Non-Operative Treatment Options in Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Review

Primary glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is a growing pathology with multifactorial aethiology that affects younger and older population. Treatment must be focused on reducing pain, regaining functionality, and slowing the course of the disease. Surgery and non-operative methods are available for treating it and are a frequent source of controversy, the latter being applied to patients with factors that may relatively contraindicate surgery. Practitioners must be acquainted with the therapeutic choices and the current status of the evidence. Given that nonsurgical therapy may be beneficial in relieving symptoms, it should be considered first-line treatment, particularly in low-demand individuals with symptoms that have shown themselves sub acutely.  Literature is lacking of high quality evidence on this matter, and up to date, there have not been any high quality studies comparing different options. Optimal treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis depends on specifically patient´s needs, therefore a combination of all the resources available could represent the best option and result in better outcomes.