Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage cushioning the shoulder bones wears away over time. This degeneration leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. While arthritis is often associated with aging, injuries, overuse, and autoimmune conditions can also contribute to its onset.
Understanding Shoulder Arthritis
The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible in the body. It comprises the ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint and the smaller acromioclavicular joint. Arthritis can affect one or both, causing significant discomfort.
Common Types of Shoulder Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: Known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, it results from the gradual erosion of cartilage over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint linings, leading to inflammation and damage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after a physical injury, such as a shoulder fracture or dislocation, which accelerates cartilage damage.
- Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Occurs after a prolonged rotator cuff tear, leading to joint instability and arthritis.
Symptoms:
- Persistent pain that worsens with movement
- Reduced flexibility and stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- Grinding or clicking sensations caused by bone-on-bone friction
Innovative Non-Surgical Treatments
At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, interventional pain management techniques offer effective, non-surgical solutions for shoulder arthritis. These treatments are tailored to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and promote healing.
- Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injections: Utilizing imaging technology, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are precisely administered to the affected joint. These reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A regenerative approach that uses the patient’s blood components, PRP injections accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This cutting-edge technique is particularly effective in addressing arthritis and soft tissue damage.
- Stem Cell Therapy: By injecting concentrated stem cells, this method repairs damaged cartilage and restores joint functionality. It’s a promising solution for patients looking to avoid surgery.
- Physical Therapy: Custom-designed rehabilitation programs focus on strengthening the shoulder muscles, improving posture, and maintaining range of motion
- Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating gentle exercise, weight management, and ergonomic adjustments into daily routines can significantly reduce stress on the shoulder joint.
Benefits of Interventional Pain Management
Unlike traditional medications or surgical interventions, interventional pain management targets the root cause of arthritis symptoms. It offers:
- Long-lasting relief: Treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy harness the body's natural healing abilities.
- Minimal recovery time: Patients can return to daily activities sooner compared to surgical options.
- Non-invasive options: Ideal for those seeking alternatives to joint replacement surgery.
Data Supporting These Treatments
Studies show that PRP therapy and corticosteroid injections can significantly reduce pain and improve joint function in arthritis patients. Stem cell therapy has demonstrated potential in slowing cartilage degeneration and encouraging regeneration, making it a game-changing solution in musculoskeletal care.
When to Seek Help
If shoulder arthritis disrupts your ability to perform everyday tasks or causes chronic pain, seeking professional evaluation is crucial. Early intervention can prevent further deterioration and help maintain an active lifestyle.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens, and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888 or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko or Dr. Sonny Ahluwalia.
