Specific diagnosis
of injury is critical
While other joints are limited in their
motion, the shoulder is a freely moving
joint, leaving it vulnerable to injury.
There are many different soft tissues in the
shoulder including ligaments, tendons and
muscles. Each of these has the ability to be
compromised by improper motion or overuse.
These soft tissues all work together to create
the movement and strength required for proper
function, making diagnosis of the troubled area
more difficult.
The shoulder has a shallow joint allowing extreme freedom of movement.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
is often seen in aging adults. In this circumstance, blood flow is
compromised causing muscle tissue to fray like old
rope. Typical symptoms include pain and difficulty
reaching behind the back or with overhead use of
the arm. If this process continues and blood flow is
not restored, further injury may result.
The shoulder is a significant referral site where pain
may occur from injuries or conditions existing in
other parts of the body, such as the neck, lower
back, hip and leg. Symptoms of cardiovascular
disease may also be referred to the shoulder region
making the sudden onset of shoulder pain an issue
that should be immediately evaluated.
Your doctor of chiropractic is experienced at
determining the cause of your shoulder discomfort.
An in-depth examination will be conducted and
further diagnostics may be required to eliminate
or confirm the origin. Chiropractic is an excellent
resource to consider for creating a care plan to help
you throughout the healing process.
Start today toward a healthier tomorrow!
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Shoulder
Pain
Shoulder Conditions
There are a number of conditions specifically seen in
shoulder-related problems. These include rotator cuff
injuries, most commonly seen in athletes who throw or
use a similar motion such as pitchers, quarterbacks and
tennis players. No one is immune from these injuries, as
they may also occur from performing routine tasks that
put a sudden strain on the shoulder.
Another common disorder is adhesive capsulitis or
" frozen shoulder", where scar tissue has formed around
the shoulder. It is characterized by a dull or aching pain
and loss of motion or stiffness in the shoulder.
The superior labral tear or "slap lesion" as it is often
called, is an injury to the cartilage that covers the top
part of the shoulder socket. This can occur from falling
on an outstretched arm but sometimes the cause may be
unknown. A patient with this type of injury may have a
clicking noise when they move their arm or pain on the
front or top of the shoulder.
A very useful, though unstable joint
While the shoulder is the most movable joint in
the body, it is also one of the most unstable.
Frequent problems include sprains, strains,
dislocations, tendonitis, bursitis, torn rotator cuffs,
fractures and arthritis.
The shoulder is unlike other joints in the body, as
it is not a true ball and socket like the more stable
hip joint.
The shoulder is much more like a golfball and tee,
where the ball can easily slip off due
to problems with muscles, tendons or ligaments.
Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic for more
information about a care program that may include
specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations,
nutritional advice or other conservative methods of
care based on your health history, age, current
condition and lifestyle. |
While
other joints are limited in their