Shoulder Pain? Discover Nonsurgical Care in San Diego

Shoulder pain can be frustrating and limiting, interfering with everyday tasks and diminishing quality of life. Effective treatment is essential for lasting relief, whether caused by injury, overuse, or age.

If you're dealing with shoulder pain, effective nonsurgical treatment options are available to help you find relief — no invasive procedures required. 

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center in San Diego, California, Ronald S. Cohen, MD, and our experienced team offer personalized care to address the root cause of your shoulder pain and get you back to living comfortably.

Causes of shoulder pain

The shoulder is a complex joint of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It allows for a wide range of motion but is prone to injury or inflammation. Your shoulder pain may be due to rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, or arthritis. 

Repetitive motions, sports participation, or poor posture can trigger these conditions. 

The benefits of nonsurgical care for shoulder pain

Surgery should always be the last choice for shoulder pain. At times, nonsurgical treatments can work as well as surgery. Sometimes, it can provide permanent relief. 

Dr. Cohen often recommends noninvasive options like physical therapy, medication, and injections. These can reduce inflammation and improve your shoulder's mobility. Best of all, you won't face a long recovery process.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most effective nonsurgical treatments for shoulder pain. Our team works with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program designed to address the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. 

Through specific exercises and stretches, physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve range of motion, and alleviate discomfort. 

Medications to manage pain and inflammation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For more severe pain, Dr. Cohen may prescribe more potent pain relievers or corticosteroid injections.

Medications can help manage pain in the short term. However, they don’t address the actual problem. Combining medications with physical therapy or other treatments can be a more holistic approach to managing shoulder pain.

Corticosteroids and other injections for faster relief

Corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation and pain, especially if you're struggling with rotator cuff tendinitis or arthritis. The medication goes straight to the source of the pain, giving you relief that can last weeks or even months.

Hyaluronic acid injections can sometimes lubricate the shoulder joint and improve movement.

Some patients get great results with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These injections harness your body's healing properties to tackle the underlying problem, promoting tissue repair and reducing pain. 

A path to healing without surgery

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to be a lifelong burden. Thanks to the variety of nonsurgical treatments available, you can find relief and regain mobility without going under the knife. 

If you struggle with shoulder pain, schedule a consultation with our expert providers by phone or online today.