Did you know you can develop arthritis in your shoulder? While arthritis is a challenging condition anywhere it develops, arthritis-related shoulder pain can be especially difficult since it impairs your ability to reach overhead and comfortably perform other everyday tasks.
Understanding how shoulder arthritis develops and recognizing the early signs can help you take proactive steps to manage the condition effectively. Today, the team at Libre Physical Therapy wants to explore how shoulder arthritis develops, the symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to alleviate your discomfort. Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Shoulder Arthritis in More Depth
Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation. Most people with shoulder arthritis have osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down over time, causing the bones to rub together. This degeneration can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
It’s important to note that shoulder arthritis doesn’t develop overnight. Several factors can contribute to its development.
Shoulder Arthritis Risk Factors
- Advanced age, since the cartilage in our body’s joints naturally wears down as we get older
- Previous shoulder injuries, such as fractures or dislocations
- Genetics and family history
There’s no cure for arthritis, but you can potentially slow the condition’s progression if you seek treatment early enough. You can also take steps to reduce shoulder-related arthritis pain and other symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Pain whenever you move your shoulder, especially during activities that involve lifting or reaching
- Stiffness in your shoulder joint that may worsen after periods of inactivity
- Reduced range of motion in your shoulder
- Grinding or clicking noises in your shoulder joint
Addressing Shoulder Arthritis Pain with Physical Therapy
If you’re experiencing arthritis-related shoulder pain, schedule an appointment at Libre Physical Therapy! Our team offers several effective solutions for reducing arthritis symptoms, helping you to maintain shoulder function as much as possible.
One of the most important ways to manage arthritis is through regular movement and exercise. We know it sounds counterintuitive since arthritis can cause pain during movement. However, the right PT-led exercises can help improve your mobility and build strength to help support and stabilize your shoulder joint, reducing pain.
Our team can also help with acute pain relief, too. We’ll use manual therapy techniques to manipulate the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissue, helping to reduce stiffens and encourage better joint movement.
We’ll also Incorporate functional exercises into your treatment program to help improve your ability to carry out everyday tasks, such as reaching for objects on high shelves or lifting items without pain. And, of course, we’ll provide you with the knowledge you need to take control of your condition and manage your symptoms.
Schedule An Appointment to Get Started
Are you experiencing arthritis-related shoulder pain? Are you dealing with a reduced range of motion in your shoulder? Don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Contact Libre Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment and learn how our tailored treatments can work for you!
Tags: health tips, Libre PT, physical therapist, physical therapy, shoulder pain, shoulder pain relief
