Which specialist treats shoulder osteoarthritis?

Shoulder osteoarthritis, also called glenohumeral arthritis, develops when the joint surfaces and surrounding tissues become painful and stiff. An orthopaedic specialist reviews pain, movement, strength, previous injuries, and how symptoms affect daily tasks. Shoulder pain, stiffness, and grinding or popping can also occur with a rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability, so the examination helps separate these problems. X-rays or other imaging may be used when the result would clarify the diagnosis or treatment plan.

Begin with a primary-care or musculoskeletal assessment if you need help reaching a shoulder specialist. Management may combine gentle range-of-motion work, strengthening within tolerance, pacing, and physiotherapy to preserve useful movement. A cortisone injection may be discussed for a painful flare after the clinician reviews your circumstances. If pain and loss of function remain substantial despite non-surgical care, the orthopaedic specialist may discuss shoulder replacement and explain the expected rehabilitation.

Arrange review if shoulder pain or stiffness is progressively limiting dressing, washing, sleeping, or reaching. Seek urgent care after an injury that causes sudden severe pain, a visible deformity, or inability to use the arm. Fever, a hot swollen shoulder, new arm weakness, or numbness also needs prompt assessment because arthritis may not be the only cause.

Ask how much of your limitation comes from arthritis, whether the rotator cuff and joint stability have been checked, and what movement is safe. Discuss physiotherapy goals, injection benefits and drawbacks, and the findings that would make shoulder replacement worth considering.