Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the shoulder joint to wear away, causing pain, stiffness and limited mobility. Like most osteoarthritis, there are several stages of shoulder osteoarthritis. In this blog, we will explore the different stages of shoulder osteoarthritis, how they affect the shoulder joint, and how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall function.
Stage 1: In the initial stage of shoulder osteoarthritis, there may be some minor damage to the joint’s cartilage. Symptoms may be mild, and pain may only occur when the shoulder is used in a specific motion or position. Physical therapy can help improve and maintain flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the shoulder and may include exercises and stretches to prevent further damage.
Stage 2: As the disease progresses, the shoulder cartilage may be significantly worn down, causing significant pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion. In this stage, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and restore function through gentle manipulations to realign the joint and relieve pressure on the nerves. This can improve mobility and decrease inflammation, giving the patient greater range of motion and control of their shoulder joint.
Stage 3: In the advanced stage of shoulder osteoarthritis, joint cartilage may be nearly absent, causing bone-on-bone friction, severe pain, and joint deformities. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can work together to alleviate pain and improve the shoulder’s function as much as possible, but in some cases, more invasive treatments may be needed, such as joint replacement surgery. Chiropractic care can help minimize complications during the recovery process and improve range of motion.
Stage 4: This is the final stage of osteoarthritis, where the joint has lost all of its cartilage absence, causing the bones to rub against each other. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain and discomfort, but the only solution may be surgery or other medical interventions. A combination of physiotherapy and chiropractic care can assist in managing stiffness, restoring function, and the possible reduction of the development speed. Shoulder osteoarthritis can be a painful and debilitating disease, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With early detection and treatment, physiotherapy and chiropractic care can effectively manage symptoms and improve joint function. Through a combination of exercises, stretches, joint manipulations, and possibly surgery, you can regain your mobility and quality of life. Speak to a professional physiotherapist or chiropractor today to learn more about the stages of shoulder osteoarthritis and the treatment options available to you.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
