone shots have been a common treatment for injuries like Tennis Elbow for years, they are not a wise choice except - possibly - as a last resort.
I like it that he is well aware that the problem is not one of inflammation - rather:
"an area of intrinsic degeneration within the tendon(s)"
And that Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medicine but:
"there is no inflammation in there for it to work on"
(I would add that even if there IS some inflammation - which there SHOULD be - you would still want to allow - or even encourage it, as is the case with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy - and NOT suppress it with drugs, Cortisone or otherwise.)
And he admits that although it can effectively relieve pain temporarily,
"We've see with studies over and over, over the past few years that patients have a higher chance that it comes back - A higher 'recurrence rate'"
This video has a rather low view count considering what a good job Dr. Geier does presenting his clear, direct and honest views, and I wanted to feature it here on Tennis Elbow Classroom.
For an in-depth look at Cortisone shots, including several medical studies that should give anyone pause before considering receiving one, see:
Cortisone Shots For Treating Tennis Elbow: Damaging AND Ineffective?
