Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Kilsyth | Physiotherapy & Myotherapy

Shoulder arthritis can cause ongoing shoulder pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities such as reaching overhead, getting dressed, lifting objects or exercising. As arthritis progresses, shoulder movement and strength can become increasingly limited.

At Physio Elements in Kilsyth, our physiotherapists can assess shoulder pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and develop an individualised treatment and exercise program to help you maintain movement, strength and function.

Myotherapy may also be used alongside physiotherapy to address muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort around the shoulder, neck and upper back.

What Is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis occurs when the structures within the shoulder joint become affected by changes to the joint surfaces and surrounding tissues. One of the most common types is osteoarthritis, which involves changes to the cartilage and bones within the joint over time.

The shoulder is made up of several joints, but arthritis can particularly affect the glenohumeral joint, where the ball at the top of the upper arm meets the shoulder socket.

Arthritis can contribute to:

• Shoulder pain
• Joint stiffness
• Reduced range of movement
• Difficulty reaching overhead
• Weakness or reduced strength
• Pain during lifting
• Difficulty with dressing or grooming
• Pain during exercise or sport
• Difficulty reaching behind the back
• Pain when sleeping on the affected side
• Changes in shoulder function

Shoulder arthritis can vary significantly between people. Some people have changes visible on imaging but relatively mild symptoms, while others can experience significant pain and stiffness.

What Does Shoulder Arthritis Feel Like?

Shoulder arthritis commonly causes a combination of pain and stiffness.
You may notice:

• A dull or aching shoulder pain
• Pain that increases with movement
• Stiffness after periods of inactivity
• Difficulty lifting the arm
• Reduced ability to reach overhead
• Pain reaching behind your back
• Pain putting on or removing clothing
• Pain lifting or carrying objects
• Reduced shoulder strength
• Clicking, grinding or other joint noises
• Pain during exercise
• Difficulty sleeping comfortably
• Gradually increasing loss of movement

Symptoms can develop gradually rather than following one specific injury.

What Causes Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis can develop for several reasons. Osteoarthritis is often associated with age-related changes, but it is not simply an unavoidable part of getting older.

Factors that may contribute include:

Age-related joint changes
The risk of osteoarthritis generally increases with age as the joint and surrounding tissues undergo changes over time.

Previous shoulder injuries or surgeries Previous fractures, dislocations, significant shoulder injuries or surgery can increase the likelihood of developing shoulder arthritis later in life.

Repetitive shoulder loading
Activities involving repeated lifting, pushing, pulling or overhead movements may contribute to joint stress over time, particularly when combined with other risk factors.

Rotator cuff problems
Significant or longstanding rotator cuff problems can alter how the shoulder joint moves and loads, which may contribute to degenerative changes in some people.

Genetics and individual factors
Some people are more susceptible to osteoarthritis due to genetic and other individual factors.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

There are several different types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the shoulder. It involves changes to the cartilage and joint surfaces and can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect multiple joints, including the shoulder. It can cause joint inflammation, pain and stiffness.

Post-traumatic Arthritis
Arthritis can develop following a previous injury to the shoulder, such as a fracture or significant joint injury.

Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
In some people with longstanding, significant rotator cuff damage, changes in the mechanics of the shoulder can contribute to progressive joint degeneration and arthritis. The type and severity of arthritis can influence the most appropriate management approach.

How Is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?

A physiotherapist can assess your shoulder to understand your symptoms, movement and functional limitations.
Your assessment may include:

• Shoulder range of movement
• Shoulder strength
• Rotator cuff function
• Joint mobility
• Pain levels and irritability
• Functional movements
• Posture and movement patterns
• Neck and upper-back movement
• Activities that aggravate your symptoms
• Work and exercise requirements
• Previous shoulder injuries or surgery

If arthritis is suspected, your doctor may recommend imaging such as an X-ray to assess the condition of the joint.

Imaging findings are considered alongside your symptoms and physical examination, as the amount of arthritis seen on an X-ray does not always directly correspond to the amount of pain experienced.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Shoulder Arthritis?

Physiotherapy can help manage shoulder arthritis by reducing pain, maintaining movement, improving strength and supporting everyday function. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, arthritis severity, activity levels and individual goals.

Treatment may include education, exercise therapy, mobility exercises, manual therapy and activity modification. Your Physiotherapist may use targeted exercises to improve shoulder and rotator cuff strength, shoulder blade control, mobility, upper-body strength and functional capacity.

Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation may help manage pain and movement restrictions, while activity and load management can help you stay active without unnecessarily aggravating your symptoms.

Your Physiotherapist will gradually progress your rehabilitation to help you maintain shoulder strength, movement and function.

What Exercises Are Good for Shoulder Arthritis?

