Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Treatment in Georgetown

 

Chiropractic treatment can provide relief for a variety of types of shoulder pain. Some common types of shoulder pain treated at Thomas Back and Body include:

• Impingement: this type of shoulder pain is often felt during overhead activities. Patients who participate in throwing sports may get impingement in the back of the shoulder joint, whereas people that do overhead work may feel it more near the side or front of the shoulder.

• Rotator cuff tears: the rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons. These muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspintaus, subscapularis, and the teres minor.

• Tendinitis: Tendons connect muscle to bone. Overuse and poor shoulder mechanics can cause irritation and inflammation in these areas.

• Bursitis: there are small sacs in the body that assist with joint movement and prevent muscles from rubbing against each other or against bone. Sometimes these fluid filled sacs can get inflamed and painful. This is called bursitis.

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What does shoulder pain treatment include?

 

Once a detailed assessment is performed the doctor can prescribe an exercise program aimed at strengthening the shoulder. Depending on what muscle is affected the exercises will vary. Postural assessment may also be performed as forward rounded posture may tilt the shoulder blades forward and decrease the space in the shoulder joint (subacromial space), leading to pain. Muscle release therapy, taping, cupping, IFC, TENS, ROM exercise, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments, are all examples of treatments that may be used. The most important factor is identifying what muscle is affected and any potential aggravating factors (i.e daily activities or work postures). A chiropractor can help determine these factors and work together to create a plan to get your shoulder back on track. Research shows that as long as the rotator cuff is not torn through, conservative measures like chiropractic are as effective as surgery.

 

What are the signs of a rotator cuff tear?

 

Pain associated with rotator cuff tears generally feels like a dull ache deep in the shoulder joint. This type of pain may be worse at night as the shoulder shifts without the weight of gravity pulling it down. Overhead activities can become difficult. You may find it challenging to wash your hair or reach behind your back. Patients may also hear a popping sound and have difficulty lifting the affected arm. A chiropractor may use X-Rays to see inside your shoulder and assess the bony structures. Ultrasound may also be used to assess rotator cuff injuries. If you suspect a rotator cuff injury you can book your shoulder pain treatment in Georgetown at Thomas Back and Body.

 

Healing Times

 

Most mild tears can heal within four weeks. In severe cases healing may take 4-6 months. Some factors that affect healing time include age, overhead work/job stressors, disease or other health complications, and exercise (sticking to the right exercise plan will accelerate healing). Chiropractic and physical therapy are effective ways to treat partial tears, full tears may require surgical intervention. If you want to get shoulder pain treatment in Georgetown, feel free to book a chiropractic appointment at Thomas Back and Body.