PT Handbook: Injections for Pain Aren't a Cure

Welcome! The PT Handbook is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC where our patient population includes exercise lovers and the everyday athlete. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service.

This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), contact us with the link below!

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com

PT Handbook Conversation: Why Injections Don’t Work for Back Pain

Ok, maybe I shouldn’t say they don’t or never work, they do offer some short term relief if really needed. But it’s hard to justify any long term benefit of these injections.

But even as I write this, the more I think about how many people I’ve treated with back pain who have had steroid injections who have felt NO RELIEF. So do they even provide that much short term relief? Working in healthcare is strange, it really just depends. Anyway, let’s get to the hard data recently released on spinal injections for chronic back pain.

A recent study published in The BMJ (PMID: 39971346, type in this ID to pubmed for the actual research paper) analyzed the effectiveness of common interventional procedures, such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks, for chronic back pain. While these treatments may provide short-term relief (I guess) , the research suggests they offer little to no long-term benefits for pain or function. This raises an important question: if these procedures don’t address the root cause of pain, what’s the best approach for lasting relief?

This is where physical therapy shines. Unlike passive interventions (passive meaning the patient is not moving and just sitting or lying there) that only mask symptoms, PT focuses on long-term solutions by improving movement, strength, and neuromuscular control. Through a combination of targeted exercise, manual therapy, and education, physical therapy helps patients build resilience and prevent recurring pain. Rather than relying on temporary fixes, addressing the underlying dysfunction through an active, evidence-based approach leads to sustainable improvements in both pain and quality of life. If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic spine pain, it may be time to rethink the quick-fix mentality and invest in a long term solution.

Everyone in the medical field nowadays agrees that exercise is medicine. We, as physical therapists, are the healthcare providers that actually live and breathe this tag line. We dose exercise for your pain, it makes you stronger and more confident in your physical abilities.

An injection or spinal “adjustment” won’t make your back stronger, physical therapy/exercise will. So come see us for a stronger and less painful back.

PS- We discuss this recent research on my new podcast, check it out below 🙂 

Until Next Time,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com