Many people worry that an arthritis diagnosis means they'll eventually need surgery. In reality, most people manage their symptoms successfully with education, exercise and sensible activity modification for many years.
At The Addison Physiotherapy, we help people with shoulder arthritis remain active by improving strength, maintaining movement and developing practical strategies to reduce pain during everyday activities.
Key Takeaways
- Shoulder arthritis is caused by gradual wear of the shoulder joint.
- Pain and stiffness usually develop slowly over time.
- Exercise is one of the most effective treatments.
- Physiotherapy helps improve movement and shoulder function.
- Many people avoid or delay surgery with appropriate management.
What causes shoulder arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis develops when the cartilage lining the shoulder joint gradually wears down. As the cartilage becomes thinner, the joint surfaces no longer glide as smoothly, leading to pain and stiffness.
Common causes include:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Previous fractures
- Rotator cuff tears
- Repetitive heavy manual work
- Family history of osteoarthritis
Unlike the knee or hip, arthritis of the shoulder is less common, but it can still have a significant impact on daily activities.
What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?
People commonly experience:
- Deep aching shoulder pain
- Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning
- Difficulty reaching overhead
- Pain reaching behind your back
- Reduced shoulder movement
- Clicking or grinding sensations
- Pain after heavier activity
Symptoms usually develop gradually and slowly worsen over time if left unmanaged.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
It's worth booking an assessment if:
- Shoulder pain has persisted for several weeks.
- Stiffness is affecting everyday activities.
- You're avoiding exercise because of pain.
- Your shoulder movement is gradually reducing.
- You're struggling with work or recreational activities.
Early treatment can help maintain movement and reduce the impact arthritis has on your lifestyle.
Do I need imaging?
Sometimes.
X-rays are the most common investigation used to diagnose shoulder arthritis and may show narrowing of the joint space or bone spurs.
However, it's important to remember that imaging findings don't always match your symptoms. Some people have significant arthritis on X-ray with minimal pain, while others experience considerable symptoms despite relatively mild changes.
A physiotherapy assessment helps determine whether arthritis is actually responsible for your shoulder pain.
How is shoulder arthritis treated?
Treatment focuses on improving your shoulder's function and helping you remain active.
Treatment usually includes:
Education
Understanding your diagnosis and learning how to manage flare-ups confidently.
Load Management
Modifying activities that excessively aggravate the joint while encouraging regular movement.
Progressive Strengthening
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder improves joint support and can reduce pain during everyday activities.
Maintaining Mobility
Gentle mobility exercises help reduce stiffness and preserve shoulder movement over time.
The aim is to improve your quality of life, not simply reduce pain.
Can I keep exercising?
Absolutely.
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for shoulder arthritis.
While some movements may need temporary modification during painful flare-ups, remaining active helps maintain strength, reduce stiffness and improve long-term shoulder function.
Low-impact strengthening exercises are generally encouraged.
How long does recovery take?
Shoulder arthritis is a long-term condition rather than an injury that completely heals.
However, symptoms often improve within weeks of beginning an appropriate rehabilitation program.
