Shoulder Pain

At New Health Chiropractic & Integrated Healthcare, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder injuries using a holistic and comprehensive approach. Our treatments are tailored to each specific injury, combining chiropractic care, regenerative therapies, and other modalities to facilitate healing and improve function.

 

Here’s a synopsis of the most common types of shoulder injuries we treat and the evaluation and treatment options available:

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1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Evaluation: Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Our team conducts a thorough physical examination and may use diagnostic imaging (like an MRI) to assess tendon damage or inflammation.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Targeting misalignments in the cervical and thoracic spine to relieve shoulder tension.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: Used to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and decrease pain in damaged tendons.

  • Regenerative Medicine (PRP & HCT-P): Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Human Cellular Tissue Products (HCT-P) are injected into the shoulder to stimulate healing in the rotator cuff.

  • Massage Therapy: Focused on the muscles surrounding the shoulder to improve flexibility and reduce muscle spasms.

2. Shoulder Impingement

• Evaluation: Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed due to being pinched. It’s evaluated through physical tests that replicate symptoms of pain and discomfort, particularly during overhead movements.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: To realign the spine and scapula, improving shoulder mechanics.

  • Functional Medicine: Addressing any underlying imbalances, such as inflammation or nutritional deficiencies that may affect healing.

  • Massage Therapy: To release tension in surrounding muscles like the deltoid and trapezius, which can contribute to impingement.

3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

• Evaluation: This condition causes stiffness and a significant reduction in the range of motion. Diagnostic assessments focus on the restriction of both active and passive shoulder movements.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle manipulation of the shoulder joint to encourage mobility and relieve stiffness.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: Helps alleviate pain and inflammation while improving the flexibility of the shoulder capsule.

  • Regenerative Medicine: PRP or HCT-P can be injected to encourage the regeneration of tissues and restore function in the shoulder joint.

4. Labral Tears

• Evaluation: The labrum is a cartilage structure that helps stabilize the shoulder. Tears can result from trauma or repetitive overhead movements. We use physical exams and MRI scans to evaluate the extent of damage.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Care: Adjustments to improve joint alignment and reduce stress on the shoulder.

  • Regenerative Medicine (PRP & HCT-P): Injections to stimulate healing of the labrum and reduce inflammation.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: To enhance the healing process and manage pain associated with labral injuries.

  • Massage Therapy: Aiding in muscle relaxation and improving range of motion around the joint.

5. Shoulder Sprains and Strains

• Evaluation: Sprains affect ligaments, and strains involve muscles or tendons. These injuries often result from overuse, heavy lifting, or trauma. Physical assessments and sometimes imaging help determine the severity of the injury.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: To relieve muscle tightness and restore normal function to the joint.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: To reduce swelling and promote the healing of tissues.

  • Massage Therapy: To relax muscles and prevent further strain or sprain.

  • Functional Medicine: To address potential inflammatory causes, such as poor diet or autoimmune factors, which may slow healing.

6. Shoulder Bursitis

• Evaluation: Inflammation of the bursa can cause pain, particularly during movement. A detailed history, along with physical exams and imaging studies, helps confirm this condition.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: To restore alignment and reduce joint pressure, which can exacerbate bursa inflammation.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: Effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with bursitis.

  • Massage Therapy: To alleviate muscle tension that can aggravate bursitis.

  • Functional Medicine: Managing inflammation through dietary and lifestyle modifications.

7. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury

• Evaluation: AC joint injuries are often caused by trauma, resulting in pain at the top of the shoulder. A physical examination combined with imaging such as X-rays can determine the extent of damage.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Care: Adjustments can help align the AC joint and improve shoulder function.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: To reduce inflammation and support the healing of ligaments and tissues around the AC joint.

  • Massage Therapy: Focused on alleviating tension in the muscles around the shoulder to improve mobility.

8. Shoulder Dislocations and Instability

• Evaluation: Dislocations or subluxations are often evident from visible deformity or extreme pain. Our team performs thorough physical examinations to assess stability and may use imaging to check for bone or soft tissue damage.

• Treatment:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Once the shoulder is properly repositioned, chiropractic care helps maintain stability and prevent future dislocations.

  • Regenerative Medicine: PRP or HCT-P can be used to promote tissue healing and strengthen ligaments for long-term stability.

  • MLS Laser Therapy: Helps with reducing inflammation and pain in the shoulder after dislocation or subluxation.

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At New Health Chiropractic & Integrated Healthcare, we take a patient-centered approach, offering customized treatment plans to ensure the best recovery outcomes. Our integrated therapies work together to restore shoulder function, alleviate pain, and promote healing. If you're experiencing shoulder pain or dysfunction, we invite you to schedule a consultation to explore the best treatment options for your specific needs.