Shoulder pain can be a significant hindrance to daily life, affecting everything from work to leisure activities. In fact, shoulder injuries and pain are very common due to the vulnerability of the shoulder (one of the most mobile joints in the human body).
Among the various causes of shoulder discomfort, rotator cuff tears are particularly common. Surprisingly, chiropractic care can offer an all-natural, non-invasive approach to overcoming this type of injury. So, let’s take a closer look!
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. These muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder and allowing for a wide range of motion. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons is damaged or torn.
Rotator cuff tears can happen in two main ways: acute injuries and degenerative tears. Acute injuries often result from a sudden, forceful movement. This could be from lifting a heavy object incorrectly or falling on an outstretched arm. Degenerative tears, on the other hand, develop slowly over time. They’re often the result of repetitive overhead motions or the natural aging process.
Several factors can also increase the risk of developing a rotator cuff tear. Age is a significant factor, with tears becoming more common after the age of 40. Certain occupations that require repetitive arm motions, such as painting or carpentry, can also increase risk. Athletes, particularly those in sports involving overhead arm motions like tennis or baseball, are also at higher risk.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can vary but often include:
- Dull ache in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens with arm movement, especially overhead
- Weakness in the affected arm
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Cracking sensation when moving the shoulder
The severity of these symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain and loss of function. In some cases, individuals may even experience a complete loss of range of motion in the affected shoulder.
How Your Plano Chiropractor Can Help You Find Relief
While severe rotator cuff tears often require surgical intervention, chiropractic care can benefit many individuals with this condition. Your Plano chiropractor can offer a non-invasive approach to managing pain and improving function.
Chiropractic care for rotator cuff tears focuses on more than just the shoulder itself. Your chiropractor understands that the body functions as an interconnected system. Issues in one area can affect others. This holistic approach is at the core of chiropractic philosophy.
One of the primary ways your chiropractor can help is through spinal adjustments. While it might seem unrelated, the alignment of your spine can significantly impact your shoulder function. Misalignments in the neck or upper back can affect the nerves that control the shoulder muscles. By correcting these misalignments, your chiropractor can help improve overall shoulder function.
Your chiropractor will also pay close attention to the alignment of the shoulder joint itself. Gentle adjustments to the shoulder can help improve its biomechanics. This can reduce stress on the rotator cuff tendons and potentially alleviate pain.
Another important aspect of chiropractic care for rotator cuff tears is its focus on the nervous system. Your nerves control every function in your body, including muscle movement and pain signals. Chiropractic adjustments can help optimize nervous system function. This may lead to reduced pain and improved muscle coordination in the shoulder area.
Your Plano chiropractor can also provide valuable advice on posture and ergonomics. Poor posture, especially in the upper body, can contribute to shoulder issues. By teaching you how to maintain proper posture, your chiropractor can help reduce stress on your rotator cuff.
Additionally, chiropractic care can be particularly effective when combined with other conservative treatments. Your chiropractor may work in conjunction with your primary care physician or physical therapist. This collaborative approach ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
Tired of nagging shoulder pain? It’s time to get the care you deserve. Our caring and compassionate team at Keystone Chiropractic is here to help. Book your appointment with us today!
