Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain can be complex and difficult to diagnose the problem. The shoulder is a complex structure involving the joint, several bones, ligaments, connective tissues, a matrix of muscles, and fluid-filled sacs designed to absorb forces.  Shoulder performance is drastically affected if one or more of these structures are injured, damaged, or unable to work properly. A proper diagnosis is critical to delivering the best care possible. Below are some of the most common shoulder conditions we see and treat.

  • Shoulder Impingement
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Shoulder Bursitis
  • Rotator Cuff Strain

 

 

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition characterized by compression or pinching of the tendons or bursa in the shoulder joint. This compression typically occurs when the space between the acromion (a bony projection of the shoulder blade) and the rotator cuff tendons narrows, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. While shoulder impingement can result from various factors such as overuse, poor posture, muscle imbalances, or structural abnormalities, chiropractic care offers a conservative and effective approach to managing the condition by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, reducing inflammation, and promoting shoulder joint health.

Symptoms:

  • Shoulder pain, often worsened by overhead movements or reaching behind the back
  • Pain or discomfort when lifting objects or performing activities that require shoulder movement
  • Weakness or loss of strength in the affected shoulder
  • Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the shoulder joint
  • Pain that may radiate into the upper arm or neck

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, clinically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. While the exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, factors such as injury, overuse, prolonged immobilization, or underlying medical conditions can contribute to its development. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and holistic approach to managing frozen shoulder by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, reducing inflammation, and promoting shoulder joint mobility.

Symptoms:

  • Gradual onset of shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Limited range of motion, particularly in reaching overhead or behind the back
  • Pain worsens at night, affecting sleep
  • Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, combing hair, or reaching objects
  • Stiffness and tightness in the shoulder joint, with a feeling of "locking" or "freezing" sensation

Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder joint. Bursitis can occur due to repetitive movements, overuse, trauma, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the shoulder, impacting daily activities and quality of life. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and effective approach to managing shoulder bursitis by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, reducing inflammation, and promoting shoulder joint health.

Symptoms:

  • Shoulder pain, particularly with movement or pressure
  • Swelling and tenderness around the shoulder joint
  • Limited range of motion, especially when raising the arm or reaching overhead
  • Stiffness and discomfort worsened by rest or immobility
  • Pain that may radiate into the upper arm or neck

Rotator Cuff Strain

A rotator cuff strain refers to an injury or overuse of the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the rotator cuff. This common condition can occur due to repetitive motions, sudden trauma, or degenerative changes, leading to pain, weakness, and limited shoulder mobility. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and holistic approach to managing rotator cuff strains by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances, reducing inflammation, and promoting shoulder joint health.

Symptoms:

  • Shoulder pain, especially with movement or lifting
  • Weakness or instability in the shoulder joint
  • Limited range of motion, particularly when raising the arm or reaching overhead
  • Swelling and tenderness around the shoulder area
  • Pain that may radiate down the arm or into the neck