From the Guidelines
Physical therapy is beneficial for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, and patients with this condition should engage in supervised physical therapy programs focusing on range of motion exercises, rotator cuff and scapular strengthening, and postural correction. Although the provided evidence primarily focuses on osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, the principles of physical therapy can be applied to glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis as well. According to 1, exercise is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, and it has been recommended as a core therapy by various treatment guidelines.
Key Components of Physical Therapy for Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis
- Range of motion exercises to maintain or improve joint mobility
- Rotator cuff and scapular strengthening to support the joint and improve function
- Postural correction to reduce strain on the joint
- Daily home exercises to reinforce therapy sessions
Expected Outcomes and Considerations
Patients should expect gradual improvement rather than immediate relief, with benefits typically becoming noticeable after 3-4 weeks of consistent therapy 1. Heat application before exercises and ice afterward can enhance comfort during the rehabilitation process. While physical therapy won't reverse cartilage damage, it can significantly improve function and delay progression of the condition when performed correctly and consistently.
Evidence Support
The evidence from 1, 1, and 1 supports the use of exercise and physical therapy in the management of osteoarthritis, although these studies primarily focus on knee and hip osteoarthritis. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, suggests that therapeutic exercise can be beneficial for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis, and this principle can be applied to glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis as well. However, it's essential to consider the individual patient's preferences, access, and affordability when recommending exercise programs 1.
Clinical Decision Making
In clinical practice, the decision to recommend physical therapy for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis should be based on the individual patient's needs and circumstances. While the evidence is not specific to glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, the general principles of physical therapy and exercise can be applied to improve function and reduce pain in these patients. As noted in 1 and 1, the management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis remains controversial, and more research is needed to determine the best treatment approaches. However, based on the available evidence and clinical expertise, physical therapy is a recommended treatment option for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis.
From the Research
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis
- Physical therapy (PT) is a recommended treatment for osteoarthritis, including glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis 2, 3, 4
- A clinical practice guideline developed by the American Physical Therapy Association provides guidance on PT management of glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information 2
- Rehabilitation programs, including PT, have been shown to be efficient and reliable in improving pain and functional disability in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis 3
- Exercise therapy, a key component of PT, has been found to be beneficial in reducing pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis, including those with lower limb joints osteoarthritis 5
- A narrative review suggests that PT is a promising treatment for osteoarthritis, with evidence indicating that regular practice of resistance exercise may prevent and control the development of OA 4
Factors Associated with Physical Therapy Use
- PT use is more frequent among adults with osteoarthritis compared to those without osteoarthritis 6
- Factors associated with PT use include female sex, high socioeconomic status, residence in certain regions, severe pain, poor general health, and non-smoking status 6
- Multivariate analysis confirms these findings and also identifies age (80 years and older) as a factor associated with PT use 6