The shoulder goes through a lot in a day. It is comprised of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking the brunt of much of the movement and exertion.
Not only is the shoulder the most flexible joint in the human body, it is also one of the most unstable. Among athletes, shoulder injuries are quite common: their shoulders sustains more injuries than almost all other parts of the body.
The shoulder is particularly vulnerable due to its unique construction. Other joints in the body, such as the ankle or elbow, have a somewhat limited range of motion. The shoulder has a wide range of motion as a freely moving joint. This leaves it susceptible to stress, injury, and pain.
The various soft tissues within shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be injured from overuse, excessive strain, falls, and improper motion. Treating shoulder pain can be a challenge because it is used so often in the course of daily life. Fortunately, chiropractic offers many solutions without resorting to surgery.
Causes of shoulder injury and pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by a number of conditions. Injury to the rotator cuff is one of the most common causes and is commonly seen in athletes, like gymnasts and football players, who use their arms and shoulders frequently and tend to put increased stress on the joint.
Any activity that involves repetitive shoulder movements can also cause injury. Swimmers, tennis players, and baseball players are highly susceptible to injury.
Athletes are not the only ones who experience shoulder pain and injury. People who work in an environment that requires repetitive motion or strenuous upper body work are also at risk. Construction workers commonly experience shoulder injury and pain as do truck drivers.
Prevention of shoulder pain
Preventing shoulder pain and injury is usually quite simple. Athletes and workers whose jobs require repetitive arm work or rotation should warm up and cool down before playing, and they should take breaks often.
Pain should be addressed sooner rather than later with ice packs applied immediately and a chiropractic appointment. Ignoring shoulder pain could lead to a more serious injury.
Taking time off to give an injured shoulder rest is always a smart move. The joint needs rest in order to heal and regular activities should not be resumed until the doctor says it is OK. A chiropractor can also recommend exercises specifically geared toward certain types of injuries or conditions – they should be followed to the letter.
Chiropractic care for shoulder pain
Chiropractic care can be beneficial for the patient with a shoulder injury or shoulder pain. Different chiropractic techniques are used depending on the type of injury or condition.
The patient will be assessed by the chiropractor at the first visit and the doctor will determine a treatment plan. Ischemic compression techniques have been found to be very effective for certain types of shoulder pain. It is often favoured because it is very effective, is not very strenuous for the doctor to perform, is very safe, and is tolerated well by the patient. Other conditions may respond better to different chiropractic techniques.
Chiropractic care is often the treatment of choice for shoulder pain because it is minimally invasive and it works. As is often the case, pain in one part of the body can cause pain in other areas. In the case of shoulder pain, the spine and neck may become inflamed.
Dr. Caulfield is experienced with shoulder injuries in athletes, high-exertion labourers, and accident victims. If you are in pain, don’t wait – call us today.