top of page
CALL US: 403-230-9003
Through diligent practice, we provide Calgary, AB with quality chiropractic services, helping the community get back to pain-free health. With a focus on quality service and the scientific approach, Associate Chiropractic Clinic offers wide-ranging therapy options at affordable rates. Research has shown that chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy may be helpful for a wide variety of conditions:
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM SHOULDER PAIN?
You might not pay much attention to your shoulders since they help with everyday tasks, but when pain strikes, it becomes impossible to overlook. Experiencing pain can make you acutely aware of how essential your shoulders are for daily activities. Simple actions like reaching for objects, drying your hair or driving can turn challenging and painful.
Shoulder pain is quite common, particularly among older adults, and it can vary from mild to severe, appearing gradually or suddenly, depending on its cause.
Combining chiropractic care with soft tissue therapies such as Active Muscle Release, along with Exercise and Rehabilitation, is one of the most effective non-surgical methods to address shoulder pain.
Reasons for shoulder pain:
​
Injuries
Injuries from playing sports or car accidents can cause shoulder pain to immediately flare-up. This can include injuries to your rotator cuff, broken arm or collar bone, or shoulder muscle sprains and strains.
​
Overuse
People who regularly use their shoulders, especially in overhand rotation, are at particularly high risk for shoulder pain. If your work requires you to use your shoulders a lot or you play certain sports that rely heavily on the shoulders, it may cause your shoulder pain. Sports that put you at risk of shoulder pain include tennis, volleyball, swimming, and baseball. Overusing your shoulder can cause wear down of joints and muscle strains, both of which can result in shoulder pain.
​
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a wear down of the cartilage between the joints that causes the bones to rub against one another, which can result in bone spurs. This can cause shoulder pain and reduce mobility in the shoulder.
​
What are common shoulder pain problems that Chiropractic can treat?
​
Frozen shoulder
Also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that prohibits the motion of your shoulder. This condition is caused by the connective tissue in the shoulder joint thickening and stiffening, preventing any shoulder movement and making it painful.
​
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis is the inflammation and irritation of your shoulder joint. It results in shoulder pain and possibly stiffness too. This is a common problem for people who play sports with overhead rotation.
​
Rotator cuff bursitis
Bursae are small pockets of fluid in your shoulder that cushion and lubricate the rubbing motion of your muscles, tendons, and bones in your shoulder. Overuse can lead to swelling and inflammation in the bursae, causing bursitis.
​
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, which is the wear down of cartilage, can happen due to overuse or simply wear and tear that happens slowly over time.
What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?
​
Shoulder pain can include a range of symptoms but generally, it includes pain, discomfort, and stiffness felt in the area around the shoulder. The pain can vary from case to case depending on the cause and the severity of the problem, but it is usually as one or more of the following symptoms:
-
Mild ache or sharp pain that runs down the arm
-
A sensation of redness or warmth in the shoulder
-
Pain in the arm, neck, or back
-
Grinding, clicking, or popping when you move your arm
-
Muscle weakness
-
Muscle stiffness
-
Restricted movement
-
Limited range of motion
-
Additional pain when you reach over your head
The symptoms of shoulder pain may be different for everybody, but regardless of the cause or how severe it is, it’s important to get it checked before the problem gets any worse. If left undiagnosed, it may lead to further compensation and may end up with a tissue failure and require surgery.
When to see a chiropractor for shoulder pain?
​
Whether you’re experiencing shoulder pain due to an accident, overuse, or an unknown cause, you should see a chiropractor, like one of the doctors at Associate Chiropractic Clinic, right away if you experience shoulder pain.
Chiropractors specialize in treating bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints, so they will be able to help manage the pain, improve your condition, and restore your mobility.
Regardless of the severity of the problem, a chiropractor will be able to help you with shoulder pain. If surgery is required our chiropractors will refer you to a recommended specialist and consult with them for optimal recovery.
Leaving your shoulder pain problem undiagnosed and untreated can lead to worse problems, including increased pain and tissue failure requiring surgical consult.
Treatment of shoulder pain
The first thing your chiropractor will do if you experience shoulder pain is to diagnose the cause. Shoulder pain has many causes, so exams and imaging tests, including x-rays, may be the first step to treatment. After the cause is determined, the following treatments may be used:
Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments can be used along the neck, back, and spine. They properly align the vertebrae in your spine, which can help to reduce shoulder stiffness and pain. Improper alignment, specifically in the neck and upper back, can put added stress and pressure on the shoulder and the nerves around the shoulder. Realignment from manipulation can reduce and remove stress and pressure and can result in immediate relief from pain and stiffness.
Active Muscle release
This therapy relaxes tight muscles and releases the fascia over the muscle, allowing the shoulder to move better resulting in pain relief. It also promotes the flow of blood to the region thus aiding in tissue healing.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the shoulder muscles while also stretching and relaxing the muscles. This can result in pain relief and help your muscles to heal themselves.
Graston technique
If your shoulder pain is a result of tearing and scarring, then this technique may be used. It uses a chiropractic tool to break up scar tissue and increase the range of motion in the shoulder.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound treatment promotes blood flow and healing of the shoulder while reducing inflammation.
Treatment of Shoulder Pain
Chiropractic Services
A chiropractor can help ease your shoulder pain naturally by using the following techniques:
​
-
Spinal manipulation: Adjustment is made to the spine using a wide range of motion and applying force to the joints and muscles.
-
Flexion-distraction: Spinal decompression to treat disc and joint disorders in the lower back.
-
Soft tissue release techniques: Utilizes precise pressure combined with stretching.
-
Exercise and stretches: muscles are stretched to relieve pain and improve spine mobility.
Seek Shoulder Pain Relief at Associate Chiropractic Clinic
Shoulder pain, if left untreated, can have long-term consequences. We at Associate Chiropractic Clinic can provide the best possible care and customized treatment for your unique needs.
Whether your shoulder pain is work-related, a result of an auto injury, or some other reason, our experienced doctors can diagnose your condition to discuss your back pain treatment options. The right treatment can provide immediate pain relief, and help to prevent it from becoming chronic.
​
​
bottom of page