Shoulder Arthritis

 

Specialist Shoulder Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

Shoulder arthritis is a common cause of pain, stiffness and loss of function, often affecting everyday activities such as dressing, reaching or sleeping. Symptoms usually develop gradually but can significantly impact quality of life.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the assessment and treatment of shoulder arthritis, including both non-surgical management and shoulder replacement surgery when appropriate.

 

 

What is shoulder arthritis?

 

Shoulder arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage lining the shoulder joint wears away, leading to:

 

• Pain

• Stiffness

• Reduced movement

• Inflammation within the joint

 

The shoulder joint consists of two main joints:

 

• The glenohumeral joint (ball and socket)

• The acromioclavicular (AC) joint at the top of the shoulder

 

Arthritis can affect one or both of these joints.

 

 

Types of shoulder arthritis

 

The most common types include:

 

• Osteoarthritis – age-related wear and tear of the joint

• Post-traumatic arthritis – following previous injury or fracture

• Rotator cuff-related arthritis – associated with long-standing rotator cuff tears

• Inflammatory arthritis – such as rheumatoid arthritis

 

Identifying the type of arthritis is important in guiding treatment.

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms of shoulder arthritis often include:

 

• Deep, aching shoulder pain

• Stiffness and loss of movement

• Pain that is worse with activity

• Night pain and disturbed sleep

• Grinding or clicking within the joint

• Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing or reaching overhead

 

Symptoms usually worsen gradually over time.

 

 

How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is based on:

 

• A detailed history of symptoms

• Clinical examination of the shoulder

• X-rays to assess joint space and bone changes

• MRI or CT scans in selected cases to assess the rotator cuff and bone structure

 

This helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment options.

 

 

Is surgery always needed?

 

No. Many patients manage shoulder arthritis without surgery for a long time.

 

Non-surgical treatment may include:

 

• Activity modification

• Physiotherapy to maintain movement and strength

• Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication

• Targeted shoulder injections

 

Treatment is individualised and aims to reduce pain and improve function.

 

 

When is surgery considered?

 

Surgery may be recommended when:

 

• Pain persists despite appropriate non-surgical treatment

• Shoulder stiffness and weakness significantly affect daily life

• Night pain and sleep disturbance continue

• Quality of life is substantially reduced

 

Surgical options depend on the type and severity of arthritis and may include:

 

• Arthroscopic procedures in selected cases

• Shoulder replacement surgery (including anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement)

 

The most appropriate option will be discussed in detail during consultation.

 

 

Why see a specialist shoulder surgeon?

 

Shoulder arthritis treatment requires careful assessment of both the joint and the surrounding tendons.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training specifically in shoulder surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

His practice is focused almost entirely on shoulder conditions, allowing:

 

• Accurate diagnosis

• Appropriate timing of surgery

• Selection of the most suitable type of shoulder replacement

• Use of modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols

 

This specialist approach helps optimise outcomes and recovery.

 

 

Local specialist shoulder care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, providing specialist shoulder care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and surgery are carried out at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to imaging, physiotherapy and comprehensive aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain and stiffness that is affecting your daily life, a specialist assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.