Shoulder Injuries, rotator cuff tears, and impingements
Shoulder Injuries and Treatments in Arlington, VA
Shoulder injuries can make daily tasks like changing clothes or brushing hair unbearable. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, call District wellness today at (571) 568-8496 to book your appointment and go about your day without any discomfort!
Shoulder injuries are a common occurrence, particularly among athletes. The shoulder is a complex joint that is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, all of which work together to allow a wide range of motion. However, this complexity also makes the shoulder susceptible to injury.
A few of the most common shoulder injuries are rotator cuff injury, shoulder impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, and dislocated shoulder to name a few.
Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is formed by the scapula (shoulder blade), and the ball is the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). The socket is shallow, so it relies on a ring of soft tissue called the labrum to deepen it and help keep the ball in place.
The shoulder joint is surrounded by a group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons attach the humerus to the scapula and help lift the arm.
The rotator cuff muscles and tendons also hold the head of the humerus in the socket. A group of four muscles make up the rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm. These muscles and tendons stabilize the shoulder joint and help you lift and rotate your arm, hence the name rotator cuff.
Rotator cuff tear occurs when the rotator cuff muscles or tendons become damaged. This can happen due to overuse, a fall, or direct impact to the shoulder. You can either get a partial tear or a complete tear in the rotator cuff.
Rotator cuff tendon tears can cause your shoulder to become less stable. This would mean that many regular activities which involve upper arm bone motion, such as brushing your hair or putting on your clothes, become painful.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tendonitis include tenderness in the shoulder, shoulder pain and arm weakness, and a crackling or popping sound when the arm is moved. The pain may worsen at night or when you try to lift your arm.
Rotator cuff injuries can be healed with Rest, over-the-counter pain killers and physiotherapy. Application of ice can also help to relieve pain. If all else fails, rotator cuff surgery might be suggested to reattach the torn rotator cuff.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement occurs when the shoulder joint is not able to move as freely as it should. The condition is also known as swimmer’s shoulder, tennis shoulder, and pitcher’s shoulder.
Impingement syndrome occurs when shoulder muscles and rotator cuff tendons become irritated or inflamed. The condition is most common in people who participate in overhead activities, such as throwing a baseball or tennis ball.
Shoulder impingement syndrome can also be caused by repetitive motions, such as painting or using a power drill. The condition can also be the result of an injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is treated with a combination of rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely needed. Medical advice should be sought if you experience chronic shoulder and arm pain.
Shoulder Injury Diagnosis
There are a few ways that doctors can make a shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tear diagnosis. The first is through a physical examination. Your doctor will look for signs of pain and tenderness in your shoulder. They may also ask you to move your arm in certain ways to see if there is any weakness or instability.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can also be used to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. These tests can show the extent of the damage and whether the tendon is completely detached from the bone.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend an arthroscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into your shoulder joint through a small incision. This allows your doctor to directly visualize the damage and make repairs if necessary.
Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Injuries
Chiropractic care is very effective for treating shoulder injuries. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that chiropractic care was more effective than medical care at reducing pain and improving function in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.
Chiropractors are able to effectively treat shoulder injuries through a variety of methods. The most common approach is to perform chiropractic adjustments, which help to restore alignment in the joints and muscles. This can often provide relief from pain and inflammation, and help the injury to heal more quickly.
Other treatments that may be used include massage, trigger point therapy, and electrical stimulation. By working with a qualified chiropractor, you can develop a treatment plan that will provide the best possible results for your specific situation.
If you are suffering from a shoulder injury, it is essential to consult with a qualified chiropractor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Call District Wellness today at (571) 568-8496 to book your appointment and relieve shoulder pain.
