St. Louis Shoulder Pain Chiropractor

Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain Treatment in Kirkwood, MO

Before beginning treatment, it's helpful to identify the cause of pain. Although there are several overlapping treatments for all shoulder pain, a correct diagnosis helps give an appreciation for which therapies will be most beneficial. For example, if the shoulder pain is caused by a disc bulge in the neck, treatments such as spinal decompression directed to the neck will be crucial.

Shoulder Pain Causes

Shoulder pain is most commonly caused by an injury to the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, or a labral tear. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is another condition that can frequently cause shoulder pain. Other causes of shoulder pain can be from a pinched nerve in the neck, which refers pain in the shoulder.

Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?

Chiropractors are doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, focusing on manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine and extremities. When addressing shoulder pain, chiropractors often use a combination of techniques, such as spinal adjustments and myofascial release, to improve the function and posture of the spine and shoulder. They may also employ rehabilitation therapies to relax and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, enhancing mobility and reducing pain. Additionally, chiropractors often provide patients with specific exercises and advice on posture and ergonomics to prevent future shoulder issues.

Shoulder pain relief; comparing massage and chiropractic solutions

Massage and chiropractic care are both effective therapies to treat or manage shoulder pain. Massage is used to relax tight muscles in the neck and shoulder that can contribute to shoulder pain. Chiropractors often correct spine function and alignment, which can also be involved in shoulder pain. For the most comprehensive approach, it is beneficial to combine myofascial release therapies along with traditional chiropractic adjustments. 

What is frozen shoulder?

Can a chiropractor help with frozen shoulders?

A frozen shoulder is when the capsule (ligaments) of the shoulder becomes inflamed and then later becomes thick and tight, causing limited mobility. There are three phases to frozen shoulder. In the first phase-freezing, the shoulder is inflamed, and almost all movements are painful. The second phase has less inflammation, so the pain is not as bad. However, the capsule is very restricted, making moving the shoulder very difficult. In the third phase, the shoulder finally starts to get back its range of motion.

Chiropractic treatment for frozen shoulder

Treatment for frozen shoulder is different for each phase. For example, anti-inflammatory medications, ice, and interferential therapy can all help reduce the pain during the first freezing phase. During this phase, chiropractors can provide pain management using tens therapy or electro-acupuncture. 

During the second frozen phase, it is vital to perform gentle yet frequent sessions of stretching and mobilization to regain mobility. A chiropractor who performs myofascial release and gentle rehabilitation is valuable to speed up recovery times during this phase.

During the third phase, it’s critical to regain the strength that was lost during phases one and two. A chiropractor who focuses on physical therapy can help you discover the best exercises to regain full function of the shoulder. 

Rotator cuff pain

The rotator cuff is the combination of 4 deep muscles of the shoulder and a common tendon they all share, which attaches to the humerus (arm bone that becomes the shoulder). Rotator cuff injuries are the most common cause of shoulder pain. This pain occurs when the tendon of the rotator cuff becomes inflamed (tendinitis) or when the tendon gets weak and starts to degenerate (tendinosis). Rotator cuff pain can occur due to an acute injury or develop over time as a form of wear and tear.

Another cause of rotator cuff pain is impingement syndrome. Impingement syndrome is a medical term that describes when the rotator cuff gets trapped between two shoulder bones. Rotator cuff impingement syndrome can result from the tendon being inflamed/enlarged or from bone spurs.

Chiropractic treatment for the rotator cuff

There is no single treatment that is best for treating the rotator cuff. Instead, a combination of therapies is recommended to get the best results. For example, myofascial release on the shoulder muscles and tendons promote a healing response. Stretching restricted muscles and fascia can improve mobility and create more space for the rotator cuff tendon. Most importantly, rehabilitation will strengthen the rotator cuff tendon and improve the overall strength and coordination of surrounding muscles.

In some instances, injections may be helpful in the treatment of rotator cuff syndrome. Most rotator cuff pain does not require surgery. However, there are two instances in which surgery is necessary. First is if the tendon tears all of the way through. The second is if bone spurs are projecting into the tendon.

Biceps tendon pain

The biceps muscle has two tendons. One of them runs along the rotator cuff tendon and attaches deep within the shoulder. Like the rotator cuff, this tendon can become inflamed (tendinitis) or degenerated (tendinosis). Another issue that sometimes occurs with the biceps tendon is that it can pull away from its attachment deep within the shoulder, creating a labral tear.

Chiropractic help for the biceps tendon

Treatment for the biceps tendon is similar to what was described for the rotator cuff above. Myofascial release techniques, stretches, and rehabilitation are all essential components.

What is a labral tear?

The labrum is a thick rim of cartilage that gives depth to the socket portion of the shoulder. Sometimes a part of the labrum can tear, creating instability within the shoulder. There are different regions and degrees of severity that the labrum can tear.

Chiropractic care for labral tears

The best treatment options for labral tears will depend on the severity and how it responds to a trial of rehabilitation. There are a lot of instances in which physical therapy and sports rehab can reduce or even eliminate symptoms. However, more severe tears may require surgery.

Top-rated shoulder pain chiropractor in St. Louis

Our chiropractors in St. Louis work with shoulder pain with great results. We provide a thorough exam in order to discover the injury. Next, we discuss and implement a treatment plan consisting of the correct therapies for you. For example, combining myofascial release, rehabilitation, and spinal adjustments.

Our office has the necessary knowledge to help with shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, labral tears, and frozen shoulder. We focus on an individualized approach that addresses the specific injury, posture, alignment, muscular imbalances, and movement patterns.