Shoulder osteoarthritis is a gradual change in the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, in which the smooth cartilage thins and the joint becomes stiff and painful. It causes a deep ache, loss of movement and a grinding feeling, and it is most common after the age of 60. Many people manage it well with exercise, activity changes and pain relief, and joint replacement is an effective option when symptoms are severe.
Also known as glenohumeral osteoarthritis, shoulder arthritis, wear and tear of the shoulder
Symptoms
- A deep ache in the shoulder, often felt at the back or deep inside the joint
- Stiffness, with difficulty reaching up, out to the side or behind your back
- Grinding, clicking or catching as the shoulder moves
- Pain at night and difficulty lying on that side
- Pain that builds with use and eases with rest
- Gradual loss of strength as the arm is used less
Causes and risk factors
- Increasing age
- A previous shoulder injury, such as a fracture or dislocation
- Long-standing large rotator cuff tears
- Heavy manual work or overhead sport over many years
- Osteoarthritis in other joints, such as the knee
- Previous shoulder surgery or inflammatory joint disease
What the evidence says helps
- NICE recommends exercise, tailored to the person, as a core treatment for osteoarthritis in any joint, along with support to manage weight where relevant and clear information about the condition.2
- For the shoulder specifically there are few good trials of physiotherapy, but US orthopaedic guidelines support trying supervised or home exercise.3
- A steroid injection can be considered for short-term relief when other pain relief has not helped.2
- Hyaluronic acid injections are not recommended.23
- Shoulder replacement is considered when pain and loss of function remain severe despite other treatment, and reviews report reliable improvements in pain and function.4
Things you can try at home
- Keep the shoulder moving every day with gentle range-of-movement exercises
- Use heat before activity to ease stiffness
- Break heavy or overhead jobs into shorter spells
- Keep items you use often between waist and shoulder height
- Stay generally active to maintain strength and fitness
- Ask a pharmacist about anti-inflammatory gel or other pain relief
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or pain in the jaw: call 999
- A shoulder that looks deformed or cannot be moved after a fall or injury: go to A&E
- A hot, red, swollen shoulder with a fever or feeling unwell: get same-day medical help
- Constant pain that is worse at night, with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer: see your GP
How Apollo can help
We assess how much movement and strength you have, and how the shoulder is affecting sleep and daily tasks. We explain what osteoarthritis is and what it is not, and agree a plan built around graded exercise to keep the joint moving and the surrounding muscles strong. Hands-on treatment can help ease pain and stiffness alongside the exercise. If your symptoms are severe or not responding, we can write to your GP about imaging, an injection or a surgical opinion, and we offer rehabilitation before and after shoulder replacement.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can exercise help shoulder arthritis?
Yes. Exercise is a core treatment for osteoarthritis in UK guidance. It will not reverse the joint changes, but it can help maintain movement, build strength and reduce pain. The right level is one that causes no more than mild, short-lived discomfort.
When should I think about a shoulder replacement?
Surgery is usually considered when pain and stiffness are severely affecting sleep and daily life and have not responded to exercise, pain relief and injections. Your GP can refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss whether it is right for you.
Is shoulder arthritis the same as frozen shoulder?
No. Both cause stiffness, but frozen shoulder is inflammation and tightening of the joint lining that usually resolves over one to three years. Osteoarthritis is a long-term change in the joint surfaces. An X-ray helps tell them apart.
References
- Oh JH, et al. (2011). The prevalence of shoulder osteoarthritis in the elderly Korean population: association with risk factors and function. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 20:756-763. View source
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG226. View source
- Khazzam M, Gee AO, Pearl M (2020). Management of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 28:781-789. View source
- Ansok CB, Muh SJ (2018). Optimal management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Orthopedic Research and Reviews Volume 10:9-18. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
