At OPA Ortho, we believe surgery isn’t always the answer
As the body’s most mobile joint, the shoulder is highly susceptible to injury and instability. While conditions and disorders of the shoulder can vary, many are first treated using conservative care or non-surgical treatment approaches designed to reduce shoulder pain and increase range of motion without the need for surgical intervention. If you have been experiencing shoulder pain and reduced mobility that has caused a marked reduction in your ability to handle daily tasks, enjoy activities or sports, or be fully independent, determining the underlying cause and appropriate treatment is the first step toward restoring your active lifestyle.
We help patients with chronic shoulder pain, post-surgical rehab needs, or those who want to avoid unnecessary operations.
Common non-surgical shoulder injuries include:
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis – Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons
• Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome – Tendons get pinched between bones, causing pain
• Partial Rotator Cuff Tear – Small tears in the tendons that can heal with rehab
• Subacromial Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa sac in the shoulder
• Calcific Tendonitis – Calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain
• Shoulder Subluxation – Partial dislocation where the shoulder slips out but goes back in
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation
• AC Joint Sprain (Separated Shoulder) – Ligaments are stretched or partially torn
• Osteoarthritis (Mild to Moderate Cases) – Wear and tear of cartilage in the shoulder joint
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Compression of nerves or blood vessels near the collarbone
• SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) – Cartilage tear at the top of the socket
• Deltoid or Trapezius Strains – Muscle injuries from overuse or lifting
• Multidirectional Shoulder Instability (MDI) – Loose ligaments cause repeated shoulder
dislocations
• Bankart Lesion (Soft Tissue Damage After Dislocation) – Can sometimes heal without surgery
• Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment – Compression of the suprascapular nerve causing weakness and pain
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – A condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful due to thickened joint tissue
• Osteoarthritis of the AC Joint – Cartilage breakdown in the AC joint, leading to pain and stiffness
• Upper Crossed Syndrome – Muscle imbalance causing poor posture and shoulder pain
When to Consider Surgery
– Large rotator cuff tears
– Shoulder instability & repeated dislocations
– Shoulder fractures
– Shoulder impingement or bursitis
– Osteoarthritis – severe joint damage
– Severe nerve compression or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Common non-surgical shoulder treatments include:
• Rest & Movement Modification – avoiding high-impact activities (running, jumping) that worsen symptoms
• Ice & Heat Therapy – Ice for reducing swelling and pain, heat for muscle relaxation and improved blood flow
• Bracing & Supportive Devices – bracing and straps can provide stability and support for a variety of conditions
• Medications for Pain & Inflammation – NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Exercises – Can improve flexibility and prevent stiffness
• Corticosteroid Injections – Used for arthritis, bursitis, and chronic inflammation to provide temporary pain relief
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation) – Helps lubricate the knee joint in cases of osteoarthritis
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses the body’s own platelets to promote healing in chronic tendon or ligament injuries
Other Injuries and Conditions Managed at OPA Ortho
Foot and Ankle
Supportive care for sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis with orthotics, therapy, and medications.
Elbow
Treating tendonitis, nerve compression, and joint pain using rest, therapy, and guided injections.
Knee
Effective care for ligament injuries, arthritis, and knee pain through bracing, therapy, and injections.
Back and Spine
Conservative treatments for spinal injuries, nerve pain, and chronic back issues without surgery.
Hand and Wrist
Relief from carpal tunnel, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries using braces, therapy, and medications.
Why Choose Non-Surgical care?
At OPA Ortho, we believe that non-surgical care is often the best first step for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Most patients do not require surgery to recover. Our approach focuses on:
- Avoidance of Surgery Risks
- Less Downtime
- Personal or Lifestyle Factors
- Less Invasive
- Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments
- Long-Term Outcomes
- Initial Response to Injury
Book an Appointment Today
Explore a safe, non-invasive path to spine health no surgery, no hassle, just results.