Shoulder arthritis can turn simple movements—reaching for a high shelf, lifting a grocery bag, or even sleeping comfortably—into painful challenges. While many people assume that joint replacement is the only option, a wide range of non-surgical treatments can effectively manage shoulder arthritis, reduce pain, and restore mobility.
At Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, we specialize in non-surgical care for shoulder arthritis. Our team—led by Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C—provides a comprehensive, personalized approach combining advanced diagnostics, physical therapy, image-guided injections, and regenerative medicine such as PRP. We focus on helping you regain pain-free motion and avoid or delay shoulder replacement surgery.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C | Last reviewed: March 2026
Shoulder arthritis refers to the progressive breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder joints. The shoulder actually contains two joints that can develop arthritis:
The main ball-and-socket joint where the humerus meets the scapula. This is the most common site of shoulder arthritis.
The joint where the collarbone meets the acromion. AC joint arthritis is also very common, especially in people with a history of heavy lifting or previous shoulder injuries.
We focus on the "Trailing Arm" mechanics that lead to medial epicondylitis, getting you back to the 18th hole faster.
Arthritis in either joint leads to pain, stiffness, and loss of function. The most common type is osteoarthritis, but inflammatory arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis can also affect the shoulder.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis | Wear-and-tear arthritis of the main shoulder joint. Cartilage thins, bone spurs form, and the joint becomes stiff and painful. |
| AC Joint Arthritis | Degeneration of the joint between the collarbone and shoulder blade. Common after repetitive overhead lifting or previous AC joint injury. |
| Rotator Cuff Arthropathy | A unique form of arthritis that develops when a massive rotator cuff tear leads to instability and rapid cartilage wear. |
| Inflammatory Arthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or lupus affecting the shoulder; often involves both glenohumeral and AC joints. |
| Post-Traumatic Arthritis | Arthritis that develops years after a shoulder fracture, dislocation, or severe injury. |
The ball and socket. Arthritis here causes deep pain, stiffness, and loss of overhead motion.
The small joint at the top of the shoulder. Arthritis here causes pain on top of the shoulder, often with cross-body reaching or pressing on the joint.
Not a joint, but inflammation from arthritis can cause secondary impingement on the rotator cuff.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain | Deep ache in the shoulder that may radiate to the upper arm. Often worsens with activity and improves with rest. Night pain is common. |
| Stiffness | Loss of range of motion, especially overhead and behind the back. Morning stiffness is typically less than 30 minutes. |
| Crepitus | Grinding, clicking, or popping with movement. |
| Weakness | Secondary to pain and muscle guarding; may feel like a dead arm. |
| Swelling | Less common than in knee arthritis, but joint effusion can occur. |
| Difficulty with daily activities | Trouble reaching, lifting, dressing, or sleeping on the affected side. |
Onset, location, aggravating and relieving factors, prior injuries, and family history.
Assessment of active and passive range of motion, strength, tenderness over the AC or glenohumeral joint, stability, and impingement signs.
X-rays to evaluate joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and alignment. Musculoskeletal ultrasound to assess rotator cuff integrity, bursal inflammation, and guide injections. MRI when detailed evaluation of cartilage, rotator cuff, or labrum is needed.
Based on findings, we determine the type and severity of arthritis and develop a personalized treatment plan
Our philosophy is to use the least invasive, most effective treatments to manage shoulder arthritis. We combine multiple modalities for optimal results.
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of shoulder arthritis management. A skilled physical therapist will
We coordinate with trusted physical therapists in Charlotte to ensure seamless care.
At Joint Health Solutions, all injections are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision, safety, and optimal outcomes.
| Injection Type | Mechanism | Best For | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Potent anti-inflammatory | Acute flare-ups and glenohumeral or AC joint inflammation | Weeks to months |
| Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) |
Improves lubrication and reduces inflammation | Mild to moderate glenohumeral osteoarthritis | 6–12 months |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) |
Concentrated growth factors to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair | Mild to moderate osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tendinopathy | 6–12+ months |
Derived from your own blood, PRP contains growth factors that may reduce pain and improve function in glenohumeral and AC joint arthritis. It can also help with associated rotator cuff tendinopathy.
These treatments are not guaranteed to reverse arthritis, but they can provide meaningful relief and help delay shoulder replacement.
When surgery becomes necessary, we coordinate with leading orthopedic surgeons in Charlotte to ensure seamless care. Many patients who undergo non-surgical management before surgery experience better postoperative outcomes.
Non-Surgical Specialists
Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C, have extensive experience in conservative and interventional shoulder arthritis management.
Precision Diagnostics
We use advanced imaging such as X-ray and ultrasound to accurately assess your condition.
Image-Guided Injections
All injections are performed with ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety.
Comprehensive Approach
We combine physical therapy, lifestyle modification, injections, and regenerative medicine.
Personalized Care
Your treatment plan is tailored to your specific joint involvement, severity, goals, and lifestyle.
Local Convenience
Serving Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Matthews, and surrounding communities.
Osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral ball-and-socket joint is the most common. AC joint arthritis is also very frequent, especially in people with a history of heavy lifting or previous shoulder injuries.
Yes. The vast majority of shoulder arthritis cases can be managed non-surgically. Options include physical therapy, activity modification, image-guided injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and PRP therapy. Surgery is typically reserved for advanced arthritis that fails conservative care.
PRP has shown promising results for mild to moderate glenohumeral and AC joint arthritis. It delivers concentrated growth factors that reduce inflammation and may support joint health. Many patients experience significant pain relief and functional improvement. Results vary, and a thorough evaluation is needed to determine candidacy.
Typically, 1–3 injections spaced 4–6 weeks apart are recommended. Some patients respond well to a single treatment, while others benefit from a series. Your provider will develop a personalized plan based on your condition and response.
Glenohumeral arthritis affects the main shoulder joint and causes deep pain, stiffness, and loss of overhead motion. AC joint arthritis affects the small joint on top of the shoulder and causes localized pain, especially with cross-body reaching or pressing on the joint. Many patients have both.
Corticosteroid injections provide rapid relief of inflammation and typically last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of arthritis and the presence of a flare-up. They are best used for acute exacerbations rather than repeated long-term management.
Yes. Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for shoulder arthritis. Strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, improving range of motion, and correcting posture can significantly reduce pain and improve function. It can delay or even eliminate the need for shoulder replacement.
You should seek evaluation if shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks, you cannot lift your arm or reach overhead, night pain interferes with sleep, you have progressive stiffness or loss of motion, or over-the-counter treatments are no longer effective.
While not all arthritis is preventable, you can reduce risk by maintaining good posture, strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, avoiding repetitive overhead activities, using proper technique during sports and work, and addressing shoulder injuries promptly.
If you are struggling with shoulder arthritis and want to explore non-surgical treatment options in Charlotte, schedule an evaluation today. We will help you find the right path to pain relief and restored mobility.
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© 2025 Joint Health solutions. All rights reserved.
