What Are Non-Surgical Shoulder Arthritis Options?

Shoulder arthritis can be treated with non-surgical treatments such as targeted exercise programs, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications. Other than that, shoulder bracing, corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can also relieve symptoms of shoulder arthritis.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our orthopedist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, first conducts a thorough clinical assessment to confirm your diagnosis for shoulder arthritis. Then, based on the diagnostic findings, he develops a targeted conservative treatment plan. The plan usually includes pain medications, rest, and activity modification. If your symptoms persist after initial conservative treatment, he may recommend advanced treatments such as PRP to relieve pain and restore function. Contact us to book your appointment in West Orange.

Can Shoulder Arthritis Be Managed Without Surgery?

Yes, shoulder arthritis can be managed without shoulder surgery in many patients. In such cases, our shoulder specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, focuses on conservative treatments such as rest, ice or heat therapy, and activity modification to control symptoms. Based on your arthritis severity, he also develops targeted exercise plans to improve shoulder function and support joint stability. These plans typically include the following exercises:

• Range of motion exercises: Gentle movements to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness in the shoulder joint
• Rotator cuff strengthening exercises: Focus on stabilizing muscles to reduce stress on the joint
• Scapular stabilization exercises: Improve shoulder blade positioning to enhance joint mechanics
• Stretching exercises: Target tight muscles to reduce discomfort and improve mobility
• Low resistance strengthening: Build muscle support without overloading the affected joint

In addition, if arthritis causes an unstable shoulder, our surgeon may recommend a shoulder brace. He customizes shoulder braces based on your joint condition, level of instability, and daily activity needs. These braces provide external support, limit excessive movement, and help maintain proper shoulder alignment.

In some cases, he may also add joint mobilization and soft-tissue therapy to your treatment plan. He typically recommends these treatments when muscle tightness limits shoulder movement. Joint mobilization involves controlled, hands-on movements that help improve joint flexibility and restore motion. Similarly, soft-tissue therapy releases tight muscles and reduces tension in surrounding tissues.

When Should You See A Doctor For Shoulder Arthritis?

You should consult a doctor for shoulder arthritis if you experience persistent shoulder pain for 2 to 4 weeks or longer. It is also important to seek medical attention if the pain is accompanied by reduced range of motion and sleep disturbances. Similarly, a sensation of clicking, grinding, or popping in the shoulder joint requires orthopedic assessment.

In addition, you should also see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• Pain that does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medications, which may indicate ongoing inflammation in the shoulder joint
• Discomfort that progressively worsens over days or weeks, indicating severe shoulder osteoarthritis or joint degeneration
• Noticeable weakness in the arm or shoulder, especially when lifting objects or performing overhead movements
• Severe stiffness that limits daily activities, such as dressing, reaching, or combing your hair
• Swelling around the joint, especially after a shoulder injury, may indicate active inflammation or joint irritation
• Pain that radiates down the arm or toward the shoulder blade may suggest nerve compression or rotator cuff damage

In such cases, timely consultation allows doctors to identify the condition at an initial stage and begin appropriate non-surgical treatments. This approach reduces the risk of progressive joint damage and loss of shoulder function. It also helps avoid the need for shoulder replacement surgery.

Which Medicines Work Best For Shoulder Arthritis Pain?

For shoulder arthritis pain, Dr. Michael K. Shindle usually recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. He may also prescribe acetaminophen, topical NSAIDs, creams, or short-term steroid medications. To ensure targeted treatment, he selects medications based on your pain severity, medical history, inflammation level, and overall treatment goals.

Here’s how these treatments help reduce shoulder arthritis symptoms:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs target inflammatory shoulder arthritis symptoms such as joint swelling, deep aching shoulder pain, and morning stiffness. They block cyclooxygenase enzymes, which reduces prostaglandin (inflammatory chemicals) production in the shoulder joint. As prostaglandin levels drop, inflammation improves, which relieves pain during movement.

However, according to a study published in PubMed Central, NSAIDs can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, kidney strain, and increased cardiovascular risk. Therefore, our surgeon may recommend using the lowest effective dose for a limited duration.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen primarily targets shoulder pain without directly reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint. It alters central pain signaling in the brain, which reduces the intensity of pain perception during daily activities. As a result, it helps control constant, dull, or activity-related shoulder pain and improve overall comfort.

Because acetaminophen does not address inflammation, our surgeon first assesses your symptoms through a detailed clinical assessment. If your symptoms are primarily inflammatory, he may not recommend acetaminophen. Moreover, if you have underlying liver conditions or regularly use alcohol, he carefully limits or avoids acetaminophen to prevent complications, like acute liver failure.

