Does physiotherapy treat shoulder osteoarthritis?

Shoulder osteoarthritis involves changes in the joint surfaces that can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty with reaching, dressing or lifting. Physiotherapy does not restore worn cartilage, but it can help you use the available movement more comfortably and preserve practical strength. Assessment considers pain pattern, range of motion, muscle capacity, sleep and the tasks you need to do. Treatment may combine gentle mobility exercises, strengthening for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade, pacing, posture or task adjustments, and advice about heat or other comfort measures. The programme is modified if the joint is irritable, and progress is judged by daily function rather than by trying to force a normal range.

Arrange an assessment when stiffness or pain is affecting routine activities, work or sleep. Keep moving within a tolerable range, break demanding tasks into smaller periods and avoid repeatedly lifting through a painful limit. A physiotherapist can select exercises that match your current movement and gradually increase resistance. Share any night pain, previous shoulder injury or other medical conditions so the plan is appropriate. If symptoms remain limiting, your clinician can discuss other options alongside rehabilitation.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain after injury, a deformed shoulder, inability to move the arm, or new numbness, weakness or colour change in the hand. Prompt medical review is sensible for fever, a hot swollen joint, rapidly worsening symptoms or pain that changes substantially. Ongoing loss of movement despite treatment also deserves reassessment.

Ask which movements and loads are suitable, how to pace strengthening, whether pain relief could support exercise, and what alternatives may be considered if function stays restricted.