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Shoulder Arthritis & Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder arthritis can make ordinary motion painful and limited. Shoulder replacement may be considered when pain, stiffness, and loss of function remain severe despite reasonable nonsurgical care.
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Common symptoms
- Deep shoulder pain or aching
- Grinding, catching, or creaking with motion
- Stiffness and loss of rotation
- Pain at night or with simple daily activities
- Difficulty reaching behind the back or overhead
How it is diagnosed
- X-rays to evaluate joint space, bone shape, and arthritis severity
- Exam of motion, strength, and pain pattern
- CT or MRI in selected cases to plan treatment
- Assessment of rotator cuff function and overall shoulder mechanics
Nonsurgical treatment options
- Activity modification and anti-inflammatory strategies
- Physical therapy focused on comfortable motion and function
- Injections when appropriate
- Monitoring when symptoms are manageable
When surgery may be considered
- Pain and stiffness that meaningfully limit quality of life
- Failure of nonsurgical care to provide acceptable function
- Arthritis pattern where anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement may be appropriate
- A shared decision after reviewing risks, recovery, and expectations
Recovery expectations
- Shoulder replacement recovery includes wound healing, motion work, strengthening, and gradual return to activity
- Restrictions depend on implant type and tendon status
- The goal is reliable pain relief and function, not a guaranteed return to every activity
Important note
This page is educational and cannot diagnose your condition. Your treatment plan should be based on an examination, imaging when needed, and a discussion with your medical team.