Shoulder Osteoarthritis
What is Shoulder Osteoarthritis?
Shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is degeneration of the cartilage within the glenohumeral joint (the main ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder) or the acromioclavicular joint (the small joint between the collarbone and shoulder blade). Glenohumeral OA causes progressive pain, stiffness and loss of shoulder movement. AC joint OA typically presents as localised pain at the top of the shoulder, provoked by cross-body movements and overhead activities.
Primary shoulder osteoarthritis is less common than at the hip or knee. However, post-traumatic arthritis following shoulder dislocation, fracture or rotator cuff tear arthropathy is well recognised. Specialist Hand Therapy at all stages reduces pain, maintains shoulder function and delays the need for surgical intervention. When surgery becomes necessary, rehabilitation is essential to optimise the outcome.
What causes Shoulder Osteoarthritis?
- Primary osteoarthritis: idiopathic age-related cartilage degeneration
- Post-traumatic arthritis following shoulder dislocation, fracture or surgical stabilisation
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy: severe glenohumeral OA secondary to a massive rotator cuff tear
- Inflammatory arthritis: rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis causing secondary joint destruction
- Avascular necrosis of the humeral head: disruption of the blood supply causing bone collapse
- Previous shoulder surgery altering joint mechanics and loading patterns
Signs & symptoms
- Deep aching shoulder pain at rest and with activity
- Progressive loss of shoulder movement, particularly external rotation and elevation
- Morning stiffness easing with gentle movement
- Crepitus: a grinding or crunching sensation during shoulder movement
- Reduced grip strength and difficulty with activities requiring shoulder load-bearing
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Shoulder Osteoarthritis. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
A targeted mobilisation programme maintains functional shoulder range of movement and counteracts stiffening associated with OA. Ms Razo designs the programme to address the specific movement restrictions affecting each patient's daily function.
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder reduces load on the arthritic joint surfaces and improves stability. Ms Razo designs a graded strengthening programme appropriate to the degree of arthritis and the patient's current symptom level.
Education on joint protection techniques, activity modification and ergonomic adjustments helps patients with shoulder OA manage their symptoms and remain functional.
Total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) and reverse total shoulder replacement are highly effective for advanced glenohumeral OA. Ms Razo provides specialist post-operative rehabilitation following shoulder replacement, with a phased programme allowing an efficient return to daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
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Glenohumeral (GH) arthritis affects the main ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, causing generalised shoulder pain, loss of rotation and elevation. AC joint arthritis affects the smaller joint at the top of the shoulder between the clavicle and acromion, causing localised pain at the top of the shoulder provoked by cross-body movements. Both can coexist.
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Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is a specific pattern of severe glenohumeral OA that develops as a consequence of a massive, longstanding rotator cuff tear. Without the rotator cuff to hold the humeral head centred in the socket, the humeral head migrates superiorly and erodes the acromion above and the glenoid and humeral head cartilage. Reverse total shoulder replacement, which does not require an intact rotator cuff, is the preferred surgical treatment.
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Yes. Many patients manage shoulder OA effectively with non-operative measures for years. Specialist Hand Therapy can provide meaningful symptom relief. Surgery is considered non-operative measures are no longer adequate and quality of life is significantly impacted.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.