Chiropractic Care Can Treat And Prevent Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most common types of pain, affecting up to 25% of adults in the United States. While there are many possible causes of shoulder pain, chiropractic care is an effective treatment option.
Can Chiropractic Fix My Shoulder?
There is ample evidence that chiropractic treatments can effectively treat shoulder pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve function, and increase range of motion in the shoulder joint. Additionally, chiropractic may also be helpful in reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the shoulder, enhancing the body's natural healing ability.
Common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement syndrome. Let's break those down further to understand their impact on shoulder health.
Rotator Cuff Tears
- 80% of reported shoulder pain is associated with the rotator cuff.
- 40% of people have an asymptomatic tear in their rotator cuff on MRI.
- The most common cause of a rotator cuff tear is degeneration. Degeneration is a direct indication of misalignment, and something chiropractic can help with.
The rotator cuff's primary role is to stabilize the shoulder. When structural misalignment occurs, the rotator cuff must work overtime to stabilize the joint, which can lead to painful shoulder conditions. If the demands on it become excessive, the rotator cuff tendons may tear.
Receiving chiropractic adjustments can help stabilize the shoulder, allowing the rotator cuff to relax and lowering the likelihood of a tear. This is crucial for patients seeking relief from chronic shoulder pain.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- It commonly occurs in people who hold their arms overhead. (Think Weightlifting, CrossFit, Painting, Hair Stylists, etc.)
- Bad posture and poor scapular positioning can lead to this condition.
- A common cause of pain while sleeping.
Often, neck misalignments contribute to poor posture, which can exacerbate shoulder issues. Rounded shoulders and forward head positioning can increase the distance that the shoulder tendons have to stretch, leading to considerable pain. Correcting the neck alignment is essential before addressing the shoulder to effectively manage shoulder impingement syndrome.
Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for shoulder pain:
Reduced pain. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain in the shoulder. This is because chiropractic care can help correct misalignments of the spine and shoulder, reducing inflammation.
Improved function. Chiropractic care can help improve shoulder function by aligning the shoulder and allowing it to move freely without restriction.
Increased range of motion. Chiropractic care can help increase the range of motion in the shoulder. By correcting misalignments in the shoulder and spine, the body will begin to move more smoothly. The muscles will calm down, and we will see more flexibility start to take place.
Reduced inflammation. Chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation in the shoulder. By removing the chronic reason for your shoulder pain, the body will stop producing inflammation in that area. Think of inflammation as a warning sign that something is wrong. If nothing is wrong, no warning is needed.
Improved blood flow. Chiropractic care can help improve blood flow to the shoulder. By aligning the shoulder and restoring proper positioning, the vessels will not need to stretch to reach where they need to go. Better elasticity can also be seen in the vessels of the shoulder.
Benefits of the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique for Extremity Pain
The Activator Methods Chiropractic. Technique is recognized for its effectiveness and safety in addressing extremity pain. Notably, when administered by certified practitioners, this technique significantly lessens the risk of injury associated with traditional manual adjustments. Its mild approach makes it an ideal treatment modality for a broad demographic of patients.
Patients undergoing chiropractic care through the Activator Method tend to experience less anxiety due to the absence of alarming 'cracking' noises typically associated with adjustments. The precision provided by using an Activator Adjusting Instrument helps reduce muscle resistance and tension, contributing positively to the recovery process and enhancing the efficacy of this chiropractic treatment method.
Following treatment via the Activator Methods, numerous individuals report immediate relief from pain akin to relief one might feel post-exercise. This combination of immediate results and gentle application has established the Activator Technique as a well-favored option among those seeking efficient yet non-intimidating chiropractic solutions for chronic shoulder pain.
Comparing the Activator Method to Other Chiropractic Techniques
The Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique is often contrasted with various chiropractic approaches, such as the Diversified Technique. The Activator Method employs a gentle strategy utilizing a handheld device, in stark contrast to the Diversified Technique, which applies high-velocity and low-amplitude thrusts accompanied by cavitation, represented by an audible pop.
A primary advantage of the Activator Method is its ability to enhance patient comfort during chiropractic sessions. Studies have shown that both techniques are proficient at alleviating extremity pain. The activator provides an option centered around exactness and ease for patients seeking a more delicate treatment experience.
