Non-surgical & surgical

Shoulder Arthritis Care — From Injections to Replacement

A worn shoulder joint doesn't have to mean giving up what you love. Care ranges from therapy and biologic injections to total shoulder replacement when the joint is truly worn out.

X-ray of a total shoulder replacement showing the metal ball and stem implant
Shoulder replacement resurfaces the joint when wear is advanced.
Medical illustration of a worn-out arthritic shoulder joint with bone spurs and narrowed joint space
Advanced shoulder arthritis wears away the smooth cartilage surface.

What it involves

Arthritis care starts with the simplest, least invasive interventions that can help you achieve your goals: physician-directed therapy, activity adjustment, targeted injections and orthobiologics such as PRP, BMAC or microfat for early to moderate wear. When the joint surface is badly worn and pain or stiffness is stealing sleep and function, shoulder replacement — anatomic or reverse, chosen to match your joint and your goals — reliably restores comfort and motion.

Who it helps

  • +Shoulder arthritis confirmed on X-ray, at any stage
  • +Deep ache, night pain or grinding that limits daily life
  • +Stiffness that hasn't responded to therapy or injections
  • +Patients told elsewhere that replacement is their only option

Recovery

Injection and biologic care: back to light activity within days. Gradual progression of activity and loading of the treated joint. Shoulder replacement: More downtime needed. Sling for about a month, gradual progression of activity, most patients are back to golf, swimming and daily life by 4-6 months once motion and strength recover.

In the office

We start with an exam and a review of your X-rays. If replacement is ever the right answer, you'll hear exactly why — and if it isn't, you'll hear that too.

Not sure this is your path?

Two quick questions will point you to a sensible starting point.

Free guide

Shoulder Arthritis Care — From Injections to Replacement: a patient guide

A free plain-English PDF covering what to expect, recovery and common questions — emailed to you.

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Other treatments

General information only — not medical advice. Your plan is confirmed in person after an exam and imaging review.