In searching for ways to treat arthritis pain, many people think that a shot or surgery is required. While a corticosteroid like cortisone may be needed — and even surgery in rare cases — an orthopedic expert will rarely jump to those treatments without physical therapy, or until a patient has undergone physical therapy first.

Arthritis is a common condition that affects more than 50 million adults, although the causes of it aren't well understood. The term arthritis is actually a colloquial way of referring to more than 100 different joint conditions and diseases. Symptoms of arthritis include joint stiffness, decreased range of motion and joint pain.