Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooGlenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, happens when the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones breaks down. This can cause pain, swelling, problems moving the joint, and bony growths (bone spurs or osteophytes) (NHS, 2023).

1. Use it!

It's ok to use the shoulder. A big problem with shoulder arthritis is stiffness in the joint, and not using the joint can make it stiffer. But don't overdo it: you may need to change the way you move your arm to avoid provoking pain (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). Keep use proportionate and stay within your pain limits.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medication

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (n.d.) says that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may reduce inflammation and pain in shoulder arthritis. These medicines can irritate the stomach, and you should speak to a doctor first if you have had stomach ulcers or take blood-thinning medicine (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). NICE (2022) guidance for doctors advises that an anti-inflammatory gel is considered before tablets, and that tablets are used at the lowest dose for the shortest time. (This medicine information comes from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and NICE, not from me. Always check with a pharmacist or your family doctor or nurse practitioner before taking any medicine.)

3. Ice and Heat

Icing your shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day, can help to ease pain. Do not apply ice directly to your skin; wrap it in a cloth. Moist heat may also give temporary relief (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).

Options outside my scope

• Corticosteroid injection: a steroid injection into the shoulder can reduce inflammation and pain, although the effect is often temporary (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.).
• Shoulder replacement surgery: for advanced arthritis of the ball and socket joint, the damaged parts can be replaced with artificial parts. A conventional replacement copies the normal shape of the shoulder. In a reverse replacement, the ball and socket are swapped round; this works better for people whose rotator cuff (the group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place) is badly torn (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, n.d.). Your surgeon can explain which type, if any, would suit you.

How I can help (see the My Approach tab)

• Hands-on work and gentle joint mobilisation for the shoulder, neck and upper back
• A range-of-motion and strengthening programme
• Advice on pacing and everyday tasks
• Support after a shoulder replacement, once your surgeon agrees

How you feel the next day guides the next step: if the shoulder is the same or better, we build a little; if it's sorer, we ease back. At home, warmth suits a stiff shoulder and short, wrapped spells of ice suit a flared one. I'll also help you pace your day and find easier ways to reach, lift, carry and sleep. If you've had a shoulder replacement, I need your surgeon's okay before hands-on treatment, and I work within their rehabilitation plan.