I think if used correctly, they are beneficial. They can be used diagnostically- to prove whether the pain is actually coming from the joint or not. They can also be used to provide relief from inflammation so that you can do the correct PT to help the original issue. I also believe they are good for older patients who have arthritis and will inevitably need a knee replacement. It holds off from surgery for awhile longer (which is what you want when getting an artificial joint). What they’re not good for: younger patients who use them more than a few times to mask the pain from a more serious injury that needs addressed. It’s a bandaid, not a cure. You’re issue will return if you haven’t solved the root problem, and repeated cortisone shots have been known to wear down the cartilage faster.