Top Orthopedic Shoulder Treatment Options

While not as prevalent as back pain in the U.S., shoulder disorders and injuries are still pretty common and extremely painful. While they won't completely debilitate your mobility, they can seriously affect your day-to-day life. However, patients with shoulder pain shouldn't despair: there are treatment options!

MRI/X-ray Diagnosis

Each patient's shoulder issue is different. Without taking x-rays or examining through an MRI, it's impossible to know whether a fracture exists, ligaments are torn, or another serious issue exists. One of the first steps to an accurate diagnosis is radiology tests.

Physical Therapy

Many shoulder orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta refer their patients for physical therapy prior to scheduling surgery. Often, exercises that strengthen muscles and stretch ligaments and tendons will help reduce pain and speed up healing. Physical therapy can improve the range of motion for most patients, helping them return to their everyday lives.

Medication

Over-the-counter medications may help with pain relief. Patients can choose between acetaminophen or a variety of NSAIDs. If these don't work, physicians may prescribe oral steroids, narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-depressants. Prescriptions are always based on the diagnosis and severity of the shoulder condition. Some patients have increased risk factors, lower medicine tolerances, or other issues that will influence their dosages.

Steroid Injections

After medical intervention and physical therapy have been attempted, steroid injections may be the next form of treatment tried to relieve shoulder pain. Steroid injections targeting the shoulder aim to reduce pain levels and reduce inflammation, allowing muscles, tendons and ligaments to heal. Steroid injections are temporary solutions and may not be effective for long-term pain.

Shoulder Replacement

When other therapies have been exhausted, shoulder replacement may be the best option for patients experiencing chronic shoulder pain. Based on the injury or disorder, a shoulder orthopedic surgeon in Atlanta may recommend one of a few different types of shoulder replacements:

• Total replacement: A total shoulder replacement includes the placement of a prosthetic shoulder, including both the socket and ball.


• Stemmed hemiarthroplasty: In a stemmed hemiarthroplasty, the surgeon will replace onlythe ball of the shoulder socket.


• Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty: Surgeons use a cap-like prosthesis (without the stem) to replace the joint surface of the humeral head.


• Reverse total shoulder replacement: Often used for patients who have had unsuccessful shoulder replacement, a reverse total shoulder replacement switches the socket and ball's placement in the shoulder.