Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Remedies for Shoulder Pain.
You may be wondering where you can find a chiropractor in Naperville that can treat shoulder pain. Many aren’t aware that chiropractors treat shoulder pain. We treat shoulder pain often and see great results in our patients.
Shoulder pain prevalence ranges from 26% to 67% and is most common in adults over 50. More physically demanding jobs place people at an added risk for shoulder injuries.
Have you wondered about remedies for shoulder pain? If you have tried conservative methods at home and are still experiencing pain, it may be time to start seeking out professional help.
Healthcare providers specializing in orthopedic injuries could help you manage pain and kickstart the healing process. And as an added benefit, you don't run the risks of high costs and long recovery times seen with surgical options.
Here is a complete guide on common shoulder joint pain causes, chiropractic treatment, and if acupuncture could help you.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain causes can be from the joint itself or supportive shoulder muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Your shoulder comprises two bones, cartilage, joint capsule, and other tissues. It is a ball and socket joint designed to perform multiple functions.
Pain can keep you from performing the simplest tasks, such as grabbing a plate out of the cabinet, folding laundry, or sleeping. You may not be able to lift your arm to a 90-degree angle.
Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Shoulder impingement
Shoulder arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
Rotator cuff injury
Sprain
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Joint instability
Trauma
Chronic shoulder pain is typically caused by bursitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tear, and arthritis. Over time, wear and tear on the shoulder can cause significant pain.
Shoulder Injury Symptoms
Other than pain, what other symptoms could you have when you injure your shoulder? You may notice swelling, including redness or warmth. Shoulder injury symptoms may be mild, such as:
Muscle stiffness
Mild weakness
Popping or clicking when you move your arm
If not properly treated, these symptoms could worsen and make it impossible to complete daily tasks. You could also experience what is known as "referred pain."
Referred pain is when your perception and location of pain are different from where the injury is. Rotator cuff injuries commonly result in pain on the outer aspect shoulder and down your arm, even though the injury happened much further up.
Tears typically result in loss of strength and throbbing pain. Most difficulties involve external rotation (pulling your hand away from your stomach) and flexion. You will likely notice difficulty trying to reach objects in high cabinets.
Remedies for Shoulder Pain
The first line of treatment for shoulder pain is R.I.C.E. If you haven't used this before, R.I.C.E. stands for:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
You can also try over-the-counter medications for pain relief and avoid activities that aggravate the pain. However, there are a few flaws with the R.I.C.E. protocol.
Some experts doubt the use of ice to treat injuries since it restricts blood flow and may slow healing. You could also risk muscle atrophy from not using your shoulder enough.
Unfortunately, many symptoms can persist, and seeking expert medical care is the next step. Physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists can help.
We use conservative and holistic treatments that help you avoid costly surgeries, improve strength and range of motion, and facilitate your body's natural healing process.
Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain
Chiropractors are medical professionals that help treat musculoskeletal and nervous system injuries. Chiropractors typically use more holistic remedies, offer nutritional guidance, and are more specialized in joint mobilizations and manipulations.
How can a chiropractor in Naperville help with shoulder pain treatment?
Manual therapies (e.g., chiropractic shoulder adjustment)
Strength and range of motion programs
Modalities (e.g., electrical stimulation, ultrasound, light therapy, myofascial release)
Lifestyle adaptations
For example, joint manipulations help release chemicals that mitigate pain and can help in the healing process. Chiropractors may also have training in acupuncture.
Will Acupuncture Help Shoulder Pain?
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. People have practiced acupuncture for over 2,000 years, and there is a reason why. An acupuncturist in Naperville treats various conditions, from sports injuries to migraines.
The concept focuses on whole-body wellness versus isolated diagnoses, facilitating healing and balance. At DuPage Health and Physical Therapy, we only use thin, solid, sterile needles and have extensive experience in using acupuncture to treat shoulder pain.
Let's look at acute ankle sprains as an example of how acupuncture can help injuries. The study looked at ankle treatments involving:
Acupuncture
R.I.C.E.
Massage
Chinese medicine
In every group, the researchers found that pain and cure rates improve when acupuncture is combined with other treatments. For example, acupuncture and massage improved pain scores compared to massage alone.
You may enjoy greater benefits outside of reduced shoulder pain when you use acupuncture. It helps stimulate healing and promotes relaxation. Experts have found that acupuncture helps with:
Anxiety
Arthritis
Chronic pain
Depression
Stress
Studies found that patients who underwent knee replacement surgery and participated in acupuncture used fewer prescription pain medications. Arguably, one of the best benefits of acupuncture is it can be combined with other complementary treatments. And compared to invasive measures, you shouldn't notice side effects. Patients will occasionally experience mild bruising near the site of needle insertion or bleeding that lasts just a few seconds. If you’re looking for acupuncture in Naperville, we can help!
Start Treating Your Shoulder Pain
Have you wondered how to treat shoulder pain? The best remedies for shoulder pain include chiropractic care, physical therapy, and acupuncture. A chiropractor can help perform joint manipulations, acupuncture, and acquire imaging. We can help differentiate between a rotator cuff problem and other common shoulder conditions. We will develop a treatment plan that is designed to fit your condition and your goals.
Non-invasive and safe treatment options are available and can help relieve your ongoing shoulder pain and improve function. Don't let pain keep you from your favorite hobbies and hanging out with loved ones. If you suspect you have a shoulder problem, request an appointment so you can start feeling better!