Conditions

Shoulder Injury

What is a Shoulder Injury?

Do you suffer from a shoulder injury?

If you do, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent study found that over 40 million Americans have experienced shoulder injuries in the past year. And while some of these people may be experiencing temporary discomfort, others are dealing with chronic issues that can severely impact their quality of life.

If you’ve been suffering from shoulder injuries and haven’t seen any improvement through other treatment methods, it might be time to consider one of our providers who could sit down with you and discuss your options.

Injury to the shoulder can range from a tear in the muscles, tendons, or even the shoulder labrum (the cartilage that protects the ball and socket joint). Additionally, you may also have an injury to other areas of the shoulder, including the collarbone or shoulder blade.

First Aid for Shoulder-Injury

Types of Shoulder Injuries

Dislocation

Dislocation is when the top of your arm pops out of its socket, causing pain and weakness in your shoulder. You will also have swelling, numbness, and bruising.

Separation

A fall or hard blow tears the ligaments holding it together and causes a bump on top of your shoulder. This injury affects the joint where your collarbone and shoulder blade come together, called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.

Fracture

If you fall or take a hard hit, it’s possible to break bones. The most common breaks are the clavicle and humerus which can cause pain that may bruise. If your collarbone is broken, one of the effects could be that your shoulder sags and you cannot lift an arm well.

Cartilage Tear

You can injure your shoulder cartilage which makes it a little harder to move the joint which could lead you to feel pain when reaching overhead along with difficulty moving. If injured badly, your arm might also feel weak and have trouble holding weight.

Some of these symptoms may include catching, locking, or grinding feelings in your shoulder, so are sure to get yourself checked out by a doctor immediately.

Rotator Cuff Tear

If you are suffering from pain in your shoulders, it could be because of damage to the rotator cuff. This is a group of muscles and tendons which hold your arm in place so that you can lift them overhead easily. The rotator cuff becomes vulnerable due to overuse or falls resulting in injuries like an audible crackling sound when moving arms along with nighttime pains, especially during sleep hours.

Frozen Shoulder

The condition of limited movement in your shoulder is caused by abnormal bands of tissue (adhesions) that build up and limit how much you can move it. The cause could be pain or surgery causing less use, allowing the adhesion to occur. Adhesions lead to impingement where tendons get pinned down while lifting arms overhead which causes swelling and discomfort if done too often.

Bursitis

If you experience pain that worsens when moving your shoulder, especially if it’s the result of a fall or other injury, this could indicate bursitis.

Bursa sacs can become irritated and swollen after repeated movements such as those required to use your computer for hours at a time. If so, take precautions – like getting up regularly and stretching out sore muscles – before working again; otherwise, you’re likely to aggravate the condition further with every subsequent keystroke.

Signs and Symptoms

Shoulder injuries can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, often requiring prompt attention. Here are the primary signs and symptoms to watch for:

Pain and Discomfort

Persistent or acute pain in the shoulder area, which may worsen with movement or while resting, is a common indicator of an injury.

Swelling

Any visible swelling or unusual bulging in the shoulder area can be a sign of trauma or inflammation.

Numbness or Tingling

These sensations may occur not just in the shoulder but also down the arm, indicating nerve involvement.

Weakness

Difficulty in lifting objects or performing routine movements that involve the shoulder could suggest muscle damage or joint instability.

Changes in Temperature or Color

A shoulder that feels unusually warm or looks red could be inflamed, while a pale or bluish tint might indicate circulatory issues.

Limited Range of Motion

If you find it hard to raise your arm or move it in certain directions, this restriction could be due to a shoulder injury.

Changes in Function or Anatomy

Noticeable differences in how the shoulder moves or appears—such as irregular shoulder contour or obvious deformity—might indicate a dislocation or other structural injuries.

Shoulder injuries commonly result from sports activities, work-related tasks, or accidents around the home. While minor issues may respond well to home treatments like rest and ice, persistent or severe symptoms warrant professional evaluation and treatment. Understanding these signs can help in seeking timely care and preventing further complications.

Schedule for Shoulder Injury Treatment at N8 Family Chiropractic

Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Injury

Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Injury

Chiropractic care is a vital treatment option for shoulder injuries, offering a non-invasive way to address both pain and underlying issues. Chiropractors utilize a range of techniques, including adjustments, mobilization, and soft tissue therapy, to reduce inflammation, enhance joint mobility, and alleviate pain. These methods help to restore normal function and prevent chronic issues by aligning the body properly and ensuring the shoulder can move freely without discomfort.

In addition to manual therapies, chiropractic care for shoulder injuries often involves personalized exercise programs designed to strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the shoulder joint. This holistic approach not only helps in the immediate recovery from injuries but also serves as a preventive measure against future problems. Regular chiropractic visits can thus play a crucial role in maintaining shoulder health, particularly for individuals prone to injury due to physical activities or occupational risks.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Injury

How does chiropractic care address shoulder injuries?

Chiropractic care addresses shoulder injuries by restoring joint mobility and reducing inflammation through specific chiropractic adjustments to the spine and shoulder. Techniques such as mobilization, manual therapy, and soft tissue treatments help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and enhance the healing process of the shoulder tissues.

Chiropractors can effectively treat a range of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and impingement syndrome. Chiropractic techniques are tailored to reduce pain and inflammation while restoring function and preventing future injuries.

In many cases, chiropractic treatment can help alleviate the pain and dysfunction of shoulder injuries sufficiently to delay or avoid surgery. By improving joint mechanics and reducing strain on the shoulder, chiropractic care can enhance the natural healing process, which might be enough to resolve the injury without surgical intervention.

During your first visit, the chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed history, to understand the mechanism of the injury and any relevant activities or conditions. A physical examination will assess range of motion, muscle strength, and joint function. Diagnostic imaging tests may also be conducted if necessary. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be developed.

The duration of treatment for a shoulder injury with chiropractic care varies depending on the severity and type of the injury, as well as the patient’s overall health and response to treatment. Many patients start to see improvements within a few sessions, though more complex injuries may require several weeks or months of regular chiropractic sessions to achieve optimal results.

Schedule for Shoulder Injury Treatment at N8 Family Chiropractic

Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.