Shoulder Osteoarthritis Non-Surgical Treatment
Can shoulder osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Some people live active lives, never knowing they have shoulder osteoarthritis and don’t have any shoulder pain. When shoulder arthritis symptoms develop, patients can choose to treat either the symptoms or treat the structure and symptoms. Conservative treatment treats only the symptoms of shoulder arthritis, not the structure. The focus of conservative care will be on reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, while also improving overall stability and function of the shoulder. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the shoulder arthritis and the chosen treatment.
Initially following the injury or arthritic flare-up, it’s essential to rest the shoulder and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
Oral anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as Meloxicam, Naproxen, Advil, or Ibuprofen, may help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Applying ice packs and compression to the shoulder can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember to use a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite.
A structured physical therapy program can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving overall joint function. It is important to complete any home exercises that your physical therapist provides to you in order to optimize your recovery.
The goal of an intra-articular injection is to manage pain and inflammation of the shoulder. Therefore, injections may be used as a short-term measure to manage these symptoms following an injury. However, it’s crucial to understand receiving an intra-articular injection to the shoulder will delay any surgical intervention for at least 3 months following the administration of the injection.
At a Glance
Dr. Jorge Chahla
- Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
- Performs over 700 surgeries per year
- Assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
- Learn more
