Shoulder Injuries: Rotator Cuff Impingement & Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Since our arm is attached to our axial skeleton (head and trunk) by one boney articulation (the sternoclavicular joint), and is primarily held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments, the arm is our most mobile extremity, and the one most prone to injury.
In addition to shoulder pain, which can be vague, arm, upper back and neck soreness is commonly felt. There may be weakness when you attempt to lift your arm, pain when doing overhead activities, and limited motion of your shoulder. When neglected, shoulder impingements can lead to a more complicated condition known as frozen shoulder.
The Causes of Shoulder Injuries
Injuries to the rotator cuff and its tendons are common in overhead activities and sports that repetitively stress the shoulder. These injuries can affect all age groups.
Activities and factors include:
Pitching a baseball
Serving a tennis ball
Swimming
Painting a ceiling
Poor posture
Weak muscles
Heavy lifting
Sudden trauma to the shoulder
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen Shoulder is common when prolonged immobilization of the shoulder joint occurs after either trauma to the shoulder or with shoulder surgery. Characterized by loss of motion in the shoulder joint, it may be difficult and painful to lift your arm above your shoulder or reach behind your back. If you are suffering from shoulder impingements and do not seek treatment for it, then frozen shoulder can often occur.
How Our Doctors Can Help You
To determine what regions must be addressed, our doctors will assess the finely tuned structures of your shoulder, which need to work in synchronicity. Chiropractic manipulation (adjustment) combined with rehabilitation has proven to be beneficial to those who have symptoms that last between 3 and 15 months. Our doctors will perform a thorough history, x-rays, and examination, including a functional movement screening (FMS), to determine the underline reasons and cause.
Your treatment may include:
Manipulation (adjustments)
Active Release Technique (A.R.T.)
Shoulder Rehabilitation
Ultrasound Therapy