Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to manipulate the spine and other joints in the body to improve function, alleviate pain, and promote overall health and wellness.
Shoulder injuries are a common problem that many people experience at some point in their lives. They can be caused by a variety of factors including: overuse, trauma, and repetitive stress. Shoulder injuries can be debilitating and can impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and participate in sports and other physical activities.
Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for shoulder injuries. Sports chiropractors are trained to identify and treat problems not only in the spine, but in the extremities as well. Chiropractic adjustments can help to realign the joints and relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues, which can alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
One of the most common shoulder injuries that sports chiropractors treat is rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to stabilize and move the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by overuse, repetitive stress, and trauma. The most commonly injured muscle of the rotator cuff is the supraspinatus. This muscle is responsible for raising the arm overhead (flexion) and out to the side (abduction). When this muscle is injured, it makes everyday tasks like brushing your hair, putting a shirt over your head, or reaching for something from a cabinet very difficult. The other three muscles of the rotator cuff assist in internal and external rotation of the shoulder.
Chiropractic care for rotator cuff injuries may involve a combination of manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise. Chiropractors may use gentle adjustments to realign the shoulder joint and relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues. These joints are assessed through a specific analysis of relative muscle testing done by the licensed doctor. Soft tissue therapy, such as massage and stretching, can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the injured area. Corrective exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles can also be beneficial in promoting healing and preventing future injuries.
Another common shoulder injury treated in office is shoulder impingement syndrome. This condition occurs when the tendons and bursa in the shoulder become compressed and irritated, causing pain and limited range of motion. Chiropractic care for shoulder impingement syndrome may involve manual adjustments to realign the joint, improve range of motion, and reduce pressure on the surrounding tissues. Additional soft tissue therapies and strengthening exercises would be recommended.
If you or someone you know is struggling with shoulder pain and limited mobility, consider a sports chiropractic. These issues, while common, are not normal. It is important to us to help you get back to moving your best and feeling your best with functional sports chiropractic.
