Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause stiffness, deep aching and reduced motion. Learn about diagnosis and management with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is shoulder osteoarthritis?

Shoulder arthritis is wear of the smooth cartilage in the ball-and-socket joint, which causes a deep ache, stiffness and grinding. It is less common than knee or hip arthritis, and often follows an old injury. Care starts with strengthening and keeping the joint moving, and Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, may add ultrasound-guided injections for pain that stays. Advanced arthritis can need a surgeon's opinion.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Shoulder condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

What are treatment options for shoulder osteoarthritis?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland assesses the degree of shoulder-joint arthritis and may discuss selected PRP treatment or cellular orthobiologics (BMAC/MFAT) options after reviewing symptoms and imaging. Evidence varies, and these treatments do not restore normal cartilage or replace an orthopedic evaluation when arthritis is advanced.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional care includes physical therapy for range of motion and strength, activity adjustment, pain-relief medication when appropriate, and sometimes a corticosteroid injection for temporary relief. The plan should preserve function without repeatedly provoking pain.

When other care may be needed: Persistent night pain, substantial stiffness, or major loss of function may warrant shoulder-specialist review to discuss the full range of options, including surgery when appropriate.

Common questions

Questions about shoulder osteoarthritis

What causes shoulder osteoarthritis?

Shoulder osteoarthritis is cartilage wear in the main shoulder joint, sometimes associated with prior injury, dislocation, rotator-cuff disease, age or repetitive loading. An exam and imaging help determine whether joint arthritis explains the pain and how much function is affected.

What are the symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis?

Symptoms may include a deep shoulder ache, stiffness, grinding or catching with movement, reduced range of motion and pain at night or after activity. These symptoms overlap with rotator-cuff conditions, so examination and imaging may be needed to identify the main source.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for shoulder osteoarthritis?

Non-surgical care may include activity modification, strengthening and mobility work, heat or ice, and medication when appropriate. Physical therapy aims to preserve motion and strengthen supporting muscles without repeatedly aggravating the joint. A clinician may discuss a targeted injection for selected patients.

What regenerative options may help shoulder osteoarthritis?

Dr. Tortland may discuss selected injection treatments, which can include PRP or cellular orthobiologics, for symptoms that persist. When an MRI shows a bone marrow lesion beneath the cartilage, intraosseous (into-the-bone) injection may also be considered. Advanced arthritis with severe pain or loss of function may warrant a surgical opinion.