Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is an incredibly mobile joint leaving it susceptible to a large number of different pathologies.

Some of the more common conditions we often see in practice include:

  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
  • Bicipital tenosynovitis 
  • Rotator cuff tendinitis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Impingement syndromes (in varying forms)
  • Bursitis

The shoulder is connected to the body via one bone, the clavicle, and is dependent on very accurate nerve muscle control to maintain normal movement and function.

Problems with shoulder movement and stability can occur in the 'hardware' components – muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments - or in the functional 'software' components – the operating system or nerve programming behind muscle activation and coordinated action between muscles to produce smooth movement and provide stabilisation of the joint.

Many of these common shoulder conditions can be successfully managed with conservative therapies, including chiropractic care (1).

 

Don’t Despair if you have a Tear

Shoulder MRI’s and ultrasounds on ‘normal population’ can show tears with no pain.

Several studies using shoulder MRI’s show that labral tears, rotator cuff degeneration, acromial spurring and rotator cuff tears are often diagnosed in healthy populations with NO pain! (2,3)

It's important to know that these problems, particularly in middle-aged people, can simply be normal age-related findings and not the cause of pain. In ultrasound studies, an asymptomatic rotator cuff tear can be 2 times as common as a symptomatic tear (3).

 

Can Chiropractic Help?

Our approach may involve chiropractic adjustment of the spine if needed. The nerves of the pelvis, for example, when maligned, can weaken core muscles that support the shoulder blade. We also use muscle activation techniques which aim to stimulate nerve control of muscles. A holistic approach to exercise is also important to address any postural compensations that affect the shoulder.

Cold laser therapy is a useful tool that can reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair of the shoulder.   

As part of your first visit to our office, our chiropractors will take your full medical history and carry out a thorough physical examination to determine if they are able to help you. In some cases, they will recommend that you have x-rays taken to assist their findings and recommendations.

All of this information is critical in determining whether MRI findings are potentially the source of your pain.

For further information or to book a comprehensive Initial Consultation with our experienced practitioners, please call (07) 3356 9552 or book online anytime

 

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2504982/pdf/jcca00007-0066.pdf
  2. https://www.howardluksmd.com/shoulder-pain/mri-findings-in-people-with-no-pain/?fbclid=IwAR1P0LqFy25zntlxXo58L7w5GU6jUQyt-g-PW1-2gsMUrWyw1mZOlEyyVY0 (Labral Tears)
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768248/?fbclid=IwAR2y8RM05xuHkL3Wpmw86XRXVLEcFC5F0c4Rk5FazKSzzf6bB0_0gdKG9vE (Cuff Tears)

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