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Shoulder Arthritis

Comprehensive guide to understanding, managing, and living with shoulder arthritis through evidence-based treatment approaches and lifestyle modifications.

50+
Peak age onset
Ongoing
Management approach
75%
Benefit from conservative care
15%
Population affected
Understanding Shoulder Arthritis

What is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis involves inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function.

Common Risk Factors:

  • Age over 50 years
  • Previous shoulder injuries
  • Family history of arthritis
  • Repetitive overhead activities

Common Symptoms

  • Deep, aching shoulder pain
  • Morning stiffness lasting >30 minutes
  • Pain worsening with activity
  • Limited range of motion
  • Grinding or clicking sensation
  • Weakness with lifting

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative)

Wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the cartilage of the shoulder joint

Common Causes:

  • Age-related cartilage breakdown
  • Previous shoulder injuries
  • Repetitive stress over time
  • Genetic predisposition

Symptoms:

  • Gradual onset of pain
  • Morning stiffness
  • Pain worsening with activity
  • Limited range of motion

Treatment Approach:

Conservative management with activity modification and strengthening

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis affecting multiple joints

Common Causes:

  • Autoimmune system dysfunction
  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental triggers
  • Hormonal influences

Symptoms:

  • Symmetrical joint involvement
  • Morning stiffness >1 hour
  • Fatigue and systemic symptoms
  • Joint swelling and warmth

Treatment Approach:

Medical management with disease-modifying drugs and rehabilitation

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Arthritis developing after shoulder injury or surgery

Common Causes:

  • Previous shoulder fractures
  • Dislocation injuries
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Surgical complications

Symptoms:

  • Pain related to previous injury
  • Progressive stiffness
  • Functional limitations
  • Weather-related symptoms

Treatment Approach:

Targeted therapy based on specific joint damage patterns

Treatment Phases

Phase 1: Pain Management (0-4 weeks)

Initial symptom control and joint protection

Goals:

Reduce pain and inflammationMaintain joint mobilityProtect joint structures

Key Interventions:

Activity modification and pacing
Heat/cold therapy as appropriate
Anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
Gentle range of motion exercises
Joint protection techniques
Ergonomic assessments
Phase 2: Mobility Restoration (4-8 weeks)

Gradual improvement in joint function and flexibility

Goals:

Restore range of motionImprove joint mechanicsBegin strengthening

Key Interventions:

Progressive stretching program
Manual therapy techniques
Hydrotherapy exercises
Postural correction training
Scapular stabilization exercises
Activity progression guidelines
Phase 3: Strengthening & Function (8-16 weeks)

Building strength and improving daily function

Goals:

Build muscle strengthImprove functional capacityPrevent progression

Key Interventions:

Progressive resistance training
Functional movement patterns
Endurance training
Balance and proprioception exercises
Activity-specific training
Long-term management planning

Rehabilitation Exercise Program

Early Phase Exercises (0-8 weeks)

Gentle Pendulum Swings

Passive movement to maintain joint mobility

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 each direction
Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Assisted Range of Motion

Use opposite arm to help move affected shoulder

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Heat/Cold Application

Apply heat before exercise, cold after for inflammation

Sets: As needed
Reps: 15-20 minutes
Frequency: 2-3 times daily
Strengthening Phase (8-16 weeks)

Isometric Strengthening

Static muscle contractions without joint movement

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-second holds
Frequency: Daily

Light Resistance Exercises

Gentle strengthening with bands or light weights

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 12-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Scapular Stabilization

Strengthen muscles around shoulder blade

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 15-20 repetitions
Frequency: Daily
Maintenance Phase (16+ weeks)

Progressive Resistance

Gradually increase resistance as tolerated

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 8-12 repetitions
Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Functional Activities

Practice daily living activities with proper mechanics

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Aquatic Exercises

Water-based exercises for joint-friendly strengthening

Sets: 30-45 minutes
Reps: Continuous
Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Long-term Management Strategies
Maintain regular, gentle exercise routine
Use heat therapy before activities
Apply cold therapy after activities
Pace activities throughout the day
Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint stress
Use assistive devices when needed
Practice good posture and ergonomics
Stay consistent with prescribed medications
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden severe increase in pain
Significant loss of shoulder function
Signs of infection (fever, increased warmth)
Numbness or tingling in arm or hand
Severe night pain disrupting sleep
Progressive weakness despite treatment
Joint deformity or instability
Inability to perform daily activities
Recommended Products for Management

Joint Support

Supportive braces for daily activities

Heat Therapy

Heat pads for morning stiffness relief

Exercise Equipment

Gentle resistance for strengthening

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