[Vickie]

Whew, we have a lot of similar and different opinions and experiences; all valid and still confusing when you're the guy in pain. An MRI will help to put your mind at ease and will give you clarity on choosing your course of action for sure. Follow your heart on this one. Most trainers hate cortisone injections but just like your mind needs to be at ease I find that in highly acute cases the constant pain and inflammation is as big a detriment to recovery as the injury proper. So I agree with Julian that if you are using a holistic approach to good science cortisone can be a useful tool to allow for gently and methodical healing protocols. Let's not forget good old fashioned rest for a few days.

Ofcourse you know from reading anything I write that you need to look at your basic postural alignment and begin some corrections on the foundation while you're making your choices.All the joint specific and sport specific training will not help you avoid an injury if your alignment allows for misagreement in the way your muscles do their job of providing your mobility.

This would all be easier if any two of us had the same genetic, lifestyle, swing style, and historical backgrounds. But alas, the mystery continues to call for group query.

Vik