Treatment For Arthiritis?

My Dr. tells me i have degenerative arthiritis. I went in with extreme pain in my arm and shoulder. Unable to use my arm. She put me on Prednisone and Tramadol. Good 4 1o days with no refills. As soon as meds run out i'm to go in for PT. Mages and hot cold pack treatment. Is this gonna help me? Or do i need the drugs. How often do i need to get these mages? Is there a drug i can ask for that will help, long term?