There is no single exercise program that is right for everyone with shoulder arthritis. Depending on your symptoms, movement and goals, your Physiotherapist may recommend gentle range-of motion exercises, pendulum exercises, shoulder flexion, internal and external rotation, rotator cuff and scapular strengthening, resistance-band exercises, upper-back strengthening and functional or general upper-body exercises.

Exercises should be progressed gradually and adjusted according to your pain, mobility, strength and individual goals.

Can I Exercise With Shoulder Arthritis?

In many cases, yes.
Having shoulder arthritis does not necessarily mean you need to stop exercising. Staying active can help maintain strength and function. However, certain movements, loads or exercises may aggravate your symptoms. Your physiotherapist can help modify exercises based on your individual presentation. This may involve changing:

• Weight
• Repetitions
• Range of movement
• Exercise selection
• Training frequency
• Position
• Technique

The goal is to help you remain active while appropriately managing the load placed on the shoulder.

Does shoulder arthritis always require surgery?

No, shoulder arthritis does not always require surgery. Many people can manage their symptoms effectively with conservative treatment, particularly when symptoms are mild to moderate.

Treatment may include Physiotherapy, exercise therapy, strength training, mobility exercises, activity modification, pain management and general fitness. Myotherapy may also be used alongside Physiotherapy to help manage associated muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort.

The most appropriate approach depends on the severity of the arthritis, your symptoms, your shoulder function and how much the condition affects your daily activities.

For some people, symptoms can be managed effectively for many years without surgery. If conservative treatment is no longer providing adequate relief or shoulder function becomes significantly limited, your Physiotherapist may recommend further assessment with your doctor or an orthopaedic specialist.

When Is Shoulder Replacement Considered?

For people with severe shoulder arthritis, particularly when pain and loss of function significantly affect quality of life and conservative treatment has not provided sufficient relief, a doctor or orthopaedic specialist may discuss shoulder replacement surgery.

The decision depends on factors such as:

• Severity of joint changes
• Pain levels
• Loss of shoulder function
• Impact on daily activities
• Response to conservative management
• Overall health
• Individual goals

If surgery is recommended, physiotherapy can play an important role in rehabilitation before and after the procedure.

Physiotherapy After Shoulder Replacement

Following shoulder replacement surgery, rehabilitation generally progresses gradually according to the type of surgery and your surgeon’s instructions.

Physiotherapy may focus on:

• Managing pain and swelling
• Restoring appropriate shoulder movement
• Regaining strength
• Improving shoulder function
• Gradually increasing activity
• Functional rehabilitation
• Returning to appropriate exercise

Your rehabilitation program will be tailored to your surgery, recovery and individual goals.

Can Myotherapy Help Shoulder Arthritis?

Myotherapy may be useful alongside physiotherapy for people experiencing muscular tension or soft tissue discomfort around an arthritic shoulder.

A myotherapist may work on surrounding areas such as the:

• Shoulder muscles
• Rotator cuff muscles
• Upper trapezius
• Neck
• Chest
• Upper back

Treatment may include techniques such as:
Depending on your individual presentation, Myotherapy may include soft tissue massage, deep tissue techniques, trigger point therapy, dry needling, myofascial release, stretching, mobility work and corrective exercises.

Myotherapy does not reverse arthritis or repair damaged cartilage. Instead, it may help manage associated muscular tension and discomfort as part of a broader treatment approach.

Can Shoulder Arthritis Get Better?

Shoulder arthritis is generally a long-term condition, meaning the underlying joint changes do not simply disappear. However, symptoms can fluctuate considerably, and many people can improve their pain, movement and function with appropriate management.

A combination of exercise, strength training, activity modification and symptom management can help many people maintain shoulder function and stay active.

Should I See a Physiotherapist for Shoulder Arthritis?

Consider seeing a Physiotherapist if shoulder pain or stiffness is affecting your everyday activities, work, exercise, sport, sleep, ability to lift or carry, shoulder movement, strength or overall quality of life.

A physiotherapy assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an appropriate management plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Arthritis

Looking for Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Kilsyth?

If shoulder arthritis is making everyday activities, exercise or sport more difficult, the team at Physio Elements in Kilsyth can help.

Our physiotherapists can assess your shoulder, identify the factors contributing to your pain and stiffness, and develop an individualised treatment and exercise program based on your needs and goals.

Our myotherapists can also assist with associated muscular tension and soft tissue discomfort around the shoulder, neck and upper back.

Book an appointment with Physio Elements in Kilsyth today to have your shoulder assessed and start working towards maintaining strength, movement and function.

Article reviewed by:
Jordan Tierney, Qualified Myotherapist, Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy, Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Nisha, Physiotherapist at Physio Elements, Kilsyth. Master of Physiotherapy (Orthopaedics, Sports & Manual Therapy), University of South Australia.