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Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage within the shoulder joint gradually wears down over time. Cartilage helps joint surfaces move smoothly. When it thins or breaks down, shoulder movement can become painful, stiff, or limited.
Arthritis most commonly affects the glenohumeral joint, where the arm bone meets the shoulder socket, but it can also involve the joint near the collarbone. Shoulder arthritis often develops slowly and may be related to aging, previous injury, long-term joint stress, or repetitive use.
This page focuses on arthritis-related shoulder pain and stiffness and how physical therapy can help improve movement, comfort, and daily function.
How Physical Therapy Helps Shoulder Arthritis
Physical therapy for shoulder arthritis focuses on helping the shoulder move more efficiently and comfortably, even when joint changes are present.
Care may include:
- Assessment of joint mobility and movement patterns
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises to reduce stiffness
- Strengthening of muscles that support and protect the joint
- Scapular (shoulder blade) coordination and control training
- Guidance on modifying activities to reduce joint stress
While physical therapy cannot reverse cartilage changes, it can significantly improve how the shoulder functions, helping reduce pain and maintain independence with daily activities.
Common Contributors To Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is influenced by multiple factors that affect joint health over time.
Common contributors may include:
- Age-related cartilage changes
- Previous shoulder injury or trauma
- Long-term or repetitive shoulder use
- Reduced joint mobility, leading to uneven stress
- Muscle weakness around the shoulder
- Altered movement patterns that increase joint load
These contributors can change how the shoulder handles movement and load, gradually leading to pain and stiffness.
Symptoms You May Experience
People with shoulder arthritis may experience:
- Deep, aching shoulder pain
- Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that worsens with activity or repetitive use
- Clicking, grinding, or catching sensations
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
Symptoms often progress gradually and may vary depending on activity level.
Shoulder Arthritis Conditions We Treat
Shoulder arthritis may occur alongside other shoulder conditions. If your symptoms overlap with one of the conditions below, you may find additional information helpful on those pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cartilage changes associated with shoulder arthritis are not reversible. However, many people are able to manage symptoms effectively and maintain function with appropriate care, including physical therapy.
Not necessarily. Symptoms can fluctuate, and progression varies from person to person. Improving movement, strength, and joint control can help reduce stress on the shoulder and slow functional decline.
Stiffness is a common feature of arthritis and may occur even when pain is minimal. Limited joint motion can affect how the shoulder moves during aily activities.
Yes, in most cases. Guided movement helps maintain mobility and reduce stiffness. Avoiding movement altogether can lead to increased limitation over time.
Yes. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for shoulder arthritis to improve comfort, mobility, and shoulder control.
Learn More About Physical Therapy
If you’d like more information about what to expect during physical therapy, visit ourPatient Resources page.
Get Started
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain related to sports or exercise or noticing changes in performance, comfort, or confidence using your arm, a physical therapy evaluation can help identify contributing factors and guide next steps.
