Shoulder arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced arm movement that interferes with reaching, dressing, lifting, and sleeping. It commonly affects the shoulder joint as the cartilage gradually wears down over time. A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide the best management plan.

Most cases involve osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint or the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. However, shoulder arthritis may also occur due to inflammatory arthritis, previous injury, rotator cuff damage, or joint degeneration after trauma.

What is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis describes joint degeneration or inflammation within the shoulder that affects movement and function. Over time, cartilage may thin or wear away, which can increase joint friction and cause pain, stiffness, and loss of range.

While ageing is a common factor, arthritis can also develop after shoulder injuries, repetitive strain, rotator cuff tears, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Shoulder Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms often develop gradually. Common signs include:

• Shoulder pain during movement or after activity
• Stiffness or reduced shoulder mobility
• Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
• Weakness or reduced arm strength
• Clicking, grinding, or popping sensations
• Night pain when lying on the affected shoulder

These symptoms may overlap with other shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder bursitis, or frozen shoulder. A proper assessment helps identify the primary cause.

How is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?

Your physiotherapist or doctor will assess shoulder movement, strength, joint irritability, and functional limitations. They may also discuss previous injuries, activity levels, and daily tasks that aggravate your symptoms.

X-rays are commonly used to confirm arthritic changes within the joint. Additional imaging such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may help identify associated issues such as tendon injury or cartilage damage.

Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

Most people manage shoulder arthritis successfully with non-surgical treatment. Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and strengthen muscles that support the shoulder joint.

Treatment may include:

• Activity modification during flare-ups
• Guided shoulder exercises
• Strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles
• Manual therapy techniques
• Education about posture and shoulder mechanics
• Pain management strategies

Medical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections may sometimes help reduce inflammation during painful episodes.

When is Surgery Considered?

Surgery may be considered if symptoms remain severe despite appropriate conservative care. Surgical options may include arthroscopy, partial shoulder replacement, or total shoulder replacement.

After surgery, a structured post-operative shoulder physiotherapy program is essential to restore mobility, strength, and functional use of the arm.

Can Physiotherapy Help Shoulder Arthritis?

Yes. Physiotherapy can improve shoulder movement, strengthen supportive muscles, and help you maintain an active lifestyle despite arthritic joint changes. A tailored exercise program can reduce stress on the joint and improve overall function.

Shoulder Arthritis FAQs

What does shoulder arthritis feel like?

Most people describe a deep aching pain within the shoulder joint accompanied by stiffness and reduced range of motion. Pain often worsens when reaching overhead, lifting objects, or lying on the affected shoulder.

Can shoulder arthritis cause clicking or grinding?

Yes. Cartilage wear can lead to grinding or clicking sensations as the joint surfaces move. These sounds may occur with stiffness or pain during shoulder movement.

Is exercise helpful for shoulder arthritis?

Appropriate exercise can improve joint mobility, strengthen shoulder muscles, and reduce pain. Exercises should be guided by a physiotherapist to avoid aggravating symptoms.

Does shoulder arthritis get worse over time?

Arthritis changes can progress slowly over time, but many people manage symptoms effectively with exercise, activity modification, and physiotherapy.

When should I see a physiotherapist for shoulder arthritis?

You should seek assessment if shoulder pain persists, movement becomes limited, sleep is affected, or your symptoms interfere with daily activities, work, or sport.

What to Do Next

If shoulder pain or stiffness is limiting your movement, book a physiotherapy assessment. Early guidance may help reduce aggravation, improve shoulder function, and clarify whether arthritis is the main cause of your symptoms.

More Shoulder Information

• Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy
• AC Joint Pain
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Shoulder Bursitis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Shoulder Pain FAQs

References

1. Arthritis of the Shoulder – AAOS
2. Management of Osteoarthritis Guidelines – American College of Rheumatology
3. Non-operative management of shoulder osteoarthritis

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