Non-Surgical Shoulder Osteoarthritis Care In Atlanta, GA

Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta - Atlanta, GA

371 E Paces Ferry Rd NE, Suite 802 Atlanta, GA 30305

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Regenexx procedures are non-surgical alternatives that use precise image-guided injections of your body’s own natural healing agents to treat shoulder injuries.

Shoulder arthritis impacts nearly 25% of adults, yet many of the other treatments still used today deliver less than ideal results. Research has shown that surgery is unreliable and that commonly used nonsurgical alternatives can do more harm than good. For example, steroids can break down cartilage¹ and kill cartilage cells in arthritic joints.²

Shoulder joint anatomy graphic with labels. — Shoulder joint anatomy – arthritis pain

Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta – Atlanta, GA

371 E Paces Ferry Rd NE
Suite 802
Atlanta, GA 30305

404-783-7247

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Clinic Hours

Sunday	Closed
Monday	9AM–3PM
Tuesday	9AM–3PM
Wednesday	9AM–3PM
Thursday	9AM–3PM
Friday	9AM–3PM
Saturday	Closed

Doctors

Christopher Williams, MD

Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta

When working with patients, Dr. Williams wholeheartedly believes in a holistic approach to medicine and takes pride in building a partnership with each patient so that they can learn the skills to be able to achieve their functional goals in life.

He is the founder and medical director of Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, the first physician in the licensed Regenexx network in the state of Georgia, and his research interests include polypharmacy in the elderly, musculoskeletal ultrasound education, and regenerative medicine for orthopedic conditions.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Williams enlisted into the Air Force after high school.
Before attending medical school, he taught elementary school science to at-risk youth for a year. Then, while in residency for physical medicine and rehabilitation, he was awarded the resident of the year award three years in a row.

During his personal time, he enjoys traveling with his family, weight lifting, cooking, and outdoor activities.

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Areas treated: Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Erik Shaw, DO

Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta

My father was a physician, and his connection with and ability to help his patients initially sparked my interest in medicine. By the time I was six, I was positive I wanted to become a physician as well. I am fascinated by the mechanics of the human body and employ a holistic, science-based approach to my practice. I have an upbeat, hopeful, and positive attitude with patients and am passionate about providing care that improves quality of life and function so people can be healthy, move, and enjoy life.

Originally from Houston, TX, I have lived in Atlanta for 19 years. I love Atlanta’s vibrant culture, mild seasons, green landscape, and access to travel.

I am in my 19^th year of practice as a physician. I hold a BS in Biomedical Engineering, which informs my structural and mechanical understanding of the human body. Between college and medical school, I worked for Lockheed Martin as a Mission Support Scientist on the Shuttle-Mir Space Program in Houston and Moscow. I am double board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. I served as Chair of the AAPM&R Opioid Task Force, penning the opioid position paper. I am a member of the American Medical Association Pain Care Task Force. I have held multiple other leadership roles at AAPM&R and North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), am active in research in spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, intrathecal therapy, and spinal cord injury, and have been an active lecturer at regional, state, national and international meetings over the past two decades. I have expertise in complex neuropathic pain phenomenon, such as spinal cord injury, CRPS, MS, and brain injury. I have served as an adjunct assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine for nearly 19 years.

I cherish time with my wonderful wife and our three amazing children. I also enjoy daily exercise, reading, traveling, watching movies, and walks with my family and our dog. I have not served in the military, but I have tremendous respect for those who have. My father, grandfather, and grandfather-in-law were veterans.

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Areas treated: Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Website

ioaregenerative.com

Areas Treated

Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

^*This provider is NOT authorized by Regenexx to treat the C0-C1 or C1-C2 levels of the neck or CCI (craniocervical instability).

Woman in telemedicine consult with physician to see if she's a candidate for Regenexx for knee osteoarthritis.

Treating Shoulder Arthritis Without Surgery

Regenexx patients benefit from reduced pain and improved function, helping them avoid shoulder surgery.

Am I a candidate?

Does Surgery Prevent Shoulder Arthritis?

A 2015 study looked at 100 shoulders 13 years after they were treated surgically. The research found that the operated shoulders had just as much arthritis as that reported by other studies in patients who didn’t get surgery.³

Moreover, shoulder replacement is a major surgery involving amputation of the shoulder joint and insertion of a prosthesis. Such an invasive surgery involves a long recovery time and the risk for serious complications. In addition, 40% of shoulder replacements in patients younger than 55 fail within 10 years.³

Regenexx Procedures for Shoulder Arthritis

Regenexx’s procedures for degenerative arthritis of the shoulder joint can be a better alternative for people looking to avoid surgery, lengthy recovery, and overuse of prescription pain medication. Best of all, Regenexx procedures spare normal body biomechanics helping you to remain active for your lifetime.

Patient FAQs

What Is Shoulder Osteoarthritis (OA)?

The cartilage in your shoulder is there to help reduce the friction in the joint and to cushion the bone. When cartilage starts to wear down or is injured by metabolic syndrome (i.e., overweight, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides), that’s called arthritis. It leads to chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, limited shoulder function, and decreased mobility.

Why Does Shoulder Arthritis Hurt?

What might surprise you is that it’s not the lost cartilage that causes the pain but rather the chemicals your body releases in response to inflammation.

Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Lead to Shoulder Arthritis?

Research suggests that those who have shoulder osteoarthritis before rotator cuff surgery for massive tears are at greater risk for retears and a much higher risk for progression of arthritis after surgery.(3) Additionally, a percentage of patients who don’t have shoulder arthritis prior to rotator cuff repair will develop it after the surgery.

What Causes Bone Spurs?

When a bone begins to get spurs (osteophytes) — extra extensions of the joint that are your body’s reaction to instability — it is trying to stabilize the joint. So removing spurs is rarely a good idea

u003ch2u003eGet started to see if you are a Regenexx candidaternu003c/h2u003ernu003cpu003eTo talk one-on-one with one of our team members about how Regenexx may be able to help your orthopedic pain or injury, please complete the form below and we will be in touch with you within the next business day.u003c/pu003e

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How will we communicate with you and provide information about Regenexx? Text is available for quicker response. Message and data rates may apply. Frequency varies. Reply HELP for help, STOP to unsubscribe. We may also reach out via email, phone, or other electronic means.

What about health insurance or medical benefits? What may be covered or reimbursed depends on the details of your plan. Insurance typically covers evaluations and diagnostic testing (if recommended) but most do not cover Regenexx Procedures. Some Employer specific Regenexx Benefits plans do also cover Regenexx Procedures. Your plan’s representative can help verify your benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage.

References

1. Murray RC, DeBowes RM, Gaughan EM, Zhu CF, Athanasiou KA. The effects of intra-articular methylprednisolone and exercise on the mechanical properties of articular cartilage in the horse. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998 Mar;6(2):106-14. doi: 10.1053/joca.1997.0100. PMID: 9692065.

2. Nakazawa F, Matsuno H, Yudoh K, Watanabe Y, Katayama R, Kimura T. Corticosteroid treatment induces chondrocyte apoptosis in an experimental arthritis model and in chondrocyte cultures. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2002 Nov-Dec;20(6):773-81. PMID: 12508768.

3. Plath JE, Aboalata M, Seppel G, Juretzko J, Waldt S, Vogt S, Imhoff AB. Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Dislocation Arthropathy: Radiological Long-term Outcome of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in 100 Shoulders at an Average 13-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2015 May;43(5):1084-90. doi: 10.1177/0363546515570621. Epub 2015 Mar 2. PMID: 25731974.