​Shoulder Osteoarthritis – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

• Shoulder osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and thinning of cartilage in the shoulder joint.

• Symptoms include aching pain, stiffness, grinding or crepitus, and reduced range of motion.

• It is more common in people over 50, those with previous injuries, or with metabolic health conditions.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood testing, Ostenil® injections, and tailored rehab to manage symptoms and improve function.

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What is Shoulder Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the smooth cartilage lining the joint wears down. In the shoulder, this affects the glenohumeral joint (the ball and socket).

As cartilage thins, bones may rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes bony spurs (osteophytes). Unlike acute injuries, osteoarthritis develops gradually but can significantly affect daily life.

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Symptoms of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

• Dull aching pain, worse with activity

• Morning stiffness or after periods of rest

• Grinding, clicking, or creaking (crepitus)

• Reduced range of motion (lifting arm, reaching behind back)

• Night pain when lying on the affected side

• Weakness due to reduced use

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Age (most common in those over 50)

• Previous shoulder injury (fracture, dislocation, rotator cuff tear)

• Repetitive overhead activity or heavy lifting

• Family history of arthritis

• Metabolic health issues (diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol)

• Inflammatory conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)

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Diagnosis of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis involves:

• Osteopathic assessment – testing joint range, stiffness, and pain patterns

• Ultrasound imaging – to assess joint degeneration, cartilage thinning, and detect inflammation

• Blood tests – to investigate metabolic and inflammatory contributors such as diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin D, and rheumatoid markers

• Referral for X-ray or MRI if surgical intervention is being considered

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Self-Help for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

• Stay active with low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)

• Apply heat packs for stiffness and ice if there’s swelling

• Use pain relief (paracetamol or NSAIDs if tolerated, short term)

• Perform gentle mobility and stretching exercises

• Maintain good posture to reduce joint stress

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on joints

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy to reduce stiffness

✅ Exercise rehabilitation – tailored strength and mobility programmes for shoulder stability

✅ Sports massage – easing muscle tension around the shoulder and upper back

✅ Ultrasound scanning – to monitor degenerative changes and guide care

✅ Blood testing & metabolic management – to address systemic contributors that can accelerate arthritis

✅ Ostenil® injections – hyaluronic acid injections performed under ultrasound guidance to lubricate the joint, reduce pain, and improve mobility

✅ Referral to orthopaedic consultants – if advanced arthritis requires surgical assessment (e.g. shoulder replacement)

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Prevention

While osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, you can reduce progression by:

• Staying physically active and maintaining muscle strength

• Avoiding sudden heavy loading on the joint

• Using ergonomic adaptations at work or home

• Managing weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar

• Addressing injuries promptly to reduce long-term joint stress

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FAQs – Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Q: Can shoulder osteoarthritis be cured?
It cannot be reversed, but symptoms can be managed effectively with treatment.​

Q: Do I need a scan?
Yes, ultrasound is useful to detect degenerative changes and guide management. X-ray or MRI may be needed if surgery is under consideration.

​Q: Why are blood tests important?
They can identify risk factors (e.g. diabetes, cholesterol, inflammation) that may worsen joint degeneration.

​Q: What are Ostenil® injections?
Ostenil® injections use hyaluronic acid to improve lubrication and cushioning inside the joint. This can reduce pain and stiffness, often for several months.

​Q: Will I need surgery?
Most people improve with conservative care, but surgery may be an option in severe cases. We can refer you to trusted orthopaedic consultants if needed.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let shoulder arthritis stop you from living life to the full. Book your Shoulder Osteoarthritis assessment in Bromley today and take the first step toward better movement.