Physical Therapy or Steroid Injections for Knee Pain: What Does the Research Say?
Knee pain is very common, especially as we get older. Arthritis and meniscus tears are two of the most frequent causes. If you’ve seen a healthcare provider for knee pain, you may have been offered a steroid injection to help reduce pain and swelling, or referred to physical therapy to improve strength and movement.
So which option works better in the long run? Research gives us some helpful answers.
What Did the Study Look At?
A large research study published in BMC Medicine compared steroid injections and physical therapy for people with knee arthritis and meniscus tears. More than 270 adults participated in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either a cortisone injection or a structured physical therapy program.
Those in the physical therapy group completed guided exercises designed to strengthen the leg muscles, improve balance, increase knee motion, and reduce pain. Researchers followed both groups for one full year, measuring pain levels, daily function, knee movement, balance, and overall quality of life.
What Were the Results?
After one year, the results were clear. People who participated in physical therapy reported less pain, better ability to walk and perform daily activities, and higher quality of life scores compared to those who received steroid injections. They also showed greater improvements in knee movement and balance, which are important for staying active and reducing fall risk.
While steroid injections helped some patients feel better in the short term, those benefits did not last as long as the improvements seen with physical therapy.
What Does This Mean for You?
This study offers encouraging news: physical therapy is a safe and effective long-term treatment for knee pain related to arthritis and meniscus tears. While steroid injections may still be helpful for temporary pain relief in certain situations, research suggests that strengthening the knee, improving movement, and learning how to care for your joint through physical therapy can lead to longer-lasting results.
If you’re dealing with ongoing knee pain, talking with your healthcare provider about starting physical therapy may be a smart first step toward getting back to the activities you enjoy.
At Omaha Physical Therapy Institute, we understand how frustrating knee pain can be and how much it can limit your daily life. Our physical therapists focus on identifying the root cause of your pain and creating a personalized treatment plan to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you enjoy. If knee pain is holding you back, we would love the opportunity to help guide you toward long-lasting relief and improved confidence in your movement.
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