At Spine Scan, Perth Chiropractor Dr Adam Rocchi sees many patients with shoulder and elbow discomfort and restricted mobility. Although many have similar symptoms, careful analysis of the joints range of motion and strength of associated muscles is necessary in order to attempt to determine the best course of treatment.
The shoulder is a very complex structure and has the ability to be the most mobile joint in the body. For those with a shoulder injury or degenerative problem, it can also become the stiffest joint in the body and the source of extreme pain.
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
There are nine muscles that cross the shoulder joint and a further six are closely associated with the shoulder. They can all potentially be involved in creating shoulder pain.
Numerous “bursas” (small fat pads) between muscles, tendons and bones in the shoulder are open to getting inflamed and painful through poor neuromuscular control of shoulder muscles that causes some to become weaker or tighter than other muscles.
Decades of this mechanical imbalance can often lead to “wear and tear” of the shoulder joint. This takes the form of bone spurs, bursitis, muscle tears, loss of joint space, etc. These common problems are “red flags” that indicate that a functional neuro-muscular imbalance is likely to have been present for a period of time.
How We Can Help
Initially an examination of the tone ( tightness or weakness) of each of the muscles in the shoulder is completed and is essential in attempting to establish a course of treatment with the goal of experiencing reduced pain and possibly improving the function of the joint.
For each patient, the tone of all the shoulder muscles is established on the first consultation and patients are tested and reviewed each visit thereafter. Combining Adams two techniques the goal is to attempt to address muscle problems that are creating the imbalance within the shoulder joint. Weak muscles can be strengthened over the course of treatment and exercise and tight muscles can be lengthened over the course of treatment.
When to Visit Your Perth Chiropractor
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Shoulder joint pain that has persisted for more than a week or two or keeps reoccurring.
- Weakness or limited range of movement in the shoulder.
- Problems with raising the arm above the head.
- Bruising, inflammation, swelling or heat in the affected shoulder.
Anti-inflammatory medications, heat pads and ice packs may help – but may not address the cause of the problem. Because there are so many common causes of shoulder pain, you might require different treatment than someone else with similar symptoms.
It is important to receive treatment as early as possible for faster recovery.
