Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease or arthrosis, is one of the most common diseases that elderly people suffer from, localizing at the level of several joints, the shoulder being one of them.

Osteoarthritis is installed when the cartilage at the level of the joint thins significantly, a situation in which the bone surfaces of the joint reach are rubbed against each other, the joint becoming rigid and painful.

The shoulder is very flexible, ensuring the high-amplitude movements of the arms, which it orients in all directions. The shoulder thus allows most of the gestures in everyday life, such as: eating, writing, washing etc.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the body, but also the most unstable. The joint can be compared to a ball that is fixed in a cavity (glenoid cavity). This configuration allows a very high amplitude of movement, unprecedented in any other joint, but, at the same time, a more reduced stability.

Otherwise, keeping the shoulder mobility and its stability are very important.
The component bones of the shoulder joint are:

➢ The humerus (is the long bone of the arm)

➢ The scapula or shoulder blade is a flat triangular bone, located in the posterior part of the shoulder. The upper part of the scapula is formed by the acromion bone.

➢ The clavicle (is a long bone that connects the scapula to the sternum).

➢ structural abnormalities of the joint or anterior joint lesions

➢ repetitive use of the shoulder, in various professional or sports activities

➢ inappropriate posture

➢ gender, women being more likely to develop osteoarthritis

➢ genetic factors

Proper treatment significantly reduces pain and improves joint function.

Thus, physical exercise, performed daily, is the key to success in managing osteoarthritis of the shoulder.

It is not indicated to stop using the shoulder joint in case of pain. In this case, only the movements or activities that aggravate the pain will be temporarily avoided.

Why daily exercises are so important in managing osteoarthritis?

➢ Since is a degenerative disease (with constant evolution), in the absence of movement osteoarthritis can cause stiffness in the shoulder joint
➢ In order to maintain stability and increase joint mobility
➢ The less toned the muscles are, the more tension is placed on the cartilage
➢ For the activation of the vascularization of the joint
➢ Toned muscles of the shoulder and upper back will protect the joint and prevent the occurrence of other injuries.

➢ Maintain a correct posture as long as possible, with the shoulder blades slightly pulled back and the arm on the affected side, relaxed beside the body. During sleep it is good for the arm to be supported on a pillow.

➢ Perform a daily exercise program

➢ Since is a degenerative disease, that is, with constant evolution, osteoarthritis has good and bad days. It is important to learn to adapt to these days, in order to maintain a good mood. On less good days, exercise gently and avoid activities that accentuate the pain.