Shoulder Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment & Best Relief Options

Shoulder arthritis is a common source of chronic shoulder pain and stiffness that can limit daily activities and sleep. This guide explains the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and both non-surgical and surgical treatment options — plus practical tips, exercises, and supportive braces to help you manage pain and preserve function.

What Is Shoulder Arthritis?

“Shoulder arthritis” refers to degeneration or inflammation of the shoulder joints. The shoulder has two primary joints that can be affected:

• Glenohumeral joint — the main ball-and-socket joint between the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid of the shoulder blade.
• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint — where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade.

Arthritis causes cartilage breakdown, joint space narrowing, pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Symptoms and treatment vary by type and severity.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis (OA) — degenerative, wear-and-tear cartilage loss. Most common in older adults.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — autoimmune inflammation that can damage joint tissue.
• Post-traumatic arthritis — follows fractures, dislocations, or other injuries.
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy — arthritis that develops after long-standing rotator cuff tendon loss.
• Avascular necrosis (AVN) — bone death due to impaired blood supply that may progress to arthritis.

Common Causes & Risk Factors

• Age-related cartilage degeneration
• Previous shoulder injury (fracture, dislocation)
• Repetitive overhead activity (sports, occupations)
• Autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
• Genetics and family history
• Rotator cuff tears leading to altered shoulder mechanics

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

Signs to watch for include:

• Deep, aching joint pain that may worsen with activity
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion (especially reaching overhead)
• Grinding, clicking, or crackling (crepitus)
• Pain at night that can disrupt sleep
• Weakness or difficulty lifting the arm

How Shoulder Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically includes:

• Medical history & physical exam — ROM tests, palpation, strength assessment.
• X-rays — show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and alignment changes.
• MRI or ultrasound — evaluate soft tissues, rotator cuff tendons, and cartilage damage.
• Blood tests — used when inflammatory arthritis (like RA) is suspected.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity, joint involved, and patient goals. Most people begin with conservative care.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Activity modification — avoid painful repetitive motions and heavy lifting.
• Physical therapy — restore range of motion, strengthen rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
• Medications — NSAIDs or acetaminophen for pain control; disease-modifying drugs for RA.
• Corticosteroid injections — temporary reduction of inflammation and pain.
• Heat & cold therapy — for symptomatic relief.
• Supportive braces and slings — help offload the joint and reduce painful motion. See our shoulder braces collection: Shoulder Braces & Supports.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is considered when conservative care fails or when joint damage is severe:

• Arthroscopic debridement — remove loose tissue or bone spurs for pain relief.
• Hemiarthroplasty — partial joint replacement of the humeral head.
• Total shoulder arthroplasty — complete joint replacement for end-stage glenohumeral OA.
• Reverse shoulder replacement — often used when rotator cuff tear arthropathy is present; changes mechanics to rely on deltoid muscle for elevation.

Rehabilitation & Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends on the chosen treatment:

• Non-surgical rehab: weeks to months of physical therapy and activity modification.
• Post-operative rehab: surgical recovery typically involves immobilization followed by progressive ROM and strengthening over 3–6 months (full recovery may take longer).

Work closely with a surgeon and physical therapist for individualized progression and return-to-activity planning.

Exercises & Home Care (Safe Practices)

Gentle, guided exercises can preserve mobility and reduce pain. Only begin these under the direction of a clinician:

• Pendulum swings — early mobility (lean forward and let the arm swing)
• Passive range-of-motion — assisted movements within pain-free limits
• Scapular stabilization — shoulder blade squeezes and rows
• External rotation with band — strengthening rotor cuff later in rehab

Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain. Progression should be slow and guided.

How Braces & Supports Help Shoulder Arthritis

Braces for shoulder arthritis can:

• Provide compression to reduce swelling
• Limit painful ranges of motion (especially overhead or rotational movements)
• Improve proprioception and perceived stability
• Serve as a wearable adjunct to physical therapy

Browse recommended supports and stabilizers on DME-Direct, including the DonJoy Sully Shoulder Brace, and our wider shoulder brace collection.

Living with Shoulder Arthritis — Practical Tips

• Use ergonomics — adjust workstations to avoid overhead reaching.
• Modify activities — use two hands to lift or push when possible.
• Sleep support — try a pillow under the arm or avoid sleeping on the affected side during flare-ups.
• Weight management and general conditioning improve outcomes.

When to See a Doctor

Seek evaluation if you have:

• Persistent or worsening shoulder pain for several weeks
• Marked loss of motion or strength
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever)
• Failed conservative care with ongoing functional limitation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shoulder arthritis be cured?

Osteoarthritis is typically progressive and not “cured,” but symptoms are often manageable with non-surgical care. Severe cases may benefit significantly from joint replacement surgery.

Is heat or ice better for shoulder arthritis?

Use ice during acute flare-ups to reduce inflammation and heat for chronic stiffness to relax muscles and improve mobility. Alternate based on symptoms and clinician advice.

What is the best brace for shoulder arthritis?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the best brace depends on the joint involved, activity level, and desired restriction. Explore our shoulder brace selection or consult a clinician for a personalized recommendation.

Key Takeaways

Shoulder arthritis ranges from mild stiffness to debilitating joint loss. Early diagnosis, appropriate conservative care (exercise, injections, bracing), and targeted rehabilitation help most people maintain function and reduce pain. For advanced joint damage, surgical options such as arthroplasty can restore mobility and reduce pain.

Looking for support? Visit our Shoulder Braces & Supports collection or check the DonJoy Sully Shoulder Brace for a clinically trusted option.

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.