Final answer:
Treatment for osteoarthritis in the right shoulder following an MRI likely includes exercise, weight loss, pain management techniques, medications, and possibly surgery. Physical therapy will involve a customized plan with heat application, exercises, and icing to improve mobility and decrease inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an MRI shows osteoarthritis in the right shoulder, the expected method of treatment may include several non-surgical options. Initially, treatment might focus on exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joint, thereby reducing strain on the affected area. Additionally, weight loss can be recommended to decrease stress on weight-bearing joints, which may partially alleviate symptoms.
Pain management techniques, such as hot and cold therapy, and the use of pain medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be effective in managing discomfort. In cases where conservative treatment does not provide relief, surgery, such as arthroscopic procedures or joint replacement, might be considered. The course of treatment is often developed in collaboration with healthcare providers such as orthopedists, physical therapists, and rheumatologists, who specialize in joint conditions.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in treatment, where a therapist will create the appropriate plan involving exercises and mobility activities. They may start with a heat pack to the injured site to enhance healing, followed by a series of exercises that continue at home, combined with icing to decrease inflammation.