NONSURGICAL SHOULDER ARTHRITIS CARE
Can I Avoid
Shoulder Replacement?
For many patients, the answer is yes—at least for a period of time. Shoulder replacement is an excellent operation when it is needed, but it is almost never the first treatment I recommend. My goal is to help you maintain an active lifestyle with the least invasive treatment that reliably meets your goals.
Avoid Surgery If Possible
Least Invasive First
When It Adds Value
Individualized
The First Question I Ask
When patients come to see me, they often expect the discussion to focus immediately on surgery. Instead, my first question is much simpler:
"What are you hoping to get back to doing?"
The answer helps determine whether nonsurgical treatment is likely to achieve your goals or whether shoulder replacement is the most reliable solution.
Dr. Streit's Treatment Philosophy
I don't believe shoulder replacement should be performed simply because arthritis exists. Many patients do very well with physical therapy, home exercises, medications, or occasional injections. I recommend surgery only when those treatments no longer provide the quality of life my patients want.
Ways To Delay Or Avoid Surgery
Physical Therapy
Improve motion, shoulder mechanics, and surrounding muscle strength.
Home Exercise Program
Regular stretching often helps maintain motion and reduce stiffness.
Activity Modification
Small changes frequently reduce pain without giving up an active lifestyle.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications may help when medically appropriate.
Corticosteroid Injection
Can provide temporary pain relief for selected patients.
Observation
If your symptoms remain manageable, continued observation is often appropriate.
How Do I Know When It's No Longer Working?
You Can't Sleep
Night pain persists despite treatment.
Your Activities Shrink
You gradually stop doing the things you enjoy.
Injections Don't Last
Relief becomes shorter or disappears altogether.
Daily Tasks Become Difficult
Dressing, grooming, lifting, or reaching become frustrating.
You Plan Around Pain
Your shoulder begins dictating your schedule.
Your Goals Change
You decide you're ready for a more permanent solution.
What I Tell My Patients
"My goal is never to convince you to have surgery. My goal is to help you avoid surgery for as long as it's reasonable—and then recommend it only when I believe it offers a meaningful improvement in your quality of life."
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Alternatives to Shoulder Replacement?
Many patients can successfully manage shoulder arthritis without surgery for months or years. A shoulder-specific evaluation can help determine which nonsurgical treatments are appropriate and when shoulder replacement should become part of the discussion.
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