Shoulder arthritis refers to wear and tear of the ball and socket joint, which makes up the shoulder joint. Arthritis causes the cartilage cushioning the joint to wear away, often due to overuse. Sometimes, it is a result of a traumatic injury.
As with all arthritis conditions, shoulder arthritis is painful, degenerative, and chronic. The condition can affect people of all ages, but it is more common among older individuals.
There are treatments available for shoulder arthritis, including surgery for joint replacement. Noninvasive treatments are also an option. Physical therapy and exercise are prescribed for treating shoulder arthritis most of the time. Physical therapy can delay the need for surgery. It can also help you recover after shoulder surgery.
Target Shoulder Arthritis with Useful Exercises
Physical therapy can tremendously help reduce shoulder arthritis symptoms. It can help to increase flexibility and range of motion. Muscle building exercises can build strength, while aerobic exercises can improve lung and heart function.
Here are exercises you can do at home to help with shoulder arthritis. Before doing any of them, talk to your doctor.
Elevated Stretch
This stretch is completed from the position of lying flat on your back.
Work both shoulders by gently lifting a horizontal stick (broomstick or cane) from your thighs (in an arched motion) above your body and behind of your head. Return the stick slowly down over the front of your body and touch the thighs, again. Complete this elevated stretch in 3 sets of 10 reps, once or twice a day. Do not use a heavy stick – particularly in the beginning.
Door Push-Ups
This is more of a lean than a push-up. This exercise stretches the shoulder muscles while improving resistance.
Raising both hands above your head, face a doorway. Lean forward and place one hand on the doorframe. Feel the tension in the affected shoulder as you lean forward, holding the position for 15 to 30 seconds. Swap hands and repeat 3 times for each shoulder lean.
Presses
Point the thumb of a hand toward the ceiling. At the same time, bend and position your arm at a 90-degree angle. Standing in a doorway, press the back of the hand at the wrist into the frame of the door. Hold this position for no less than 5 seconds. Using the other side of the doorframe, repeat the exercise using the palm portion of the hand. Complete the door presses in 3 sets of 10 reps for both sides.
Speak with the orthopedist before beginning any exercise regimen and always warm up first. Other than the above exercises, your doctor may prescribe specific exercises to target the arthritis symptoms in your shoulder.
Orthopedic Care in Farmington Hills, Missouri
A painful shoulder joint may or may not indicate arthritis. It’s important to talk to an orthopedic doctor for a diagnosis. Contact Tri County Orthopedics, P.C. to find a solution today.
Call (248) 474-5575 to request an appointment with one of our board-certified orthopedists. You can also request an appointment online
