When people talk about shoulder arthritis, they are referring to one of two distinct joints. Because these joints handle different types of movement, the symptoms and treatments for each are unique. Understanding which joint is affected is the first step in creating a targeted recovery plan.
This is the main joint of your shoulder, where the head of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the socket of your shoulder blade (glenoid).
What it feels like: Pain from GH arthritis is typically felt deep in the back or side of the shoulder. It often feels like a deep, dull ache that worsens with weather changes or heavy activity.
The Main Symptom: Loss of motion. You may find it difficult to reach behind your back (like tucking in a shirt) or reach out to the side. You might also hear or feel "crepitus"—a grinding or crunching sensation when moving the arm.
The Diagnostic Key: X-rays of GH arthritis show narrowed space in the socket.
This is the smaller joint located at the very top of your shoulder, where your collarbone (clavicle) meets the tip of your shoulder blade (acromion).
What it feels like: Pain is focused right on the top of the shoulder. It can radiate up into the neck or down into the arm, often making it painful to sleep on that side.
The Main Symptom: Cross-body pain. Activities that involve reaching across your chest (like putting on a seatbelt) or reaching behind your back usually "pinch" this joint and cause sharp pain. You may even see a small, bony bump on the top of the shoulder.
The Diagnostic Key: During a physical exam, tenderness directly over that bony point on top is a classic sign of AC arthritis. X-rays show narrowing of the joint.
Phase 1: Foundation & Mechanics
Activity Modification: We identify the "trigger" movements (like heavy bench pressing or overhead lifting) and find safer ways to stay active.
Targeted Physical Therapy: For the GH joint, we focus on capsular stretching to regain lost motion. For the AC joint, we focus on scapular (shoulder blade) stability to take the pressure off the collarbone and joint.
Medications: To reduce pain in the short term
Phase 2: Precision Injections
If pain persists, surgery would be considered