Chiropractic – A Proven Safe and Effective Therapy for Shoulder Pain Relief

Chiropractic is a proven safe and effective therapy for shoulder pain that addresses both pain relief and structural elements contributing to the condition in order to promote healing and restore strength without surgery or medication.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complicated ball and socket joint surrounded by a joint capsule. Many things can happen to make a shoulder joint become sore and painful. Depending upon what is wrong with your shoulder, the pain can either be sourced to the shoulder joint itself or to other areas outside the shoulder that “refer” pain to the shoulder joint.

Direct causes of shoulder pain include:

• tendonitis or bursitis
• instability caused by trauma, repetitive activities, or a congenitally weak shoulder joint
• dislocation of the joint, in which the shoulder gets pulled out of joint, often causing muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold the joint together to tear
• impingement syndromes involving the muscles of the shoulder joint (i.e. the subcoracoid, subscapularis, subacromial, biceps, supraspinatus, subacromial bursa and infraspinatus)

While indirect (or referred) causes of shoulder pain include

• cervical or thoracic joint dysfunction
• trigger points
• Pain referred from internal organs such as Cholecystitis (“gallbladder attack”) or Myocardial infarction (“heart attack”)

In addition to pain and soreness, these conditions also cause weakness when raising your arm or lifting objects.
Chiropractic care plans can be extremely beneficial in alleviating the pain and other symptoms of  various shoulder conditions, as well as addressing the structural source of the problem so that the symptoms don’t return. Below we’ve described some of the more common shoulder pain related conditions we see in our office, and an idea of the types of chiropractic care plans that may be recommended for each.

Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain from Sports Injuries or Other Physical Trauma

A common cause of shoulder pain we see in our office is trauma from sports and other physical activities. In such instances, the doctor will take a complete medical history, perform a physical exam, and discuss with you how your injury occurred. Sometimes x-rays or MRI may be needed to see if there is a fracture or a tear of a tendon or ligament; if a severe injury such as this has occurred, then the doctor would make a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Otherwise a conservative approach with chiropractic care may be used, including physiotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Depending upon the severity of your injury and your activity level, it may take up to 6 months to heal.

A recent study of chiropractic adjustment in the treatment of shoulder pain from shoulder impingement syndrome, which is common in both the general and athletic populations, found it more effective than a placebo. (J Amer Chiropr Assoc 2007 Aug;44(6):6-15) The conclusion of a similar study found, “This case series demonstrates the potential benefit of a multimodal chiropractic protocol in resolving symptoms associated with a suspected clinical diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome.” (J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995 Feb;18)2):105-15)

Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain from Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are another common condition we see in our office. Symptoms generally associated with rotator cuff injuries are pain and weakness in lifting the affected arm. While related to sports injuries, rotator cuff injuries are usually precipitated by chronic degenerative changes in the tendon, or in other cases by poor vascularity (blood flow to the area) before the injury. In some instances, the doctor will need to see an x-ray, ultrasound, arthrogram, or MRI to rule out serious injury. Partial tears typically respond well to chiropractic care plans with a focus on rehabilitative therapy and a gradual strengthening program, while full tears may require surgical repair.

A recent study of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of shoulder pain from rotator cuff injury found it to be more effective than a placebo. (J Amer Chiropr Assoc 2008 Dec;45(9):11-26)

Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain from Non-Traumatic Injuries

Non-traumatic injuries are also common for us to see in our office. These are generally caused by repetitive strain injuries or overuse of the affected muscle. Because of this, while some of our patients with these injuries are athletes, such as swimmers and pitchers, we also see plenty of people with non-traumatic injuries whose work involves doing a lot overhead reaching, such as electricians and painters. Symptoms of non-traumatic injuries are often described more as weakness and achiness than pain, per se, although one can experience both. Chiropractic care for non-traumatic injuries will focus on the correction of the dislocation and on strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding area.

Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain from Adhesive Capsulitis (or Frozen Shoulder)

Another condition we see frequently in our office is adhesive capsulitis, more commonly referred to as frozen shoulder. There are several theories as to why this condition occurs, the most prevalent being that it starts with an inflammatory process (whether due to irritation or systemic inflammation), which causes adhesions to develop inside or between the capsule. These adhesions work like Crazy Glue (think “adhere” or “adhesive”) and cause the shoulder to stick. After this sticking process begins, the condition is acute, making it very painful to move the arm as that only causes more tearing to occur.

The earlier this process is identified the better because controlling the inflammation will stop further development into a more serious condition.

The acute phase, meanwhile, may respond well to conservative treatment with chiropractic care plans aimed to promote healing, and reduce pain and inflammation with physiotherapy, interferential electric stimulation, and mild joint manipulation and mobilization (as tolerated), along with home care instructions and exercises, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
In the later stages of adhesive capsulitis, chiropractic care plans are still an excellent way to strengthen your shoulder and increase your range of motion. Usually of great benefit are ultrasound, rhythmic stabilization, PNF, passive stretches, and moist heat, along with home care and stretches. Improvement is usually seen within three months.

People predisposed to frozen shoulder are those with diabetes, hyperthyroidisim, COPD, and those who’ve had a heart attack (all conditions that have a component of inflammation).

In a study on chiropractic treatment for frozen shoulder, it was found that, “Chiropractic care may be able to provide an effective mode of therapeutic treatment for certain types of these difficult cases.” (J Amer Chiropr Assoc 2008 Sept-Oct;45(7):12-28)

Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain from Acute Calcific Bursitis or Tendonitis

With tendonitis, fluid accumulates in tendons, causing swelling, leading to pain. When this causes calcium deposits to build up in the tendon, it is called calcific tendonitis. And when this fluid builds up in the adjacent bursae, it’s called bursitis. If calcium deposits are present within the in the bursae, the term, calcific bursitis, is used. In any of these cases, all of which we see frequently in our office, chiropractic care can be of great benefit in reducing swelling, restoring range of motion, and eliminating pain.

“The result of these studies indicates that the management of calcific tendinitis falls within the scope of chiropractic practice and supports the use of a trial period of conservative management in cases of calcific tendinitis before consideration of surgical treatment.” (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999;22:622–7)

Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain from Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain

There are 3 types of AC joint separation we see commonly in our office

1. Type 1 Sprain – The integrity of the AC ligaments is maintained and have not torn.  This typically responds well to ice therapy and rehabilitative care
2. Type 2 Sprain  – The AC ligament has partially torn.  This typically responds well to ice and immobilization, until healed enough to begin rehabilitative therapy
3. Type 3 Sprain  – Separation  of the AC joint with complete tearing of the AC  ligaments. Therapy differs depending on severity but usually include ice, and immobilization, until rehabilitative care can begin, although sometimes surgical repair may also be indicated.

Call our office today to schedule an examination to find out what is causing your shoulder pain and how chiropractic care can help.  773.878.7330  We are located in Andersonville – Chicago.