SHOULDER ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

CAUSES OF SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

Shoulder osteoarthritis is classified into two types: primary and secondary.

Primary osteoarthritis lacks a specific cause but is associated with factors like age, genetics, and gender, with a higher prevalence in individuals over 50, particularly affecting women more than men.

Secondary osteoarthritis results from identifiable causes or contributing factors, such as prior injuries, a history of shoulder dislocations, infections, or tears in the rotator cuff. Occupations involving heavy construction or participation in certain sports can also elevate the risk of developing shoulder osteoarthritis.

After assessing the symptoms and medical history, the doctor will recommend an X-ray or MRI scan to assess for joint-space narrowing, any alterations in bone structure, and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes) if osteoarthritis is suspected.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT FOR SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

To start with, the doctor will recommend shoulder arthritis treatment without surgery. Some non-surgical shoulder pain treatment methods include activity modification, physical therapy, R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice therapy, Compression, and Elevation) therapy, prescribing NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and corticosteroid injections. However, prolonged use of NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections can give rise to many negative side effects. Moreover, corticosteroid injections can destroy the tissues around the damaged area and weaken them.

As a final resort, doctors may opt for surgery. This method involves the removal of damaged cartilage. As a post-surgical complication, there can be bleeding, infection, pain, and nerve damage. Moreover, general anaesthesia can give rise to complications. Over and above, the patient must go through an extensive rehabilitation programme for at least six months after the surgery.

One treatment method that is most often left out of conventional treatments before opting for surgery is Regenerative medicine. Read on to find out how, with Regenerative cellular treatments, you may avoid or delay shoulder surgery.

REGENERATIVE TREATMENT FOR SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

Generally, our body can regenerate cells of its own. However, as we age, the number of regenerative cells decreases, and our bodies lose their regenerative power.

This is where Medica Stem Cells Clinic can help with its minimally invasive Regenerative medicine shoulder arthritis treatment currently offered in Ireland and London. In this shoulder treatment method, the damaged cartilage is treated non-surgically, and new regenerative cells are injected into the shoulder joint to help with regeneration and better functioning. PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) therapy and cellular treatment are included in this regenerative treatment. By comparing surgical treatment with regenerative treatment, you can find that regenerative medicine is risk-free as the cells from the patient’s own body are used for the treatment. This way, you can avoid allergic reactions and rejection. The range of motion and shoulder stability can be improved with a guided rehabilitation plan. As soon as within two weeks of undergoing the regenerative treatment, there may be a significant change in the patient’s condition and pain levels.
In a 2019 research study titled “Comparative study between platelet-rich plasma injection and steroid injection in mild-moderate shoulder osteoarthritis and their relation to the quality of life” published in the journal Egyptian Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, the effect of PRP was compared with steroid treatment in the patients affected with mild to moderate shoulder osteoarthritis. This study was conducted on 50 patients, 25 of whom received PRP injections, and the remaining 25 received steroid treatment. After three months, there was a significant improvement in osteoarthritis shoulder index and visual analog scale in the PRP group comparatively [1].

Hence, regenerative medicine can be considered as an alternative treatment for shoulder arthritis instead of surgery.

Do not allow shoulder osteoarthritis issues to bring you down! Explore regenerative medicine options as a potential treatment for your shoulder pain. Leverage your body’s natural repair mechanisms to address injured and damaged shoulder tissue!

Explore the potential advantages of Regenerative medicine – shoulder arthritis treatment without surgery. Connect with our London clinic on 020 8 168 2000 or our Ireland clinic on 01 298 8000 to schedule a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon or request a callback for more information today! Our team of doctors will carefully assess your conditions to determine if you are a qualified candidate for regenerative therapy.

References

Saif, D.S., Serag, D.M. & El Tabl, M.A. Comparative study between enhanced platelet-rich plasma injection and steroid injection in mild–moderate shoulder osteoarthritis and their relation to quality of life. Egypt Rheumatol Rehabil 46, 55–61 (2019). https://doi.org/10.4103/err.err_17_18.