How do chiropractors relieve shoulder pain?

How do chiropractors relieve shoulder pain?

When people find out I'm a chiropractor, they usually imagine me helping neck and back pain. Researchstrongsupports chiropractic care to relieve back and neck pain. But what about chiropractic care for shoulder pain relief?

This article provides information for people with shoulder pain. The anatomy and function of the shoulder is discussed, research is presented that provides scientific evidence for the treatment of shoulder pain, and chiropractic treatment for the evaluation and treatment of shoulder pain is presented.

When assessing shoulder pain, it is important to examine the entire person. The human shoulder is a complex mechanism. To be precise, we should look at the entire shoulder girdle, which is made up of three different joints. The first is the ball and socket joint, called the glenohumeral joint. It consists of the bone of the upper arm, called the humerus, and the wing bone, called the scapula. The second is the acromioclavicular or AC joint. It is located at the top of the shoulder and if there is significant damage, the diagnosis is “separated shoulder.” The last is the scapulothoracic joint, which is the movement of the scapula/wing bone along the back of the ribcage.

In addition, it is advisable to conduct an analysis of the spinal bones of the neck and upper back. Misalignments and incorrect movements of the spinal bones are often associated with complaints of shoulder pain.

Chiropractors attempt to restore normal movement and function to the joints of the shoulder and spine using various manipulation and mobilization techniques. Chiropractic care may also include training that focuses on restoring motion, strength and stability to the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the shoulder region.

In 2010 and 2014, the UK published research on various forms of treatment for musculoskeletal problems. These reviews stated that there is favorable scientific evidence for the use of chiropractic care in relation to shoulder-related problems, including rotator cuff pain, shoulder girdle pain/dysfunction, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).

In my practice, patients often come to me with shoulder pain after seeing other providers. These providers are often specialists. Because they specialize only in assessing the shoulder, their focus is narrow to solely concentrate on the glenohumeral joint. As previously mentioned, the assessment needs to be expanded across the whole person. When this approach is taken, success in relieving shoulder pain can usually be achieved.

Inspired by James Schofield