Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Frequently a part of the conservative treatment plan are anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol®, and other pharmacological nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used in order to reduce swelling and inflammation that contribute to stiffness and make reconditioning and physical therapy exercises more difficult. Swelling and inflammation are symptoms often associated with bone and joint, as well as nerve, tendon, and ligament conditions and injuries.
These medications are not intended for long-term use. If symptoms persist despite their use in conjunction with other conservative treatment, other treatment options may be considered.
Therapeutic Injections
With both pain management and diagnostic benefit, therapeutic injections are a combination of lidocaine and corticosteroid used to alleviate symptoms resulting from a number of musculoskeletal conditions.
Therapeutic injections may be indicated for rotator cuff impingement nonresponsive to other conservative treatment, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy, as well as for older patients with subacromial spurs, who are not recommended for surgery. They are also beneficial in the temporary pain relief of patients with an operable lesion.
Though studies have shown that the long-term use of this type of medication does diminish its effectiveness.