Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Take Back Control of Your Shoulder and Your Life

Your shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in your body, allowing you to reach, lift, throw, and rotate with ease. But when osteoarthritis sets in, that once-fluid movement can turn into pain, stiffness, and grinding discomfort that makes even simple tasks—like putting on a shirt or lifting a bag—feel like a challenge.

You’re not alone. Shoulder osteoarthritis affects millions of people and is one of the most common causes of chronic shoulder pain. The good news? There are treatments that can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson (OIH), our experts specialize in advanced solutions for shoulder arthritis, ensuring that you don’t have to live with constant discomfort.

What Exactly Is Shoulder Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. In a healthy shoulder, cartilage acts as a cushion, allowing the bones to glide smoothly over one another. But with osteoarthritis, that protective layer wears down, leading to:

• Bone-on-bone friction
• Inflammation in the joint
• Pain and stiffness that worsens over time

This condition can develop slowly over years or progress rapidly after an injury. Either way, it won’t go away on its own—but with the right approach, you can take control of your shoulder health.

The Tell-Tale Signs of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Wondering if your shoulder pain is just a strain or something more serious? Here are the most common symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis:

• Persistent shoulder pain – Especially with movement, but sometimes even at rest.
• Stiffness – A feeling of tightness that makes it harder to lift your arm.
• Grinding or clicking sounds – Known as crepitus, this happens when bones rub together.
• Limited range of motion – Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back.
• Weakness in the arm – Making lifting objects harder than before.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, it’s time to get checked out before the condition worsens.

What Causes Shoulder Osteoarthritis?

Shoulder osteoarthritis can happen to anyone, but certain factors increase your risk:

Age: The older we get, the more wear and tear our joints endure. Most cases of OA occur in people over 50.
Previous Injuries: A past dislocation, fracture, or rotator cuff tear can increase the likelihood of developing OA.
Repetitive Movements: Jobs or activities that involve frequent overhead motions (like painting, construction, or throwing sports) speed up cartilage breakdown.
Genetics: If osteoarthritis runs in your family, your risk may be higher.
Poor Posture & Overuse: Poor mechanics in daily movements can put extra stress on the shoulder joint, leading to faster degeneration.

The earlier OA is diagnosed, the more treatment options you have to prevent serious damage and keep moving without pain.

How to Treat Shoulder Osteoarthritis

While there’s no magic cure for osteoarthritis, there are highly effective treatments that can slow its progression, relieve pain, and restore mobility. The right treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition, your lifestyle, and your personal goals.

Here’s how we approach shoulder osteoarthritis at OIH:

Step 1: Conservative Treatments (For Mild to Moderate OA)

Many patients find relief with non-surgical options such as:

• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help reduce swelling and pain.
• Activity Modifications: Avoiding high-impact, repetitive shoulder motions can slow cartilage breakdown.
• Heat and Ice Therapy: Helps with pain management and inflammation control.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Provides temporary relief for inflammation and pain.

These treatments can help manage OA symptoms and keep you active without surgery. But if the damage progresses and pain becomes unbearable, it may be time to explore surgical options.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

If your pain is no longer manageable and it’s affecting your ability to work, sleep, or perform daily activities, it might be time to consider surgical intervention. The two most common procedures for severe shoulder osteoarthritis are:

1. Shoulder Arthroscopy (“Clean-Up Surgery”)

Best for: Mild-to-moderate arthritis
What it does: Removes loose cartilage and bone spurs to improve joint function.
Recovery: Faster than full joint replacement, typically within a few weeks to months. 

2. Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Best for: Advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis
What it does: Replaces the damaged joint with a smooth, artificial implant, eliminating pain.
Recovery: Longer (3-6 months), but with long-term pain relief and restored function. 

At OIH, our orthopaedic specialists use state-of-the-art surgical techniques to ensure maximum pain relief, quicker recovery, and long-lasting results. 

How to Prevent Shoulder Osteoarthritis from Getting Worse

✅ Stay Active – Movement keeps joints lubricated and prevents stiffness.
✅ Strengthen Shoulder Muscles – A stronger shoulder is a more stable shoulder.
✅ Maintain a Healthy Weight – Less weight = less joint stress.
✅ Improve Posture – Avoid hunching forward, which puts extra pressure on the shoulder.
✅ Listen to Your Body – If an activity causes pain, modify it instead of pushing through. 

Taking these steps early on can help slow progression and keep you pain-free longer. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Shoulder Osteoarthritis Hold You Back

If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited movement, don’t ignore it—there are effective solutions that can help you regain your mobility and quality of life. Whether it’s physical therapy, injections, or surgery, the experts at OIH are here to guide you through the best treatment plan for your needs. 

Call the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson today and take the first step toward pain-free movement!