Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Exercises for shoulder osteoarthritis
The health of the shoulder joint is maintained through regular relaxed movement and maintaining the strength of the muscles around it. Exercise should form the core part of your treatment.
How many should I do and how often?
Aim to do exercises 1-2x daily.
How many exercises should I practice?
You may only be able to manage a few to start with: that’s fine. Make a note of how many you can do and repeat this each day until it starts to feel easier. Gradually increase how many you practice over time (this often takes several weeks).
This video demonstrates mobility exercises for your shoulders:
Tailored stretching: Shoulder exercises (for arthritis and joint pain)
Additionally, some people with osteoarthritis enjoy the feeling of being in water while exercising. There’s no right or wrong way but you may choose to try the following exercises, if you have access to a pool:
Shoulder exercises in water/hydrotherapy
What if the exercise is painful?
Some discomfort during exercise is normal and doesn’t mean you’re causing harm. However, if the pain becomes too intense or affects your ability to do the exercises the next day, reduce the difficulty. Start with fewer repetitions and gradually increase as you improve. If you’re unsure about the right level of exercise, consider seeking professional guidance.