Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain and injuries can have a serious impact on your quality of life and make it difficult for you to perform normal, everyday tasks. Shoulder pain can be caused by auto accidents, sports injuries, and long-term health conditions such as arthritis. Chiropractic care can help restore full functionality to your shoulder while also reducing and eliminating shoulder pain.

Chiropractors may treat shoulder pain using mobilization, which is the gradual physical adjustment of joints and soft tissue that helps restore normal function, reduce pain, and increase the range of motion. Cryotherapy may also be used to relieve inflammation and swelling at the injured site, while ischemic compression applies gentle pressure to trigger points in the shoulder muscle to reduce pain.

Signs of shoulder pain that indicate you may benefit from chiropractic care include decreased arm functioning, unusual muscle aches or twinges in your shoulder, and difficulty with holding objects. Shoulder pain that lasts for more than one day or that persists even when you’re resting is also a sign that you need immediate treatment. Benefits of chiropractic care for shoulder pain include improved flexibility and range of motion, increased muscle strength, decreased inflammation, and reduced pain.

Did you know?

Your shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in your body and is composed of a ball and socket-like joint that is surrounded by a joint capsule. Shoulder pain can originate at the shoulder joint itself or at surrounding areas that direct pain to the shoulder joint. Shoulder pain can be directly caused by bursitis, tendonitis, dislocation, or impingement syndrome — the latter of which is also known as swimmer’s shoulder and is caused by a tendon rubbing on a shoulder blade.

Shoulder pain can also be caused by instability due to trauma, weakness of the shoulder joint, or repetitive activities such as swinging a tennis racket or swimming. Shoulder pain tends to be more common among athletes and those whose jobs involve repetitive physical activity. When left untreated, shoulder pain can lead to neck pain, back pain, and loss of feeling in your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shoulder Pain

When should I make an appointment with my chiropractor for shoulder pain?

Visit your chiropractor as soon as possible if you’re experiencing shoulder pain — especially if you’re unsure of the root cause of your pain. A chiropractor can perform an examination and refer you to a specialist who can help with diagnosis using an x-ray or MRI if necessary.

Can stretching help relieve shoulder pain?

Stretching the muscles and tendons surrounding your joint may help reduce shoulder pain, but could also worsen your pain or condition if you perform the wrong stretches or do them incorrectly. Your chiropractor can show you how to do proper stretches that may help reduce shoulder pain.

Can shoulder pain indicate other health problems?

Yes, in some instances, shoulder pain can indicate problems with your heart, pancreas, and gallbladder. Heart attacks and pancreas issues can direct pain into your left shoulder, while gallbladder problems can direct pain into your right shoulder. See your chiropractor immediately for help with addressing shoulder pain.