Shoulder arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or even sleeping difficult. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and stiffness, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment to help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and restore function. At Durham Orthopedic Clinic and Sports Injury Clinic, we offer personalized physiotherapy programs to help you regain movement and reduce discomfort.
What is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion. The most common types of shoulder arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – A degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition that affects the joint lining.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis – Arthritis developing after an injury or fracture.
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Common signs of shoulder arthritis include:
- Persistent pain, especially with movement
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Clicking or grinding sounds in the joint
- Weakness in the arm and shoulder
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Shoulder Arthritis
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in reducing shoulder pain and improving function. At Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic, our expert physiotherapists create customized treatment plans to help you:
1. Improve Shoulder Mobility
Gentle range of motion exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Passive stretching techniques can also assist in loosening tight shoulder muscles and joints.
2. Strengthen Shoulder Muscles
Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder, particularly the rotator cuff and scapular muscles, helps support the joint and reduces strain. Our physiotherapists will guide you through safe and effective exercises.
3. Reduce Pain & Inflammation
Physiotherapy use treatments such as manual therapy and ultrasound therapy and acupuncture.
4. Improve Posture & Joint Alignment
Poor posture can contribute to shoulder arthritis symptoms. Our therapists provide postural correction exercises and ergonomic advice to reduce strain on the shoulder joint.
Best Physiotherapy Exercises for Shoulder Arthritis
Here are some safe and effective exercises commonly recommended for shoulder arthritis:
- Pendulum Swings – Helps maintain mobility with gentle circular movements.
- Wall Crawls – Strengthens the shoulder muscles and improves range of motion.
- External and Internal Rotations – Enhances rotator cuff strength.
- Scapular Retractions – Supports better posture and reduces strain on the shoulder.
Our Approach
At Durham Orthopedic Clinic and Sports Injury Clinic, we provide expert physiotherapy services tailored to your unique needs. Our team is dedicated to helping patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and the Durham Region manage shoulder arthritis effectively with evidence-based treatments.
Book Your Physiotherapy Appointment Today!
If you’re struggling with shoulder arthritis, physiotherapy can help you regain function and improve your quality of life. Contact Durham Orthopedic Clinic today at 905-428-7800 to schedule an appointment with our expert physiotherapists and start your road to recovery today!
