
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint consisting of three bones – the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The humerus sits within a shallow socket located in the scapula called the glenoid cavity. This joint allows for a wide range of motion and provides stability to the shoulder. Approximately 70% of people will experience shoulder pain at some point. Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including an injury or degenerative joint disease such as arthritis. It can also be caused by muscular strains, overuse, or poor posture.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion. This also means it is prone to injury and can easily be strained or overused. Poor posture, inadequate warm-up before physical activities, and repetitive actions such as typing on a computer or carrying bags can all lead to shoulder pain. Several muscles attach to and move the shoulder joint, making it easy for muscle problems to develop, including the rotator cuff, trapezius, and deltoid muscles. Weakness or tightness in any of these muscles can lead to pain and decreased range of motion.
Shoulder pain can refer to the neck or other areas in the body, such as the chest, forearm, and elbow. Pain can also refer from the shoulder to other areas, such as the forearm, elbow, or hand. Shoulder pain can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term). Acute shoulder pain is usually caused by a traumatic event such as an injury, while chronic shoulder pain is usually caused by degenerative joint disease or muscle problems. Research shows that 50% of shoulder pain cases resolve within 8-12 weeks with conservative treatment, 40% become chronic for longer than one year, and 10% become chronic for longer than two years. It is essential to seek chiropractic treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term pain and disability. The duration of treatment will depend on the cause of the pain in the shoulder and the severity of the symptoms.
At our clinic, we understand that shoulder pain is a complex condition and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Our experienced team of chiropractors is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain without surgery or medication. With an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for you, we will work together to get your shoulder back to feeling its best. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can be sure that we will do our best to help you find relief, restore your shoulder health and get back to being pain-free. In addition to these treatments, we may suggest lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques to help you better manage your shoulder pain and prevent future flare-ups.
How Our Shoulder Pain Care Plan Works
1. Tell Your Story
When you arrive at our brand new, state-of-the-art facility, you’ll be greeted by two of the friendliest faces you’ve ever met. They will assist you with a simple intake form and escort you to one of our comfortable and elegant consultation suites. Then, your very own case manager will sit and listen to your story and document your areas of discomfort and loss. After your consultation is complete, the case manager will introduce you to all of our medical providers, who will individually perform an appropriate exam based on their experience and specialty and then determine what other additional testing, such as X-ray, MRI, CT or Diagnostic Ultrasound will need to be performed. Once completed, we will schedule your follow-up visit, typically within 24-48 hours.
2. Team Meeting
Between your Day 1 and your Day 2 visit, the medical, therapy, and chiropractic teams go into action. We pull together the clinical and intake data, the X-ray imaging, and the orthopedic and neurological testing results and determine a multidisciplinary approach diagnosis, utilizing over 50 years of healthcare experience. This enables every treatment team member to have a say in your unique condition, diagnosis, and purpose for why you want to be healthier. We can then produce a comprehensive and specialized treatment plan that will help you get better faster, address the cause of your painful condition, and effectively stay healthy to enjoy a future quality of life.
3. Accelerated Recovery Program
Our comprehensive program is designed to restore your quality of life efficiently and effectively. We may employ a variety of modalities to accomplish this goal including but not limited to Regenerative Medicine, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), Lumbar and Cervical Spinal Decompression, Class 4 Laser Therapy, Radial Pressure Wave, Neurocure, NeuroMed, In-House Active Therapy, Spinal and Extremity Adjustments.
4. Quality & Quantity of Life
At Harbour Medical, our goal is to quickly remove your pain points, address and correct the underlying condition of those areas, and provide you with the simple tools to maintain, preserve, and protect the new and amazing level of function and well-being that translates into your ability to enjoy the moments that give your life purpose and joy.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Stuart, FL
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small sac that helps cushion and protects the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed. Bursitis is caused by repetitive motions such as typing or throwing a ball but can also occur due to an injury or infection. Conventional treatment may recommend painkillers or surgery, but chiropractic’s natural approach can optimize the body for healing while decreasing inflammation and pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is another potential cause of pain in the shoulder. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Treatment for osteoarthritis typically includes lifestyle modifications such as exercise and weight loss.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and swelling in the shoulder joint. Chiropractic care is an excellent way to manage arthritis symptoms and restore patients’ quality of life.
Sprain
Another possible cause of shoulder pain is a sprain. This occurs when the ligaments around the joint stretch too far, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Treatment for a sprain typically involves rest, ice, and a focus on reducing inflammation.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is another common cause of pain in the shoulder, occurring when the tendons that connect the muscles to bones become inflamed and irritated, leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. Treatment for tendonitis usually involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes.
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues around the joint become unusually stiff and tight, which restricts movement and causes pain. Joint manipulation and mobilization techniques improve mobility and reduce restrictions to increase range of motion and decrease pain. Myofascial release and trigger point therapy may also reduce tension and promote relaxation of the surrounding tissues.
No matter what type of shoulder condition you are dealing with, it is essential to speak with a qualified medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Our team is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain so that you can get back to living life without discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors help with shoulder pain?
Yes, chiropractors can help with pain in the shoulder. They specialize in adjusting the spine and joints to improve posture and reduce inflammation.
Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for shoulder pain?
It is best to speak with your doctor first if you are experiencing shoulder pain, as they can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. If the pain persists, seeing a chiropractor for further assistance may be beneficial.
Why is my shoulder pain not going away?
You may just be treating the symptoms and not the underlying condition. Treating the symptoms with painkillers may temporarily mask the pain, but the instigating issue still exists, so the symptoms will return when the medication wears off.
What could shoulder pain be a sign of?
A variety of factors, such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or tendinitis, can cause shoulder pain. It is important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
How do I stop severe shoulder pain?
A chiropractor will investigate the root cause of the problem to stop the pain at the source. We take a holistic approach that relieves the pain and prevents it from returning while optimizing the body’s healing and immune systems.
What does a pinched nerve in the shoulder feel like?
Pinched nerves can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area. It is important to seek medical advice to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
Sleep on your back with a pillow or small, rolled-up towel under your back to maintain a neutral spine. Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder. If you prefer sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your arms to align your shoulders properly and reduce pressure on the affected shoulder. It is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach.
Check Out Our Location Near You
1411 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996