Shoulder Arthritis

The shoulder is a complex and highly mobile joint made up of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The primary articulation affected by arthritis is the glenohumeral joint, where the ball of the upper arm one fits into the socket on the shoulder blade. The joint is lined with a smooth cartilage layer that allows for pain-free movement. When this cartilage begins to wear down due to age, overuse, or injury, the bones can start to rub against each other, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain, the classic symptoms of arthritis.

Surrounding the shoulder joint is a group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. This soft tissue structure plays a critical role in stabilizing the joint and enabling movement. Over time, the combination of cartilage breakdown and soft tissue strain can further reduce joint function. Regardless of the underlying cause, patients with shoulder arthritis often experience pain with movement, a grinding sensation in the joint, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. This is a wear-and-tear condition typically associated with aging. As people grow older, the cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint gradually deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness.

Other causes include:

• Post-traumatic arthritis: This is a form of osteoarthritis that occurs after a shoulder injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, which can accelerate cartilage breakdown even years after the initial trauma.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to chronic inflammation and joint damage.
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy: This type of arthritis develops when a long-standing rotator cuff tear leads to abnormal shoulder mechanics and joint degeneration.
• Avascular necrosis: A condition where blood flow to the head of the humerus is disrupted, due to disease, trauma or other cause leading to bone collapse and joint damage.

Not every patient with shoulder arthritis requires surgery. At Vitality Orthopedics and Biologics, we emphasize a conservative approach that focuses on relieving symptoms and preserving function for as long as possible. Non-surgical treatments include:

• Activity modification: Avoiding repetitive overhead movements and heavy lifting can reduce mechanical stress on the joint.
• Physical therapy: Customized exercise programs can strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve range of motion, and stabilize the joint.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Corticosteroid injections: These injections can provide temporary relief from inflammation, though their long-term use is limited by potential side effects.

Regenerative medicine is an innovative field that focuses on enhancing the body’s natural healing processes. These therapies aim not just to relieve pain, but also to improve tissue function and potentially slow disease progression.

Red light therapy

This treatment uses low-wavelength red light to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing. For patients with shoulder arthritis, red light therapy may reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and provide pain relief with no downtime.

Laser therapy

High-intensity laser treatments deliver focused energy to the affected area, promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating tissue regeneration. Laser therapy can be a useful adjunct to physical therapy in managing shoulder arthritis symptoms.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

This involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased oxygen levels can enhance tissue repair, reduce swelling, and accelerate healing processes, particularly in cases where poor blood supply contributes to joint degeneration.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood and contains a concentrated mix of healing platelets and growth factors. When injected into the arthritic shoulder, PRP can help reduce inflammation and support tissue regeneration, especially in early to moderate arthritis.

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)

This therapy involves harvesting stem cells from a patient’s pelvic bone marrow and injecting them into the affected joint. These stem cells have the potential to repair damaged tissues and may offer longer-lasting relief than traditional injections.

BPC-157 peptide therapy

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide known to promote tendon, ligament, and muscle healing. For shoulder arthritis, this therapy may help improve joint function and reduce pain when used as part of a comprehensive regenerative treatment plan.

At Vitality Orthopedics and Biologics, we take a personalized approach to every patient’s care. Not all regenerative treatments are appropriate for every type or stage of arthritis. Factors such as patient age, severity of joint degeneration, lifestyle, and treatment goals are all considered when developing a treatment plan.

Patients should also understand that while regenerative therapies can be highly effective, they may not provide immediate results. Improvements often occur gradually over weeks to months, and some therapies may require a series of treatments for optimal benefit.

Choosing a non-surgical or regenerative approach is especially appealing for patients who want to maintain an active lifestyle, avoid surgery, or who may not yet be candidates for joint replacement. Our team provides expert guidance to ensure patients receive safe, evidence-informed care tailored to their needs.