Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects many people as they age. It can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. However, many people may not realize they have shoulder osteoarthritis until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. In this blog post, we will explore how you can recognize the signs of shoulder osteoarthritis and when it may be time to seek help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Pain and Stiffness: One of the most common signs of shoulder osteoarthritis is pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This pain may be dull or achy and can worsen with certain movements or activities. Stiffness in the shoulder joint may make it difficult to raise your arm overhead or reach behind your back. If you are experiencing persistent pain and stiffness in your shoulder, especially after periods of rest or inactivity, it may be a sign of shoulder osteoarthritis.
Limited Range of Motion: Another common sign of shoulder osteoarthritis is a limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. You may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reaching for items on high shelves or fastening your seatbelt. If you notice that your range of motion is decreasing over time or if you are unable to move your arm through its full range without pain, it could be due to shoulder osteoarthritis.
Crepitus: Crepitus refers to a cracking, popping, or grinding sensation in the shoulder joint when moving the arm. This sensation is caused by roughened cartilage surfaces rubbing together in the joint. If you experience crepitus in your shoulder along with pain and stiffness, it could be a sign of underlying osteoarthritis.
Muscle Weakness: Shoulder osteoarthritis can lead to muscle weakness in the surrounding muscles that support the joint. This weakness can further contribute to pain and limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. If you notice that your muscles are becoming weaker or if you are having difficulty performing simple tasks that require upper body strength, it may be related to shoulder osteoarthritis.
Seeking Help from a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor: If you suspect that you have shoulder osteoarthritis based on these signs and symptoms, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor. These professionals can assess your condition, provide treatment options such as exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to help manage your symptoms and improve function in your shoulder joint.
Recognizing the signs of shoulder osteoarthritis early on can help prevent further progression of the condition and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, crepitus, or muscle weakness in your shoulder joint, don’t hesitate to seek help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor for proper diagnosis and treatment. With their expertise and guidance, you can effectively manage your symptoms and maintain optimal function in your shoulders for years to come.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractic doctor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
