Arthritis
Arthritis impairs your ligaments, muscles, joints and tendons.
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage covering the joint surfaces wears away, causing bone-on-bone friction.
This condition often leads to persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. While arthritis in the shoulder is less common than in the knee or hip, it can significantly affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Over time, the joint may develop swelling, grinding sensations, and weakness, making movement increasingly difficult.
Symptoms of arthritis
The most common symptoms include:
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Persistent pain that may worsen with movement or at night.
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Stiffness and reduced shoulder mobility.
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Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations when moving the arm.
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Muscle weakness due to limited use and pain avoidance.
These often develop gradually but can flare up during periods of increased activity or weather changes. If symptoms persist it's highly advised to set up an appointment with doctor like Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell.Â
Types of shoulder arthritis
There are five types of shoulder arthritis:
Diagnosis
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will assess your shoulder through
Accurate diagnosis of shoulder arthritis is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments and to ensure your plan addresses the root cause of pain. Advanced imaging provides a clearer picture of both bone and soft tissue health.
- Physical examination to check range of motion, strength, and pain triggers.
- X-rays to assess joint space narrowing, bone changes, and arthritis severity.
- MRI scans if soft tissue damage, such as rotator cuff tears, is suspected.
A clear diagnosis ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle needs.
Treatment options for arthritis
Non-surgical treatments
Treatment plans differ depending on the type of arthritis you are experiencing, and its severity. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell may recommend the following:
- Activity modification and rest from aggravating movements.
- Physiotherapy to improve flexibility and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections for pain relief.
Surgical treatments
Surgery (should all other treatments be ineffective) may include
- Joint replacement surgery
- Resection arthroplasty or
- Arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic surgery to smooth rough joint surfaces and remove debris.
- Shoulder joint replacement for advanced arthritis with severe pain and mobility loss.
The right treatment will depend on the severity of your arthritis, your activity level, and your personal goals for recovery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
With a personalised recovery plan, most patients regain significant function and return to many of their usual activities, often with less pain than before treatment.
Recovery from shoulder arthritis treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical, requires a structured rehabilitation plan. In the early phase, pain control and inflammation reduction are prioritised.
As healing progresses, physiotherapy focuses on restoring flexibility, rebuilding muscle strength, and improving joint function. For those undergoing shoulder replacement surgery, full recovery may take several months, with gradual milestones in mobility and strength.
Key rehabilitation points:
- Follow a progressive exercise program tailored to your condition.
- Avoid heavy lifting or overhead activities until cleared by your surgeon.
- Maintain consistency with prescribed physiotherapy sessions for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although many patients first experience symptoms in one shoulder, arthritis can develop in both over time, especially if there are underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or a history of repetitive shoulder strain.
How Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell can help
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has extensive upper limb experience in areas of diagnosis, treatment and surgery.
In your consultation, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure the best possible results for your shoulder condition. He will also discuss the following with you:
- The type and severity of condition
- Tailored treatment options
- Possible complications
- Necessity of surgery
- Post shoulder surgery recovery period
- Short and long-term expected outcomes
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