I've got shoulder impingement from swimming and so have issues with my rotator cuff, too sore to swim. The inflammation wasn't coming down even with NSAIDs so I had a cortisone injection on tuesday (hoping to sail this weekend). The inflammation has definitely come down and there is less pain and more mobility, but still pretty sore. How long does it normally take for the cortisone to fully kick in? Googling it gives me a whole range of answers from 24 hours up to 4 weeks!

Mark _australia said..
I have always had considerable effect about day 2-3.

Only had it 3x though in different joints

cool thanks Mark, it's been 48 hours now, so hopefully the next 24 hours it will start improving!

JulianRoss said..
OK Zed,
The initial effect is from the local anaesthetic which is mixed with the cortico-steroid.
That is day 2 and 3.
The C/S takes 7 to 10 days to 'fight' the inflammation, and you don't want to be doing vigorous exercise during that period...
After that you need to strengthen your scapular stabilisers before a rotator cuff rehab program. and get a coach to correct your technique..

Cool thanks mate. Pretty sure I know whats wrong with my technique (thumb entry plus a few other things) and got a good strengthening program, but will hold off for a few days before getting back into it.

I had a shot in my shoulder, the doc said it was a depot release - so slowly releases from the injected joint over 3-4 weeks.
Just depends what you were given of course.

I wouldn't rush in if you want it to heal properly, you're more likely to damage things much worse if you rush in only 3 days down mate.