Shoulder Pain: Everything You Need to Know

Written By Cuan Wayne Coetzee .

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, and it can significantly impact your daily life. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or just dealing with the wear and tear of daily activities, shoulder pain can limit your mobility and affect your quality of life.

At MoveMed, we see patients with various types of shoulder pain, ranging from minor strains to chronic injuries. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shoulder pain—the anatomy involved, common injuries, and how chiropractic care and rehabilitation at MoveMed can help you recover and prevent future problems.

Understanding Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder is a complex joint made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allowing for a wide range of movement. It consists of:

The Rotator Cuff: A group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help stabilize and move the arm. Injuries here are very common, especially in athletes and people performing repetitive movements .

The Glenohumeral Joint: This is the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, where the head of the humerus fits into the shallow socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). It’s the most mobile joint in the body but also prone to instability and dislocations .

The Labrum: A ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and provides stability. Labral tears are common in people who have experienced shoulder dislocations .

Common Shoulder Injuries

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis and Tears: Often caused by repetitive overhead movements, rotator cuff injuries can range from inflammation (tendinitis) to partial or full tears. This is one of the most common shoulder injuries, and the good news is that most patients recover well with conservative treatment .

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are pinched during arm movements, leading to pain and limited mobility. It’s particularly common in swimmers, tennis players, and people who do a lot of overhead lifting .

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful with restricted range of motion. It can develop after an injury or due to prolonged immobility .

Dislocations and Instability: The shoulder’s high mobility makes it susceptible to dislocations. Once dislocated, the shoulder can become unstable, with a high risk of recurring dislocations .

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At MoveMed Chiropractic Clinic, we take a holistic approach to treating shoulder pain. Our treatments focus on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder to prevent future injuries.

Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle adjustments can help restore proper alignment in the shoulder and cervical spine, improving function and reducing pain .

Exercise Therapy: Tailored rehabilitation exercises help strengthen the rotator cuff and other supporting muscles, which is crucial for preventing further injuries .

Myofascial Release Therapy: Targeting tight and knotted muscles around the shoulder can relieve tension, improve blood flow, and enhance mobility .

Dry Needling: This technique helps reduce inflammation and release tight muscles, accelerating recovery. It’s especially beneficial for conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis and frozen shoulder .

Postural Correction: Shoulder pain is often linked to poor posture, particularly in people who sit for long periods. Our treatment plans include posture correction exercises to realign the body and reduce strain on the shoulders .

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pain can make a significant difference in recovery. Many patients put off seeking treatment, thinking the pain will go away on its own, only to find that it becomes a chronic issue.

Research has shown that early intervention, particularly with a combination of manual therapy and exercise, leads to better outcomes in treating shoulder pain . At MoveMed, we encourage patients to address shoulder pain before it becomes debilitating.

Preventing Shoulder Pain

The best treatment for shoulder pain is prevention. Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder, improving posture, and incorporating mobility exercises into your routine can reduce the risk of future injuries.

We offer tailored prevention programs that help keep your shoulders healthy, especially if you’re involved in sports or activities that place a high demand on this joint. By addressing weaknesses and imbalances early on, you can avoid the more serious problems that often come with shoulder injuries.

Ready to Address Your Shoulder Pain?

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or want to prevent future problems, book your appointment at MoveMed today. Our team is here to help you get back to doing the things you love, pain-free.

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Peer-Reviewed Sources

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Cuan Wayne Coetzee .
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