Many people experience pain in their shoulders. Chiropractic treatments can be used to relieve musculoskeletal injury and pain, so if you’re experiencing pain in your shoulders, make an appointment with a chiropractor.
Diagnosis Of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder joint of your body is considered the most flexible joint. It is surrounded by nerves, ligaments, tendons and muscles. You will feel shoulder pain if these supporting muscles are irritated. Visit a chiropractor for a proper diagnosis.
To diagnose shoulder pain, a chiropractor will run some tests. The result(s) will help the chiropractor understand the cause of the issue. Once it is confirmed that you have shoulder pain, treatment can then follow.
How A Skilled Chiropractor Can Help With Shoulder Pain
The main cause of shoulder pain is misalignment, which often leads to muscle spasms and inflammation. In such a situation, a chiropractor will use a technique or combination of methods to help you get relief.
Below are different techniques and how a chiropractor can help you with shoulder pain…
#1 Ice And Heat Application
One of the treatments for shoulder pain employed by a chiropractor is the application of ice and heat. Although a simple procedure, both ice and heat are effective modalities that can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing in various musculoskeletal conditions.
Ice therapy is also known as cryotherapy, and it is typically used during the initial stages of an injury or to provide relief to acute pain. It helps to reduce swelling, numb the area and constrict blood vessels. This can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Heat therapy, on the other hand, is often used for chronic conditions or to relax muscles and improve circulation. Applying heat to an area helps to increase blood flow, relax tense muscles and alleviate stiffness in the shoulder.
#2 Stretching
Stretching is a fundamental component of chiropractic treatment. It is often incorporated into treatment plans to improve flexibility, enhance range of motion and promote overall musculoskeletal health. Skilled chiropractors make use of various stretching techniques to address muscular imbalances, reduce tension and stop pain in their patients.
Chiropractors may also employ specific stretching exercises tailored to address individual needs and target the shoulder area. These exercises can target specific muscle groups, improve posture and support the alignment of the spine.
Furthermore, stretching can be combined with other chiropractic treatments such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy and rehabilitative exercises for optimal results. It is often recommended as part of a comprehensive wellness routine to maintain and improve musculoskeletal health, helping relieve, for instance, shoulder pain.
#3 Regular Rehabilitation Exercises
Regular rehabilitation exercises play a vital role in chiropractic therapy because they help patients to regain strength, improve mobility and restore function after an injury that affects the shoulder. These exercises are designed to target specific areas of concern, address imbalances and promote overall physical well-being.
Also, by regularly performing rehabilitation exercises, patients can accelerate their recovery, reduce pain and prevent further injuries. These exercises can be done both in the clinic under the guidance of a chiropractor and at home as part of a self-care routine.
Chiropractors may also incorporate other modalities such as resistance bands, balance boards or therapy balls to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation exercises. They will monitor progress, make necessary adjustments to the exercise program and provide guidance on proper form and progression.
#4 Electronic Stimulation
Electronic stimulation (E-Stim) is a widely used modality in chiropractic treatment to alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms and promote healing. It involves the use of low-level electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles in the affected area.
During an E-Stim session, electrodes will be placed on the skin near the targeted muscles or nerves of your shoulders. This stimulation can have various effects, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, increased blood circulation and release of endorphins.
E-Stim is a versatile therapy that can be utilized for a range of conditions, such as muscle strains, sprains, sciatica and chronic pain syndromes. It can be customized to deliver different frequencies, intensities and waveforms based on the specific needs of the patient.
#5 Alignment
Alignment is a key focus of chiropractic therapy as it pertains to the proper positioning and function of the spine and musculoskeletal system. This can help to realign the affected shoulder. Chiropractors use different techniques to assess and restore alignment in order to improve shoulder health.
Through manual adjustments or spinal manipulations, chiropractors apply controlled force to shoulder joints to correct misalignments, also known as subluxations. These adjustments help to restore joint mobility, alleviate pain and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal.
Chiropractors may also provide advice on posture, ergonomics and exercises to support proper alignment and prevent future issues. They focus on educating patients about maintaining good alignment in everyday activities and promoting long-term musculoskeletal health.
#6 Myofascial Release
Chiropractors use myofascial release to address muscle tension, pain and restricted movement of the shoulder. It helps to release adhesion and tension in the fascia. The fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, tendons and other structures.
During a myofascial release session, a chiropractor applies gentle pressure or uses specific stretching techniques to target areas of tightness or restriction in the fascia. This helps to alleviate muscle tension, improve blood flow and restore flexibility and range of motion.
It is important to note that myofascial release should be performed by a skilled chiropractor. They have the knowledge and expertise to identify areas of fascial restriction and apply appropriate techniques for effective treatment.
Summary:
Shoulder pain is common to most people but it becomes a major issue when it is persistent. In this case, the person should visit a chiropractor as they are skilled in diagnosing the cause and providing adequate treatment to help relieve the pain.