It’s not uncommon for cortisone shots to be administered for pain relief. However, there are now better options that provide lasting benefits and fewer risks. This guide explores the many ways that plasma-rich platelet therapy can replace cortisone shots for those in Tampa struggling with chronic pain.
Orthopaedic Medical Group Tampa Biologics offers reliable PRP therapy near you. Schedule a consultation today for expert orthobiologic treatment in Tampa.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy vs. Cortisone Shots
Rich plasma and corticosteroids are both injected solutions used to treat pain, but that’s their only similarity. These two differ in their chemical makeup and expected results.
| PRP Shots | Cortisone Shots |
| Patient-derived plasma | Synthetic steroid |
PRP therapy in Tampa focuses on long-term pain relief by reaching the root cause of the pain and stimulating natural healing cells. The effects of cortisone shots are temporary by comparison.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Pain Relief
Plasma injections stimulate tissue repair to directly treat the condition or injury causing pain. Patient-derived platelets are rich in growth factors, effectively healing damaged tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
| Patients in Tampa who choose rich plasma therapy can experience pain relief for 12-24 months |
Cortisone shots are known to only offer pain relief for 3-6 months before subsiding, so that chronic pain can resurface. Studies also show that cortisone shots can degrade tissue over time, whereas PRP injections strengthen tissue.
Natural vs. Synthetic Substances
Decreased risk is a significant factor in pain relief. The higher the risk, the more a solution is perceived as not worth the chances. Plasma shots in Tampa are completely safe as the solution is extracted from the patient being treated.
Corticosteroids introduce foreign substances into the body. Because the solution is unnatural, there is a higher chance of the body rejecting the injection and exhibiting adverse effects.
Some side effects of cortisone steroids include:
- Weak tendons
- Facial flushing
- Insomnia
- Increased blood sugar
| Cortisone shots have been known to cause cartilage damage and joint degeneration. |
Only PRP Can Treat Chronic Conditions
Cortisone may only treat pain on the surface level, which is not beneficial for chronic conditions. The patient may have to continuously revisit the doctor for more injections, with each injection posing the risks mentioned earlier.
Platelet-rich injections are an excellent option for treating chronic conditions in Tampa:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee osteoarthritis
After receiving a PRP shot in Tampa, deeper healing limits the need for frequent revisits and additional injections in the near future. Each patient’s results vary, so follow-up appointments may still be required to ensure stable healing.
Orthopaedic Medical Group Tampa Biologics Offers PRP Therapy For Long-Term Pain Relief. Schedule a Consultation Today
OMG Biologics offers pain treatment and recovery injections like PRP and BMAC in Tampa. Our platelet-rich plasma injections help reduce pain and accelerate healing. Contact Orthopaedic Medical Group Tampa Biologics today at (813) 684-BONE (2663) to schedule a consultation or to learn more about better alternatives to cortisone shots.
