Shoulder Pain

Why does my shoulder hurt?

The shoulder is a flexible joint since it has a wide range of motion, but that can lead to problems with stability and stiffness. In order for your shoulder to function optimally, the surfaces of the ball and socket portions of the joint need to line up and glide smoothly against each other. Different conditions can cause problems for the joint, including:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tendonitis
• Muscle tears
• Muscle spasms
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Arthritis
• Labral tears
• Ligament sprains
• Frozen shoulder syndrome

These conditions can damage the surfaces of the joint, cause muscular imbalances that prevent normal shoulder movements, and lead to weakness of the surrounding muscles and nerves. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for your shoulder to function at its best.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

To diagnose shoulder pain, Elite Family Chiropractic begins with a thorough consultation and physical exam. Dr. Gorski asks about the location of your pain, what may have caused it — like sleeping wrong, a car accident, a workplace injury, or playing sports — and anything you've done to relieve the pain.

Dr. Gorski then examines your shoulder and the surrounding muscles. Through different movements, he measures your range of motion, looks for signs of joint stiffness or instability, and evaluates the nerves and ligaments of your shoulder. Some cases require X-rays or an MRI to determine your diagnosis. Elite Family Chiropractic provides appropriate referrals so you can get your imaging completed quickly so you can begin treatment.

How do chiropractors treat shoulder pain?

Elite Family Chiropractic provides a wide range of treatments to alleviate shoulder pain and improve the function of your shoulder. Dr. Gorski may recommend one or more of the following therapies for your shoulder:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Postural training
• Traction of the neck to relieve nerve pain
• Soft tissue therapy
• Interventions like electrical muscle stimulation, heat, or ice
• Class 4 laser therapy

Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Gorski focuses on restoring pain-free movement to your shoulder. This may mean performing chiropractic adjustments to increase your range of motion, soft tissue therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation to relieve pain.

Should I see a chiropractor or physical therapist for my shoulder pain?

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can complement each other and, when used together, may speed up your healing process. Elite Family Chiropractic may recommend both chiropractic treatment and physical therapy so you can get the best treatment for your unique situation.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gorski today.