Shoulder
Pain
Shoulders and Shoulder
Injury
You have probably heard "Put
your shoulder into it!" and "Shoulder your responsibilities!"
But how often do you really think about your shoulders?
Doctors of chiropractic encourage patients to get to know
their shoulders, particularly the muscles, ligaments and your
rotator cuff. Your natural health care providers will educate
you on how to keep the area healthy and strong and prevent
disease and injury.
While the shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, it
is also one of the most unstable. Frequent problems include
sprains, strains, dislocations, tendonitis, bursitis, torn
rotator cuffs, fractures an arthritis.
While other joints are limited in their motion the shoulder is
a freely moving joint, leaving it vulnerable to injury. There
are many different soft tissues in the shoulder including
ligaments, tendons and muscles. Each of these has the ability
to be compromised by improper motion or overuse. These soft
tissues all work together to create the movement and strength
required for proper function, making diagnosis of the troubled
area more difficult.
How do injuries occur?
There are a number of
conditions specifically seen in shoulder-related problems.
These include rotator cuff injuries, most commonly seen in
athletes who throw or use similar motion. Any sports
activities like baseball, tennis, or swimming are particularly
susceptible because they require repetition of rotation of the
shoulder or reaching upward and forward. Individuals whose
work requires constant arm rising or keeping shoulders in an
elevated position are also at high risk for shoulder injury.
No one is immune from injuries, as they may occur from
performing routine tasks that put a sudden strain on the
shoulder. Ignoring the inflammation and pain and continuing to
use the arm (for elevating) may cause the tendons to tear.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is often seen in aging adults.
In this circumstance, blood flow is compromised causing muscle
tissue to fray like old rope. Typical symptoms include pain
and difficulty reaching behind the back or with overhead use
of the arm. If this process continues and blood flow is not
restored, further injury may result.
The shoulder is a significant referral site where pain may
occur from injuries or conditions existing in other parts of
the body, such as the neck, lower back, hip and leg. Symptoms
of cardiovascular disease may also be referred to the shoulder
region making the sudden onset of shoulder pain an issue that
should be immediately evaluated.
Dr. Dan and Dr. Rich are experienced at determining the cause
of shoulder discomfort. An in-depth examination will be
conducted. Chiropractic is an excellent resource to consider
for creating a care plan to help you throughout the healing
process.
Shoulder Injury Prevention
- Schedule regular
chiropractic checkups.
- Plan frequent breaks,
warm up and cool down properly if you play sports that
involve repetitive throwing or arm rotation or work requires
frequent lifting (like placing things on high shelves).
- Ask your chiropractor to
recommend exercises specifically tailored to your diagnosis
- Apply ice in covered
packs at 10 minute intervals if your shoulder feels sore
after extended use
- If you are having
discomfort or pain, schedule a chiropractic check up.
- Beware! If you neglect
shoulder pain at the onset of symptoms, the pain may lessen
or go away. This does not mean that the problem has gone
away; you still need a check up.
- While a torn tendon may
"patch" itself, and the pain decreases over time, it does
not reverse the damage and is not cured.
- Listen to your doctor.
Your chiropractor will listen and consider your activities
and physical condition when planning a rehabilitation
program.
- If you have suffered a
rotator cuff injury and regularly participate in sports or
other strenuous activity which uses your shoulders heavily,
ask your chiropractor when it is safe to return to your
activities.
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