Shoulder arthritis can make everyday movements difficult. Reaching overhead to dress yourself, lifting, sleeping on your side, driving, washing your hair, putting on a seatbelt or returning to work can become much harder when the shoulder joint is painful, stiff or worn.
Arthritis is not one single condition. Different types of arthritis can affect the shoulder in different ways, and the right treatment depends on which joint is affected, what has caused the arthritis and how much symptoms are limiting daily life.
Dr James McLean is an Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon with experience in shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions. He assesses shoulder arthritis and discusses non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on your symptoms, imaging and personal circumstances.
Have a referral? Book an appointment with Dr James McLean in Eastwood, Elizabeth Vale or Bedford Park.
What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the surfaces of the shoulder joint become inflamed, damaged or worn. It can become quite painful, and lead to stiffness, grinding, swelling, weakness and reduced range of motion.
The shoulder has two main joints that may be affected by arthritis.
The glenohumeral joint is the ball and socket joint between the upper arm bone and shoulder blade. Arthritis in this joint can cause deep shoulder pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
The acromioclavicular joint, commonly called the AC joint, is where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. Arthritis in this joint can cause pain at the top of the shoulder, especially with cross-body movement, lifting or overhead activity.
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis symptoms can develop gradually or follow an injury. Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain during activity or at rest
- Stiffness or reduced movement
- Pain at night or difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Grinding, clicking or catching in the joint
- Weakness when lifting or reaching
- Pain that travels into the upper arm
- Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder
- Difficulty with dressing, grooming, sport, work or household tasks
Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to persistent and limiting. If your shoulder pain is not settling, movement is reducing or symptoms are affecting your normal activities, speak to your GP about referral to an Orthopaedic Specialist such as Dr James McLean in Adelaide.
Types of Shoulder Arthritis
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How is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, work demands, sport, activity levels and how the shoulder affects your daily life.
A physical examination assesses:
- Shoulder range of motion
- Painful movements
- Tenderness around the joint
- Strength of the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles
- Signs of swelling, inflammation or instability
- Neck, arm or nerve symptoms that may feel like shoulder pain
Imaging typically includes X-rays to assess joint space, bone spurs, alignment and joint wear, and an MRI or ultrasound may be recommended if more information is needed about the rotator cuff, soft tissues or inflammation. Blood tests are considered if inflammatory arthritis, infection or another medical condition is suspected.
How is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?
Treatment depends on the type of arthritis, severity of symptoms, imaging findings, age, health, activity needs and personal goals.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Not all shoulder arthritis needs surgery. Non-surgical care can help reduce symptoms and maintain shoulder function, especially if it is in earlier stages. Options include:
- Activity changes to reduce painful loading
- Physiotherapy or guided exercise
- Range of motion and strengthening exercises
- Heat or cold therapy for symptom relief
- Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication, when suitable
- Corticosteroid injection in selected cases
- Review with a rheumatologist for inflammatory arthritis
- Work or sport changes during flare-ups
Medication and injections are not suitable for every person. Your GP, specialist or treating practitioner will advise more specifically on what treatments may suit your circumstances.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery will likely be discussed when shoulder arthritis causes ongoing pain, reduced function or loss of movement despite consistent non-surgical care. Surgical options will be based on the joint affected and the underlying cause, and may include:
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- AC joint surgery for painful AC joint arthritis
- Anatomic shoulder replacement for some cases of shoulder osteoarthritis with a functioning rotator cuff
- Reverse shoulder replacement for selected patients with cuff tear arthropathy or poor rotator cuff function
- Other procedures depending on bone quality, tendon condition and previous injury
The decision to consider surgery is made after Orthopaedic Specialist assessment, imaging and discussion of potential benefits, risks, recovery and non-surgical options.
When to Request Your Specialist Referral
Speak to your regular doctor about referral to an Orthopaedic Specialist, such as Dr James McLean in Adelaide, if you experience:
- Shoulder pain that is not improving
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Pain at night that affects your sleep
- Weakness when lifting the arm
- Grinding, clicking or catching with pain
- A previous shoulder injury with ongoing symptoms
- Difficulty with work, sport, dressing, driving or daily activities
- Shoulder arthritis seen on X-ray or other imaging
- Symptoms that have not responded to physiotherapy, medication or injections
Please head immediately to your nearest Emergency Department, or Call 000 if you have sudden severe shoulder pain after an injury, fever, redness, marked swelling, loss of feeling, new arm weakness or symptoms that make you feel seriously unwell.
Shoulder Arthritis Assessment in Adelaide
Dr James McLean assesses shoulder arthritis and other upper limb conditions in Adelaide, consulting at Eastwood, Elizabeth Vale and Bedford Park.
During consultation, he will discuss your symptoms, examine your shoulder, review any imaging and explain any treatment options suitable for you. Consultation with Dr McLean will usually include discussion about:
- The type of shoulder arthritis
- Which shoulder joint is affected
- The condition of the rotator cuff
- Non-surgical treatment options
- Surgical options, if they are relevant
- Risks and expected recovery
- Time away from work, driving, sport or lifting
- Your goals and daily activities
Once you have a referral, book your consultation with Dr James McLean for shoulder arthritis treatment in Adelaide.
Don’t let shoulder pain control your life -
take the first step toward relief and recovery today.
References:
Arthritis SA. Fighting Arthritis. (2026). Types of Arthritis. The Hospital Research Foundation Group. https://fightingarthritis.org.au/what-is-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/
Australian Orthopaedic Association. (2021). Information on arthritis. https://aoa.org.au/for-patients/patient-information/arthritis
Crookes, T., Wall, C., & Byrnes, J. (2023). Australian Journal of General Practice. Chronic shoulder pain. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2023/november/chronic-shoulder-pain
Mayo Clinic. (2025). Osteoarthritis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
*This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All surgery carries risks, and results may vary. Consult with Dr James McLean (MED0001064034) PhD MS MBBS FRACS FAOrthA, Orthopaedic Specialist, for personalised advice and tailored treatment plan.