What is the chiropractic treatment approach for shoulder pain?
- Reduce Pain - The goal of treatment initially would be to reduce the pain, or to “break the pain cycle”. As the pain level is reduced, the muscles will relax, reversing the pain cycle. Certain modalities, such as dry-needling, ultrasound therapy and interferential current therapy, may be employed to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation and promote muscle relaxation.
- Restore normal joint mechanics - Depending on the examination findings, your chiropractor may adjust (manipulate) the joints that are misaligned (subluxated). Shockwave therapy will also facilitate healing of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint.
- Improve flexibility and strength – To prevent future injuries, it is important to improve the flexibility of the joints and the strength of the muscles. Your chiropractor will advise you on appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises according to your physical needs and fitness level.
- Lifestyle adjustments – Exercises, working posture, sleep etc. play a vital role in the development and otherwise prevention of shoulder pain. Your doctor will work with you to identify lifestyle adjustments that will help you maximize the quality of your health.
How effective is chiropractic for shoulder pain?
The neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints act as a chain in many upper limb movements. A critical factor in recovering from shoulder pain is promoting/enabling movement of the above joints. Chiropractic treatments such as manipulations, dry-needling and electrotherapy help to restore the proper joint mechanics, increase blood flow, reduce pain and relax muscles. In doing so, chiropractic care enables the shoulder joint to begin moving freely, while reducing or alleviating pain.
What are the Recommended Treatments for Shoulder Pain?*
- Spinal manipulation - for restoration of joint movements
- Dry-needling - for pain relief and relaxing muscles
- Ultrasound Therapy - for reducing inflammation
- Interferential Current Therapy - for relaxing muscles and enhance circulation
- Shockwave Therapy - to speed up tissue healing
- Exercise Therapy - to restore normal function and flexibility
Author: Dr Claudia Ng, BSc, DC
* A proper diagnosis has to be obtained for all of the above conditions before an appropriate combination of treatments will be provided. This is just a list of possible treatments for the individual condition but not all of them may be necessary, nor is it limited to those listed only.