How Physical Therapists Help People Manage Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis

A Patient Guide

Publication Date: April 28, 2023
Last Updated: May 2, 2023

Introduction

Introduction

  • Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and limitation in performing daily activities. It increases with age. Glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is OA of one of the joints of the shoulder.
  • GHOA is more common in:
    • Women.
    • Individuals with previous shoulder injuries.
    • Individuals with occupations that require heavy lifting.
    • Individuals who are active in sports requiring overhead use of the arms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and order x-rays to diagnose GHOA. Critical shoulder angle on x-rays and your age can help to make the diagnosis.
  • Your doctor may order magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Surgical and Non-surgical Options

  • Non-surgical options include:
    • Pain and anti-inflammatory medications (including injections).
    • Thermo therapy (application of heat or cold for treatment).
    • Strengthening and flexibility exercises.
    • Massage.
  • Before Surgery:
    • If you and your surgeon decide on surgery, physical therapy before the surgery may be recommended to improve your recovery. The procedure is called a total shoulder arthroplasty.
  • After Surgery:
    • Your physical therapist will advise you:
      • In the use of a sling early after your surgery, and progression to resume daily activities.
      • To perform progressive exercises to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion and functional arm use.
  • The use of a sling with the shoulder in a neutral position can help to reduce pain after you have had a TSA.
  • Your surgeon may delay physical therapy up to 4 weeks after the TSA to allow for healing. This has no negative effect.

Resources

Resources

Abbreviations

  • GHOA: Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • OA: Osteoarthritis
  • ROM: Range Of Motion
  • TSA: Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Source Citation

Lori A Michener, PT, ATC, PhD, FAPTA, Jill Heitzman, PT, DPT, PhD, Laurel D Abbruzzese, PT, EdD, Salvador L Bondoc, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Kristin Bowne, PT, DPT, Phillip Troy Henning, OD, Heidi Kosakowski, PT, DPT, PhD, Brian G Leggin, PT, DPT, Ann M Lucado, PT, PhD, Amee L Seitz, PT, DPT, PhD, Physical Therapist Management of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association, Physical Therapy, 2023;, pzad041, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzad041

Expert Authors/Reviewers

  • Introduction
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment Options (Surgical and Non-Surgical)
  • Resources

Disclaimer

This resource is for informational purposes only, intended as a quick-reference tool based on the cited source guideline(s), and should not be used as a substitute for the independent professional judgment of healthcare providers. Practice guidelines are unable to account for every individual variation among patients or take the place of clinician judgment, and the ultimate decision concerning the propriety of any course of conduct must be made by healthcare providers after consideration of each individual patient situation. Guideline Central does not endorse any specific guideline(s) or guideline recommendations and has not independently verified the accuracy hereof. Any use of this resource or any other Guideline Central resources is strictly voluntary.