Conditions
Shoulder Arthritis
Category:
Diagnosis:
Description:
Predictors:
Shoulder
Shoulder Arthritis
Progressive pain, stiffness and crepitus with reduced motion. Start with NSAIDs/heat, activity changes, injections and PT.
Deep aching pain; crepitus; progressive stiffness; functional loss; X‑ray changes support diagnosis.
Non-Operative
Therapy:
Light Activities:
Moderate Activities:
Pain control; maintain ROM/strength; pacing; consider corticosteroid injections for flares.
4–12 weeks (variable)
8–16 weeks (by severity)
Surgery
Surgery Probability:
Moderate when pain/function remain limited
Indications:
Recovery to Light Activities:
Recovery to Moderate Activities:
Sucess Rates:
Complication Rates:
Severe pain unresponsive to care; major functional limitation; advanced joint degeneration.
Light ADLs 4–6 weeks post‑op
3–6 months; full recovery 6–12 months
~85–95%
8–16 weeks (by severity)
Predictors:
~85–95%
Infection <1–2%; loosening 5–10% over 10–15 yrs
Helpful Devices
Shoulder Heating Pad
Over‑Door Shoulder Pulley
TheraBand Resistance Bands
Ergonomic Side‑Sleeper Pillow
Topical Analgesic Cream