Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder Arthritis Specialist

Are you experiencing mild to severe shoulder pain that typically worsens with activity? If so, you may have shoulder arthritis. Arthritis of the shoulder is typically found in middle-aged adults and the older population due to the natural aging process. Shoulder arthritis specialist, Dr. Matthew Provencher provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Vail who have developed shoulder arthritis. Contact Dr. Provencher’s team today!

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What is Shoulder Arthritis?

It is estimated approximately 20% of the older, adult population is affected by shoulder arthritis. Arthritis of the shoulder causes patients to feel chronic shoulder joint pain, stiffness, and weakness. Patients living in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado area suffering from shoulder arthritis are encouraged to contact Dr. Matthew Provencher, orthopedic shoulder specialist. Dr. Provencher is dedicated to treating patients afflicted with this debilitating disease and returning them to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Shoulder arthritis is caused by wear and tear of the shoulder, leading to a breakdown of articular cartilage. Cartilage is the smooth, white coating on the ends of each bone at the joint area. The coating allows the joint to move smoothly and freely with no pain. As cartilage degenerates from wear and tear, the bones are exposed and rub against each other, causing patients to experience shoulder joint pain.

The two distinct joints within the shoulder that can become affected by arthritis include:

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint- Located where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the acromion (bony roof of the shoulder joint).
The glenohumeral joint- Located where the ball of the humerus (upper arm bone) meets the glenoid (socket).

Patients may experience one or more forms of shoulder arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis- Osteoarthritis is a gradual degeneration of cartilage from normal wear and tear. This form of arthritis most commonly occurs in highly active athletes and the older population.
Post-traumatic arthritis- This form of arthritis occurs after an acute or traumatic injury to the joint, such as a hard fall or blunt force. The joint may still experience arthritis after the damage is healed because of mechanical changes within the shoulder joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – RA occurs when the human body’s own immune system attacks and destroys its own cartilage.

What are Shoulder Arthritis Symptoms?

The majority of patients report chronic shoulder joint pain, caused by grinding, and rubbing of bone against bone. The pain may be long, mild periods or sharp, intense bursts. Patients may also experience stiffness, weakness, a grinding sensation, and difficulty lifting or moving the arm.

How to Know you have Shoulder Arthritis

Dr. Provencher will perform a thorough physical examination and medical review to determine if shoulder arthritis is the cause of a patient’s shoulder joint pain. The physical examination is designed to determine the precise area of pain and tenderness. He may also perform a series of x-rays and an MRI to rule out other injuries and confirm the diagnosis.

Are you experiencing shoulder arthritis symptoms?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Provencher:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review with Dr. Provencher.

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Provencher.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

How to Treat Shoulder Arthritis

The main goal of any shoulder arthritis treatment is to alleviate pain, weakness, stiffness, and other troublesome symptoms. Treatment is dependent on arthritis severity, symptom intensity, and the patient’s functional level.

What are Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis?

Since shoulder arthritis is so common, many patients live with the condition for years before contacting Dr. Provencher. Initial treatment includes resting the shoulder, avoiding activities that cause pain and discomfort, applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Physical therapy is commonly recommended by Dr. Provencher to strengthen the joint and return normal function. It is strongly suggested that patients work with the in-house physical therapists at Howard Head Sports Medicine to optimize their rehabilitation.

How to Surgically Treat Shoulder Arthritis?

Dr. Provencher typically recommends an arthroscopic shoulder surgery to trim away the inflamed synovial lining and remove pieces of degenerated cartilage in early stages of shoulder arthritis. The treatment does not cure the condition, but is designed to relieve shoulder joint pain and other symptoms.

In severe cases where non-surgical measures and arthroscopic surgery fails, Dr. Provencher may recommend a total shoulder replacement. This surgical treatment restores joint function by replacing the damaged ball and socket with synthetic surfaces.

It is important to note total shoulder replacement is not ideal for every patient. Young, active individuals are generally not ideal candidates since the average prosthesis life span is approximately 15 years. Dr. Provencher will recommend a joint restoration or preservation technique for younger, active patients in many cases.

For additional resources on shoulder arthritis, or to learn more about shoulder joint pain, please contact Dr. Matthew Provencher, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving patients in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado area.

Matthew Provencher, MD | Orthopedic Knee & Shoulder Surgeon | Vail Aspen Denver Colorado Springs, CO

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Matthew Provencher, MD

66 reviews

James Wilson

Oct 11, 2024

by James Wilson on Matthew Provencher, MD

Senior Electronics development engineer

Wow the Steadman clinic and Doctor Matthew Provencher now that;s a super combination of expertise, experience, empathy, skill and a cherry picked staff with truly outstanding nurses and professional support staff. I was scared of shoulder surgery until I read Dr. Provencher BIO and talked to him. If your considering shoulder replacement surgery this is the place. In three weeks out now and people are amazed at my ability of movement and flexibility I have now. I love the Steadman Clinic and Dr. Matthew Provencher, He's Superman

Anne Miller

Jun 18, 2024

by Anne Miller on Matthew Provencher, MD

Grateful to Dr Provencher and his team

I am a 75-year old, active, athletic woman. Over the last few years, both of my shoulders reached a point where severe arthritis was affecting even day to day tasks. It started with one shoulder in 2021 and recently the second reverse shoulder replacement – both with Dr Provencher. Before my first one, I had received various recommendations including adjusting my lifestyle. Dr Provencher looked at my MRI and x-ray and asked what I enjoy doing and was quick to let me know I could be back to my active lifestyle soon – and he was right. He reads images faster and more accurately than any doctor I have consulted. He has many options available and if you need surgery he is the one to do it. Surgery is quick and the recovery is much easier than I anticipated. I am 10 days out from my second reverse shoulder and have no pain and gaining mobility already! My case for both shoulders was a bit more complicated due to bone integrity, severe arthritis and bicep tears. Dr Provencher has dealt innovatively with both complications and makes it seem straightforward although I know it was not. He is not only one an extraordinary surgeon, but also, a caring human being who takes the time with his patients and makes himself available if questions arise. His team is second to none – Maddy, Madison, Sam, Scott, Jasmin and in pre-op, Layla and Kevin – in terms of commitment, competence, compassion and responsiveness. Both times I have felt cared for and that resolving my situation mattered to him. Wherever you live, Dr Provencher and his team are the ones to trust. There is no need to live a compromised life!

Gene reiling

Jul 21, 2023

by Gene reiling on Matthew Provencher, MD

Success

If you are planning to see Dr Provencher ,do not hesitate ,do it. In 2018 Dr Provencher replaced my LCL. I had no complications and very little pain. I did my physical therapy as prescribed. I was able to ski 30 plus days the winter of 2019-2020. Before seeing dr Provencher I had spent a years time trying to solve my problem locally. I saw a pain specialist, orthopedic urgent care and a orthopedic surgeon. All had access to an mri done locally. It was also read by local radiologist. Pain dr gave injections as did orthopedic urgent care. No relief from pain. Orthopedic surgeon told me about arthritis, meniscus needing cleaning up and general deterioration from age. Told me to take ibuprofen for pain. At that time I reached out to Steadman Clinic. By luck of the draw I was assigned Dr Provencher. I took with me the mri that had been done locally and viewed by 3 local Drs and 1 PA. It took Dr Provencher less than a minute to tell me my problem was my LCL after viewing my mri. He told me my options . I selected surgery as I wanted to continue an active life style. It was a complete success!!

Knee | Shoulder | Joint Preservation | Arthroplasty