Shoulder Pain Relief

What is the role of chiropractors in addressing shoulder pain?

Chiropractors aim to identify and treat the underlying causes of shoulder pain to promote patients' overall health and well-being. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, encompassing joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, connective tissues, and tendons. This comprehensive approach ensures targeted and lasting healing.

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Chiropractic treatment centers on harmonizing the body's functioning as a whole, encompassing the shoulders and their integration with the spine, neck, and the rest of the body. Tailored treatment plans are devised based on the specific source of discomfort.

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During chiropractic care, the alignment of the shoulder joint is assessed in relation to the patient's pain. It's important to note that joint misalignment can occur for various reasons beyond injuries. Both acute and chronic shoulder pain conditions are considered in chiropractic care.

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While most associate chiropractors with addressing issues like back pain, neck pain, and sciatica, they are also highly effective in managing shoulder and arm pain, which is often overlooked.

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Common Shoulder Problems:

Some typical shoulder pain problems include tendonitis, strains, dislocated shoulders, bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, sprains, and frozen shoulder. While surgery or enduring pain may seem like the only options to some, chiropractic care has proven to be highly effective in treating shoulder pain and restoring range of motion.

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Can a Chiropractor Help with Shoulder or Arm Pain? Absolutely!

Shoulder pain can result from various issues, such as irritation of tendons, muscles, ligaments, or nerves in the area, as well as inflamed bursa capsules (bursitis) or strained triceps or subscapularis muscles. Chiropractors conduct thorough examinations to identify the root causes of shoulder or arm pain and then create personalized treatment plans to address these underlying issues.

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What about Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a debilitating condition causing extreme pain and restricted mobility. Chiropractic care offers an effective treatment method, alleviating pain and facilitating the shoulder's natural healing process.

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If you've ever wondered whether chiropractic care is suitable for shoulder pain, read on to discover the four main ways chiropractors can help alleviate bothersome shoulder pain:

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1. Treating Shoulder Bursitis:

Chiropractors can indeed assist with shoulder bursitis—a painful inflammation of the bursa sac. They employ techniques like ultrasound and chiropractic massage therapy to reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue. Chiropractic manipulation further relieves pressure and friction on the affected bursa area. Herbal anti-inflammatories may also be recommended to expedite recovery, making regular chiropractic care crucial for ongoing shoulder health.

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2. Managing Rotator Cuff Injuries:

Contrary to the belief that surgery is the only solution for rotator cuff injuries, chiropractic care provides a non-invasive approach. Chiropractic massage therapy, ultrasound, and, if necessary, cold laser therapy help reduce inflammation. Once pain subsides and the shoulder becomes more flexible, rehabilitation exercises strengthen the muscles and stabilize the shoulder.

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3. Treating Frozen Shoulder:

Chiropractic care offers an effective alternative to prescription medications, steroid injections, or surgery for frozen shoulder. Low-force instrument adjustments, chiropractic massage therapy, ultrasound, cold laser therapy, and targeted exercises can help restore shoulder mobility and reduce pain associated with this condition.

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4. Addressing Shoulder Injuries and Tendonitis:

After a comprehensive examination and diagnostic tests, chiropractors develop individualized treatment plans for shoulder injuries and tendonitis. These plans often include reducing inflammation through herbal remedies, ice therapy, TENS device use, and chiropractic massage. Joint manipulation, adjustments, stretching, strengthening exercises, and ergonomic guidance may also be part of the treatment plan. This comprehensive approach helps patients recover and prevent future tendonitis issues.

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Chiropractic Care vs. Massage for Shoulder Pain:

Chiropractic care and massage therapy complement each other effectively. Massage therapy helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, preparing the body for chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors can diagnose the root cause of shoulder pain, a service not provided by massage therapists. Combining both approaches by visiting a chiropractor who offers massage therapy can be highly beneficial for shoulder pain relief.

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Duration of Treatment:

The duration of treatment depends on the specific problem and the extent of damage or injury. While initial pain relief may be noticeable within the first few weeks, it's crucial to continue with the chiropractor's treatment plan until full healing occurs. Just as you wouldn't remove a cast from a healing leg after a couple of weeks, ongoing treatment ensures complete shoulder healing and the prevention of recurring issues. Healing may take around six weeks, with additional time required to break down any scar tissue and restore full shoulder mobility.

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Common Types of Shoulder Pain:

Shoulder pain can result from various injuries and conditions, including bursitis, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, fractured bones, dislocation, rotator cuff damage, and more. Identifying the cause of pain is crucial for effective treatment. Different types of shoulder pain include pain in the shoulder blade, under the shoulder blades, sharp pain when breathing, pain directly in the shoulder joint, and lateral/bilateral shoulder pain. Professional assessment is essential to determine the appropriate treatment for each type of pain.