There are multiple different options for conservative, or non-surgical treatment of shoulder pain, dysfunction, and arthritis. Conservative options for the shoulder generally include gentle exercises, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroid injections can provide patients with months of pain relief and return the joint back to near full function.
Surgery, including joint replacement, is generally only recommended after all other conservative treatment options fail to provide relief. Always talk to your primary care physician or to your orthopedic surgeon before starting any treatment plan. Your doctors will help you develop a plan that will best fit your specific condition.
Arthroscopy uses tiny instruments inserted into the joint through small punctures. Damaged tissue can be removed or repaired within the joint providing relief from both pain and swelling while possibly preventing further damage to the shoulder.The most common indications for shoulder arthroscopy include rotator cuff tear, labral tear, impingement syndrome, and AC joint arthritis.
Arthritis of the shoulder that results in pain and stiffness may necessitate a shoulder replacement. There are 2 different types of shoulder replacements. An anatomic shoulder replacement is performed for shoulder pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other causes of shoulder pain. A reverse shoulder replacement is performed for rotator cuff tear arthropathy and proximal humerus fractures. The typical hospital stay is overnight. We will utilize physical therapy to help patients recover. This will also help patients learn exercises and precautions needed to maintain and protect the shoulder.
