Treatment Options
Alternatives to Steroid Injections
If you're not eager for another cortisone shot, you're not alone — and you do have other options worth understanding.
Why Patients Look for Alternatives
Corticosteroid injections can provide meaningful short-term relief, but some patients are hesitant about repeated injections, have had diminishing returns from prior injections, or simply want to try a non-invasive option first. All of these are reasonable starting points for a conversation with a provider.
Exercise / Loading Therapy
A progressive, condition-specific loading program is a well-evidenced first-line option for most tendinopathies.
Shockwave Therapy
A non-invasive, needle-free option studied for several of the same conditions where corticosteroid injection is commonly used. See our Shockwave vs. Cortisone comparison for the specific tradeoffs.
Activity and Biomechanical Modification
Addressing footwear, technique, training load, or ergonomics can reduce the ongoing strain that's keeping a tendon irritated.
When an Injection Still Makes Sense
We're not here to talk anyone out of a treatment that's genuinely appropriate for them. For some patients and conditions, an injection remains a reasonable, evidence-supported choice — this page is about making sure you know what else is on the table, not talking you out of your provider's recommendation.
New Patient Exam + First Treatment — $99
First treatment provided when clinically appropriate following your examination.