How Do Chiropractors Treat Shoulder Pain?

What comes to mind when you think of your local chiropractor? Backache, neck pain, or headache? Maybe joint pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is rarely associated with shoulder pain yet it remains one of the most effective ways to treat painful shoulders and arms. 

Is your shoulder pain relieved by taking painkillers? Stop. Consult your chiropractor to locate the source of pain and identify the underlying cause of your pain and swelling. Consider visiting your chiropractor or making an appointment for a corrective treatment instead of taking painkillers. The cause of the pain would be identified and corrected to prevent it from returning. Common shoulder pain concerns for which most people consult chiropractic care include:

• Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons)
• Muscle strains
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff injury
• Frozen shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder

While most people with shoulder dislocation or other conditions believe that they either have a surgical intervention or must live with shoulder pain. However, the fact is that alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic treatment, are proven extremely effective in relieving shoulder pain, subsiding inflammation, and restoring range of motion.

Following are the ways chiropractors can help if you have a restricted range of motion or cannot reach behind your back or above your head. These are also helpful if you have a muscle tear or a lingering sprain. These include;

1. Alignment – chiropractors are healthcare professionals who do so much more than align the spine and do spinal adjustments.  During treatment, a chiropractor focuses on the proper alignment of your clavicle, shoulder, and scapula to decrease shoulder pain and improve your range of motion.
2. Myofascial Release – Myofascial release consists of relaxing the muscles and releasing the fascia surrounding each muscle – relieving pain and swelling.
3. Graston Technique: This is a method for breaking up scar tissue and adhesions to increase the range of motion.
4. Ultrasound—This method promotes healing in tears, sprains, and strains by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
5. Electronic Stimulation (E-Stim) – This is primarily used for pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Your shoulder pain may require all or some of these treatments, so chiropractors will use them according to their severity. The pain will improve each time you go for treatment. Within the first eight sessions, many patients experience significant relief.

A chiropractic massage may be needed to relieve trigger points and relax the tight muscles in the armpit and anterior shoulder of patients with da