Shoulder Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is characterized by the destruction of the protective cartilage in the joint, resulting in painful and restricted motion. Arthritis does not affect the shoulder joint as often as it does large weight-bearing joints, such as the hip and knee. With the shoulder, there is usually a history of injury or trauma to the shoulder or previous surgery.

While x-rays can confirm the presence of osteoarthritis in the shoulder, they cannot confirm the most common unseen culprit to the development of arthritis, chronic ligamentous laxity.

Following an injury to the shoulder, damaged ligaments may go undetected. The excessive play in the joint may result in the development of bone spurs, which is the body's way of reducing joint motion. Remember, that if the physician tells you that a bone spur is found on x-ray, it almost universally means that there is ligament laxity. The orthopedic surgeon may convince the patient that the spur must be surgically removed. This, however, does nothing to remove the cause of the spur. This whole situation can be prevented if proper shoulder management is followed by the treatment of ligamentous injuries with Prolotherapy, because the cause of the spurs is addressed.

Prolotherapy is an excellent treatment for ligamentous laxity that leads to osteoarthritis. As with most disease states, catching the problem early is the smart thing to do. Severe or late-stage osteoarthritis of the shoulder can be improved with Prolotherapy injections, (Watch where do Prolotherapy injections go and do they hurt?) but results are less dramatic because of the permanent destruction of cartilage. In this situation it can provide some pain relief, but often natural medicine treatments are also needed. Using the natural medicine approach, in conjunction with Prolotherapy, has allowed many people to avoid total joint replacements.

Frozen shoulder

Prolotherapy to the shoulder

Shoulder Instability

Ross Hauser, M.D.

Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services

Ask Dr. Hauser About Prolotherapy
Call 708-848-7789

Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more about Ross Hauser MD

The Journal of Prolotherapy

Table of Contents of all issues of
The Journal of Prolotherapy

The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.

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