Modern Options for Arthritis Pain That Don’t Involve Surgery

By Shane Hennessy, DO

When individuals begin experiencing persistent knee, hip or shoulder stiffness, many delay seeking medical care because of a common misconception — that seeing an orthopedic specialist automatically puts them on the fast track to surgery.

In reality, modern orthopedic care takes a much more conservative approach. For many patients, surgery is not the first option, and, in many cases, it is never necessary. Non-surgical orthopedic and sports medicine specialists focus on preserving joint function through treatments that reduce pain, restore mobility and help patients remain active without the need for an operation.

Targeted Physical Therapy and Biomechanics

Arthritis develops when the protective cartilage that cushions a joint gradually wears away, causing bones to rub together. This friction can lead to pain, inflammation, stiffness and reduced mobility. While damaged cartilage cannot be fully restored, today’s non-surgical treatment options can effectively relieve symptoms, improve function and slow the progression of joint deterioration.

One of the most effective ways to protect an arthritic joint is by strengthening the muscles that support it. A customized physical therapy program helps improve stability, reduce stress on the affected joint and restore proper movement. In many cases, simple adjustments in footwear, the way a person walks or custom orthotics, like a brace or shoe insert, can redistribute pressure across the hips, knees and ankles, making everyday movement more comfortable.

Precision Injections with Ultrasound Guidance

When inflammation becomes more severe, targeted injection therapies can provide significant relief.

Corticosteroid injections are often used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain during arthritis flare-ups, allowing patients to return to normal activities with greater comfort.

For individuals with knee osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation — a procedure where a gel-like fluid is injected into the joint — can improve the joint’s natural lubrication, improving cushioning between the bones and improving movement.

Many of these procedures are performed using high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound, which allows physicians to see the joint in real time and precisely guide the injection. This added accuracy can improve both patient comfort and treatment effectiveness.

Regenerative Therapies

Sports medicine continues to advance with treatments that harness the body's own healing mechanisms. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapies use a concentrated sample of a patient’s own blood, rich in growth factors, to help reduce inflammation and support the health of surrounding tissues. While PRP is not a cure for arthritis, it may provide meaningful symptom relief for select patients with chronic joint conditions.

Movement Is Medicine

Perhaps the most important principle in arthritis management is to keep moving. It may seem counterintuitive, but avoiding activity often worsens joint pain over time. As muscles weaken from inactivity, they provide less support to the joint, leading to increased stiffness, instability and discomfort.

Regular, low-impact exercise — including swimming, cycling, walking and strength training — helps maintain flexibility, improve muscle strength and support long-term joint health.

Living with arthritis does not mean choosing between daily pain and major surgery. Seeking evaluation early by an orthopedic specialist can open the door to a wide range of conservative treatment options that help relieve symptoms, preserve joint function and keep you doing the activities you enjoy for years to come. 

Dr. Shane Hennessy is a fellowship-trained, non-surgical orthopedic physician at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. His diverse training enables him to treat a wide range of conditions, including youth sports, work-related orthopedic and chronic and acute soft-tissue injuries as well as arthritis. To schedule an appointment, call (724) 379-5802.