Topical NSAIDs and Pain Relief Creams

Our surgeon recommends topical NSAIDs and pain relief creams to treat localized shoulder pain. These medications deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joint and surrounding soft tissues. They reduce local inflammation, which decreases tenderness, mild swelling, and discomfort during movement.

Before recommending topical treatments, our surgeon first checks for any safety concerns that may limit safe use. He examines skin-related issues, including open wounds, active infections, and known allergies to NSAID ingredients. This step ensures the medication works effectively without causing local irritation or complications.

Short-Term Steroid Medications

Short-term steroid medications help control severe shoulder arthritis flare-ups by reducing inflammation. As inflammation decreases, pressure within the joint improves. This helps relieve intense pain, stiffness, and movement-related discomfort during acute flare-ups. However, our surgeon does not use steroid medications as a long-term solution.

Instead, he typically recommends short courses only when pain does not respond to first-line non-surgical approaches such as NSAIDs or activity modification. In addition, he carefully monitors patients with diabetes, hypertension, weakened immunity, or a history of repeated steroid use. These conditions can increase the risk of side effects like elevated blood sugar, fluid retention, and local infections.

How Does Regenerative Therapy Help With Shoulder Arthritis?

Regenerative therapy, including platelet-rich plasma and stem cell injections, supports the body’s natural healing process in the affected shoulder joint. These treatments help reduce pain, improve shoulder function, and promote tissue repair. However, our surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, does not routinely recommend these therapies. Instead, he discusses realistic expectations, expected outcomes, and your eligibility for the procedures before including them in your treatment plan.

During PRP therapy, doctors extract a small sample of your blood. Then, they process it to concentrate platelets that contain growth factors. The platelets are injected into the affected joint to target damaged tissues and promote healing at the cellular level. Furthermore, stem cell injections involve specialized cells that can develop into different tissue types. Doctors inject these cells into the arthritic joint, where they support cartilage health and reduce joint inflammation.

However, according to the International Journal of Medicine, PRP does not provide immediate pain relief. The study compared two groups: one received PRP, and the other group received a saline placebo. In the early phase, both groups reported similar pain relief. But, over time, the PRP group showed more consistent improvement in pain levels and shoulder function than the placebo group. Similarly, stem cell injections can take 3 to 6 months to show noticeable improvement in pain levels and shoulder function.

Does Acupuncture Relieve Shoulder Joint Degeneration?

Yes, acupuncture can relieve symptoms of shoulder joint degeneration. It stimulates specific points in the body, which helps improve blood flow around the shoulder. The therapy also relaxes tight muscles and reduces pain signals sent to the brain. As a result, you may experience temporary pain relief and improved shoulder movement.

In addition, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reports that acupuncture also improves disability scores in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis. The study measured outcomes using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). After 6 weeks of treatment, patients receiving real acupuncture showed a clinically significant improvement of about 20 points on SPADI. In contrast, the placebo group’s disability scores improved by only about 6.5 points. Still, acupuncture does not treat the underlying joint damage or reverse shoulder arthritis. Therefore, our surgeon combines it with other treatments such as strengthening exercises and activity modification to improve function.

Here’s how we perform acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis:

• Assess your shoulder pain, range of motion, and areas of stiffness to identify the exact treatment points
• Clean the skin and mark specific acupuncture points around the shoulder joint and nearby muscle groups
• Insert thin, sterile needles into these targeted points to stimulate nerve pathways and improve blood flow
• Needles remain in place for a specific duration while your muscles gradually relax and tension reduces
• During the session, we may gently adjust the needles to enhance stimulation and improve therapeutic response

Do Cortisone Shots Work for Joint Inflammation?

Yes, corticosteroid injections can offer temporary relief for joint inflammation. These injections contain powerful anti-inflammatory medication that helps decrease swelling, irritation, and immune response in the injured area. The pain-relieving effect of these injections usually begins within 24 to 72 hours. In most patients, this relief can last from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of inflammation and the overall condition of the joint.

Since the relief is temporary, cortisone injections are not considered a long-term treatment option. Over time, you may require repeated injections to maintain pain relief. However, doctors typically limit their use to no more than three injections per year in the same joint. Exceeding this limit may increase the risk of side effects, such as:

• Gradual cartilage damage within the shoulder joint, which can worsen shoulder arthritis over time
• Weakening of nearby tendons, especially the rotator cuff, which increases the risk of tears
• Thinning of the skin or soft tissue around the injection site
• High blood sugar levels, particularly in patients with diabetes
• Increased risk of joint infection due to temporary suppression of the local immune response

How Do Hyaluronic Acid Injections Help Arthritis Pain?

