Glenohumeral arthritis is a well documented clinical problem, with total shoulder replacement being the third most frequent joint replacement procedure performed in the United States.  Inflammatory arthritis and degenerative arthritis both comprise this subset of pathologic shoulder pain.  Noninflammatory arthritis has a different pathology and is less well understood.  Physical therapy to maintain motion and strength, but not so aggressive as to aggravate the patient’s condition, is recommended for the patient with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.  Anti-inflammatories are also a hallmark of arthritis therapy.  When surgery is to be considered, preoperative physical therapy for patients with glenohumeral arthritis should be focused on increasing range of motion, and improving rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscle strength.  Total shoulder arthroplasty is recommended when all conservative options have failed.

• Arthritis of the Shoulder
• Shoulder Joint Replacement