About shoulder arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is wear of the smooth cartilage that lines the ball-and-socket joint, called the glenohumeral joint. As the cartilage thins, the bones glide less easily, the joint lining becomes irritated, and the shoulder can ache, stiffen, and grind.
Arthritis is not simply a matter of age. Past dislocations, fractures, rotator cuff problems, and inflammatory conditions can all speed up joint wear. Many people with changes on an X-ray still lift, swim, and play with their grandchildren, so the goal is to find the right mix of treatment and training for your shoulder.
Our physicians focus on what you want to keep doing. A stronger, better-controlled shoulder tolerates load more comfortably, and procedures are used to quiet pain enough for that training to work.
Common symptoms
- A deep ache in the back or front of the shoulder
- Pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side
- Stiffness and lost motion, such as trouble reaching behind your back
- Grinding, clicking, or a rough feeling with movement
- Pain that builds after lifting, throwing, or overhead work
Common causes and risk factors
- Gradual cartilage wear with age
- A prior shoulder dislocation, fracture, or surgery
- A long-standing, large rotator cuff tear that changes how the joint moves
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Years of heavy overhead work or sport
How we diagnose it
Diagnosis starts with a conversation about your goals and a hands-on exam of motion, strength, and pain patterns. Our physicians use ultrasound at the exam table to assess how much the surrounding soft tissue is involved, including the rotator cuff, the joint lining, the bursa, and nearby tendons, since several problems can overlap in one shoulder. X-rays show the joint space and bone changes, and an MRI or CT is ordered only when it would change the plan.
How Propel treats shoulder arthritis
Care begins with a progressive strengthening program for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, adjusted so you can keep exercising. We also look at sleep, overall training load, and nutrition, since these affect how painful joints feel. Short-term pain relief with a guided corticosteroid injection can help some people get through a flare and back into their program.
When pain persists, Dr. Gruner and Dr. Chen offer ultrasound-guided orthobiologic injections using PRP, BMAC from your own bone marrow, or microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), which is your own fat tissue, gently processed. These do not rebuild cartilage; they may reduce pain and improve function. Dr. Chen also offers joint denervation and nerve modulation treatment, such as a peripheral nerve stimulator or spinal cord stimulator, which quiets the nerves carrying pain from the joint. When arthritis is advanced and function keeps declining, we help coordinate a referral to discuss shoulder replacement.
- PRP
- BMAC
- Lipogems (microfragmented adipose tissue)
- Cortisone Injection
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Guided Injections
- Joint Denervation
- Nerve Modulation
- MSK Ultrasound
- Rehab Planning
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Rehab protocols
Dr. Gruner's week-by-week recovery guidelines. Your plan is individualized; follow these with your physician and physical therapist.
Questions about shoulder arthritis
- Is it safe to keep lifting weights with shoulder arthritis?
- For most people, yes, with some adjustments. Strength training often helps an arthritic shoulder feel better over time. Our physicians can suggest which movements to modify and how to build load gradually.
- Will PRP or BMAC fix the worn joint surface in my shoulder?
- No. Orthobiologic injections do not regrow cartilage in the shoulder. They may calm inflammation, ease pain, and improve function, which can help you stay active and delay surgery.
- When is shoulder replacement the better option?
- Replacement is worth discussing when pain limits sleep and daily life despite good conservative care, or when motion keeps declining. If that point comes, we help coordinate a referral to a shoulder surgeon.