A shoulder impingement can make everyday activities painful and frustrating. From reaching for a cup on the top shelf to getting dressed in the morning, the discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is indeed shoulder impingement? And more importantly, how can chiropractic care help you find relief?
In this article, we take a closer look at the top shoulder impingement symptoms and how your Plano chiropractor can help!
What is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space — the narrow passageway between the bones in your shoulder.
They rub against other structures, leading to pain, weakness, and a reduced range of motion. In turn, you may struggle to perform movements reaching above your head or lifting your arm. But how do you know you’re experiencing a shoulder impingement?
5 Shoulder Impingement Symptoms
Here are the top five signs you might have a shoulder impingement:
1. Pain and Tenderness in the Shoulder
One of the first signs you might notice is a dull ache in the shoulder. This can become sharper or more intense when you reach, lift, or perform activities overhead.
2. Decreased Range of Motion
You may find it increasingly difficult to move your arm in certain directions or perform movements that were previously easy.
3. Arm Weakness
A shoulder impingement can lead to a feeling of weakness in the affected arm, particularly when trying to lift objects or apply force.
4. Pain that Worsens at Night
Many people with shoulder impingement report an increase in pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side.
5. A Cracking or Popping Sensation
While not always present, some individuals may experience a cracking or popping feeling in their shoulder, specifically when moving their affected arm.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Luckily, chiropractic care can help you recover from a shoulder impingement and get back to the activities you love — or at least help you get back to your normal functioning!
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. This type of care is based on the belief that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system. Put simply: When the nervous system experiences dysfunction, illness or injury can arise.
When it comes to shoulder impingement, chiropractors use a variety of techniques to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. Here are a few ways we do this:
- Personalized Assessment and Diagnosis: Your chiropractor will start with a thorough assessment to understand the root cause of your pain and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as adjustments, mobilizations, and manual stretches can help to increase the subacromial space, reducing the pressure on the rotator cuff tendons.
- Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Part of your treatment may also involve suggestions for modifying your work or home environment to support your recovery and prevent re-injury.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Shoulder Pain?
If you’re experiencing signs of shoulder impingement, it’s important not to ignore them. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery process; it can also prevent a frozen shoulder, which can arise from shoulder injuries.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to healing, emphasizing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. At Keystone Chiropractic, we understand how shoulder impingement can affect your daily life, and we’re here to help.
Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized, effective care to help you return to the activities you love without pain. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a more comfortable, active life.