Hyaluronic acid injections restore lubrication within the shoulder joint by acting as a substitute for natural joint fluid. This improves shock absorption and reduces friction between joint surfaces. As friction decreases, joint irritation decreases, which helps relieve shoulder stiffness. A study published in NCBI also found that hyaluronic acid injections can reduce pain during movement by about 29–30% over six months. In fact, many patients who received this treatment also reported less night pain and an overall improvement in shoulder function and comfort.

Can A Nerve Block Relieve Severe Shoulder Pain?

Yes, a nerve block, especially a suprascapular nerve block, can effectively relieve shoulder pain in severe cases. During the procedure, our surgeon first applies a local anesthetic to numb the skin. Then, he may use ultrasound guidance or anatomical landmarks to accurately locate the suprascapular nerve. After locating the nerve, he injects a combination of local anesthetic, sometimes along with a corticosteroid.

The anesthetic quickly blocks pain transmission, often providing relief within minutes. At the same time, the corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation around the nerve. In addition to pain relief, we use nerve blocks as diagnostic tools. If your pain significantly improves after the injection, it confirms that the targeted nerve is the primary source of your shoulder pain. In such cases, our surgeon may recommend the following targeted treatments to manage nerve pain:

• Repeat nerve blocks for continuous pain control
• Medications that target nerve pain, such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants
• Targeted exercises to improve shoulder mechanics and reduce nerve irritation
• Radiofrequency ablation to disrupt long-term pain signals from the nerve

How Can Lifestyle Changes Improve Arthritis Symptoms?

Lifestyle modifications can reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles that support the shoulder joint, and lower stress on the affected joint. These changes help improve pain, maintain range of motion, and support long-term shoulder function without relying only on medications or injections.

For example, maintaining a healthy weight reduces overall joint stress and helps control systemic inflammation. Likewise, regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming and cycling, help improve mobility, support the rotator cuff, and relieve stiff shoulders. In addition, you should follow an anti-inflammatory diet. The diet must include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed oil, to reduce inflammation. At the same time, quit smoking as it impairs blood flow and delays the healing process. It also worsens joint degeneration over time.

Here are some other lifestyle changes that may improve pain in shoulder arthritis:

• Posture correction: Maintain proper shoulder and upper back alignment during sitting and standing. A proper posture reduces strain on the shoulder blade and improves joint mechanics
• Strengthening exercises: Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles. These exercises help stabilize the shoulder joint and enhance overall function.
• Balance daily activities: Break tasks into smaller steps and allow rest periods. This approach helps prevent joint overuse and reduces worsening shoulder pain.
• Ergonomic adjustments: Modify your workspace or daily setup (chair height, desk position, arm support) to minimize shoulder strain.
• Stress management: Practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help reduce muscle tension and pain perception.

Which Activities Can Trigger Pain Flare-Ups?

Repetitive overhead movements, heavy lifting, and pushing or pulling tasks can trigger pain flare-ups in shoulder arthritis. Similarly, sudden jerking motions, high-impact activities, and extended computer work or driving can also contribute to increased pain and stiffness. Here are some other activities that may trigger acute pain flare-ups:

• Sleeping on the affected shoulder: Prolonged pressure on the joint can increase pain and morning stiffness.
• Poor posture: Rounded shoulders or slouching can place additional strain on the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles.
• Reaching behind the back or across the body: Movements like fastening a bra or reaching into the back seat can strain the joint.
• Improper exercise technique: Incorrect form during workouts can overload the shoulder and worsen symptoms.
• Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder: Uneven weight distribution increases stress on the joint.
• Cold weather: Exposure to cold environments can increase joint stiffness and sensitivity.
• Repetitive daily tasks: Activities like cleaning, washing, or cooking that involve repeated shoulder use can lead to overuse.

We Offer Both Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis — Visit Us Now!

Shoulder arthritis requires prompt medical assessment to guide appropriate treatment. If left untreated, it can worsen and lead to additional injuries, such as rotator cuff tears. With these conditions, there is a higher risk of progressive functional decline.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for shoulder arthritis. He selects a targeted approach based on your symptom pattern, medical history, and severity of joint damage. Moreover, as a member of the NHL and USA Hockey Safety and Protective Equipment Committees, he provides structured guidance to help you return to sports safely. Call 855-321-6784 or visit 769 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA to consult Dr. Michael K. Shindle.

FAQs