Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

The glenohumeral joint is where the top of your arm bone fits into your shoulder blade.

Over time, the smooth cartilage protecting this joint can wear down.

Common symptoms:

• Aching pain deep inside the shoulder

• Difficulty lifting your arm or reaching behind your back

• Grinding or popping sensations

• Night pain

Standard treatments:

• Modifying activities

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Physiotherapy

• Cortisone injections

• Shoulder replacement surgery (in severe cases)

AC Joint Arthritis

The AC joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade.

Even though it’s small, arthritis here can cause significant pain.

Typical symptoms:

• Pain on top of the shoulder

• Pain with cross-body movements (like putting on a seatbelt)

• Tenderness when pressing over the joint

Treatment options:

• Rest and activity adjustments

• Ice therapy and anti-inflammatories

• Cortisone injections

• Minor surgery to remove part of the collarbone if necessary

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons keeping your shoulder stable.

When these tendons become irritated or degenerate, it leads to rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Signs to look for:

• Dull ache on the outer shoulder

• Weakness lifting the arm

• Pain that worsens at night

• Difficulty reaching overhead

Common treatments:

• Rest and gradual movement

• Ice and heat therapy

• Physiotherapy exercises

• Cortisone injections if necessary

• Surgery for large tears only

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A Natural Option

PRP therapy uses a small sample of your blood to promote healing.

After processing the blood to concentrate the healing platelets, the solution is injected into the injured joint or tendon.

How PRP can help:

• Arthritis: PRP may reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and protect the joint.

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy: PRP can encourage tendon healing and ease pain.

What to expect:

• Performed as an outpatient procedure

• Low risk since it uses your own blood

• Results vary, but many patients see improvement over weeks to months

PRP isn’t a miracle cure, but it offers a promising natural tool for the right patients.

Final Thoughts

Shoulder arthritis and tendon problems can be life-limiting — but there are more options than ever.

Most patients manage their symptoms with a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and medications.

For those looking for alternatives, PRP therapy may offer a chance to heal naturally without relying heavily on steroids or surgery.

Discussing your options with a healthcare provider is the best way to create a personalised treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

References

1. Saif, D. S., Serag, D. M., & El Tabl, M. A. (2019). Comparative study between platelet-rich plasma injection and steroid injection in mild–moderate shoulder osteoarthritis and their relation to quality of life. Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 46(1), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.4103/err.err_18_18

2. Barman, A., Mishra, A., Swarnkar, S., et al. (2022). Can platelet-rich plasma injections provide better pain relief and functional outcomes in persons with common shoulder diseases? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow, 25(1), 73–89. https://doi.org/10.5397/cise.2022.00265

3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2024). Arthritis of the Shoulder (OrthoInfo). Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-shoulder/

4. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Shoulder Arthritis: Types, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22491-shoulder-arthritis

5. WebMD. (2024). Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/rotator-cuff-tendinopathy