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Finally, A Solution to Shoulder Injuries- Seattle Chiropractic Report

The Seattle Chiropractor Report on Shoulder Pain.

 WHAT IS IT?

The shoulder is a dynamic, movable joint that allows for a wide range of motion.   Because it has access to a wide range of motion, it can be susceptible to injury which can lead to a degenerative process in the tissues that hold it together.  Shoulder pain encompasses any pain in or around your shoulder such as the joint itself or the surrounding ligaments, tendons or muscles. 

SYMPTOMS

• Shoulder pain typically gets worse with movement

• Grinding/popping feeling

• Stiffness

• Weakness

• Painful movement of the arm

• Swelling

CAUSES

The shoulder joint is a very complex joint structure.  There are numerous joints/muscles/ligaments/bones/tissues that support this joint and allow it to function properly.  An imbalance in these structures can restrain the shoulder from functioning property and/or prevent the shoulder from rotating.  Besides structural imbalance, there are several additional factors that contribute to shoulder pain.   For example, if too much stress is put on the shoulder it can lead to breakdown/micro tears.  The body’s response is to lay down scar tissue to heal the micro-tears.  As stress repeats in that same area, more tearing and more scarring will likely occur. Over time, multiple layers of scar tissue form into an adhesion, which tends to be more serious, as an adhesion is a complex layer and web of scar tissue that is much more durable.  Adhesions are strong enough to alter a muscle’s flexibility and range of motion and influence biomechanics, thus putting stress on different areas of the body, often times leading to compensation injuries.  Once this repetitive injury cycle has begun it cannot be stopped until the adhesion(s) is properly treated and the muscles/joints/ligaments are properly rehabilitated.   It should also be noted that other factors, such as weak muscles, poor posture, etc. can also lead to shoulder pain. 

The most common causes of shoulder pain include: 

• Bursitis/Rotator Cuff Tendonitis- One of the most common diagnosis for shoulder pain.

• Frozen Shoulder- This leads to stiffness of the joint and difficulty with shoulder rotation.

• Shoulder Instability- Typically the result of a loose joint. 

• Calcific Tendonitis- Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon.

• Shoulder Separation (AC separation)- a disruption of the acromioclavicular joint.

• Shoulder Dislocation- When the top of the arm bone is disconnected from the scapula.

• Labral Tear & SLAP Lesion- Often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand.  

• Biceps Tendon Rupture- When the tendon of the bicep muscle ruptures near the joint. 

• Pain between the shoulders typically is due to problems with the neck.

RISK FACTORS

• Being middle-aged or older

• Heavy lifting

• Sports

PREVENTION

Exercising on a consistent basis, maintaining proper posture, maintaining a healthy weight, and using good body mechanics are all ways to help prevent shoulder pain.  

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

There are several common treatments used for shoulder pain which are often used in combination with each other.  These include rest, ice, ibuprofen, splints/braces, exercises, stretches, surgery and ultrasound.   Typically these treatments take a long time before they are able to provide relief, and they typically never address the underlying cause of the problem of scar tissue adhesions.  Each of these approaches can be effective if they are done in conjunction with a treatment that addresses scar tissue (adhesions), and proper firing/functioning of muscles.

INHEALTH TREATMENT

At InHealth, we take an integrated approach when treating shoulder pain.  Two of our main treatment approaches are through hands-on and instrument-assisted myofascial therapy: Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston Technique.  Both of these techniques are relatively new and highly successful hands-on treatment methods that address problems in the soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.  Both of these treatments are highly successful in dealing with shoulder pain, because they are specifically focused on locating and treating the scar tissue adhesions that accumulate in the muscles and surrounding soft tissues.  The primary goals of an Dr. Kevin, Seattle Chiropractor, and ART and Graston Technique practitioner are to 1) break-up restrictive adhesions, 2) reinstate normal tissue flexibility and movement and 3) more completely restore flexibility, balance and stability to the injured area. 

In addition to ART and Graston Technique, InHealth provides exercise rehabilitation to stabilize the injury, Kinesio Taping to support the injury, and chiropractic manipulation to balance the structure of the body.  InHealth also offers integrated treatment through the exceptional Acupuncture and Massage Therapists who are a part of the InHealth team. Our objective is to provide each patient with integrated health care and exceptional results. Call InHealth and Dr. Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor, today to schedule an appointment at 206-315-7998.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.