Shoulder structure and function: The impact of osteoarthritis and rehabilitation strategies

Invited review.

Shoulder osteoarthritis can result in significant functional deficits. To improve diagnosis and treatment, we must better understand the impact of osteoarthritis on shoulder biomechanics and the known mechanical benefits of currently available treatments.

The purpose of this paper is to present up-to-date data on the effects of osteoarthritis and rehabilitation on the biomechanical parameters contributing to shoulder function. With this goal, we also reviewed the anatomy and the ranges of motion of the shoulder.

A search of electronic databases was conducted. All study designs were included to inform this qualitative, narrative literature review.

This review describes the biomechanics of the shoulder, the impact of osteoarthritis on shoulder function, and the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with an emphasis on rehabilitation.

The shoulder is important for the completion of activities of daily living, and osteoarthritis of the shoulder can significantly reduce shoulder motion and arm function. Although shoulder rehabilitation is an integral treatment modality to improve pain and function in shoulder osteoarthritis, few high-quality studies have investigated the effects and benefits of shoulder physical and occupational therapies. To advance the fields of therapy and rehabilitation, future studies investigating the effects of therapy intensity, therapy duration, and the relative benefits of therapy subtypes on shoulder biomechanics and function are necessary.