The shoulder is a ball and socket joint consisting of three bones – the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The humerus sits within a shallow socket located in the scapula called the glenoid cavity. This joint allows for a wide range of motion and provides stability to the shoulder. Approximately 70% of people will experience shoulder pain at some point. Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including an injury or degenerative joint disease such as arthritis. It can also be caused by muscular strains, overuse, or poor posture.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion. This also means it is prone to injury and can easily be strained or overused. Poor posture, inadequate warm-up before physical activities, and repetitive actions such as typing on a computer or carrying bags can all lead to shoulder pain. Several muscles attach to and move the shoulder joint, making it easy for muscle problems to develop, including the rotator cuff, trapezius, and deltoid muscles. Weakness or tightness in any of these muscles can lead to pain and decreased range of motion.
$49 New Patient Special
- 1-on-1 Consultation
- Neurological Exam
- Comprehensive Movement Analysis
- Computerized Postural Assessment
- Digital X-rays (if necessary)
- AND Detailed Doctor’s Report of Findings
Shoulder pain can refer to the neck or other areas in the body, such as the chest, forearm, and elbow. Pain can also refer from the shoulder to other areas, such as the forearm, elbow, or hand. Shoulder pain can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term). Acute shoulder pain is usually caused by a traumatic event such as an injury, while chronic shoulder pain is usually caused by degenerative joint disease or muscle problems. Research shows that 50% of shoulder pain cases resolve within 8-12 weeks with conservative treatment, 40% become chronic for longer than one year, and 10% become chronic for longer than two years. It is essential to seek chiropractic treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term pain and disability. The duration of treatment will depend on the cause of the pain in the shoulder and the severity of the symptoms.
At our clinic, we understand that shoulder pain is a complex condition and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Our experienced team of chiropractors is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain without surgery or medication. With an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for you, we will work together to get your shoulder back to feeling its best. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes, you can be sure that we will do our best to help you find relief, restore your shoulder health and get back to being pain-free. In addition to these treatments, we may suggest lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques to help you better manage your shoulder pain and prevent future flare-ups.
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How We Treat Shoulder Pain in Boulder, CO
We have a variety of treatments for shoulder pain in our clinic. Our treatment protocols take a holistic approach to address the underlying cause of your shoulder pain.
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
We start with a comprehensive consultation and exam to determine the cause of your shoulder pain. A complete medical history, physical activity habits, and lifestyle are considered in determining the best course of treatment for your condition.
Specific Chiropractic Care In Boulder, CO
We also provide specific chiropractic care, such as chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy, to restore proper joint movement and reduce inflammation. We find that this is often the most effective treatment for shoulder pain. Chiropractic care optimizes the nervous system to accelerate healing and strengthens the musculoskeletal system to support proper daily function.
Massage Therapy and Soft Tissue Work
Massage therapy and soft tissue work help relieve tension in the shoulder muscles, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. Most people who suffer from shoulder pain benefit greatly from massage therapy or soft tissue work. For instance, our experienced massage can relieve shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, and general shoulder pain.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
We also provide a customized exercise program to help our patients maintain and improve their shoulder health. We design your custom exercise plan to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility, range of motion, and coordination. Strengthening exercises are essential for long-term shoulder pain relief. Regularly taking your shoulder joint through its full range of motion is probably the cheapest and least intrusive treatment for shoulder pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. Our clinic uses acupuncture to relieve shoulder pain by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and relax tight muscles, all of which can help reduce pain in the shoulder.
Digital X-rays
We use digital X-rays in our clinic to assess the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature for any misalignment, fractures, or other changes that may be causing your pain. The images help us create a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Nutritional Supplementation
We also provide nutritional supplementation to support the body’s natural healing process. We offer supplements such as glucosamine, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals to help reduce inflammation and promote healthy joint function.
Check Out Our Online Reviews
David Peters2023-10-16I am really appreciative of Dr. Duff. He obviously loves what he is doing, is very good at it and sincerely cares about his patients!Tanner Purcell2023-10-10Comprehensive informative and friendly. We have been welcomed into a great community focused on our health and progress. We highly recommend the professionals at Terry Chiropractic to keep you active in the game of life! Thank you to everyone at Terry Chiropractic.Sara Preddy2023-10-07Best chiro in town! They provide great care and education.Khalid Al Mutawa2023-09-19Great facility and even greater people. Thank you so much for helping me better my overall physical and mental health!sharie schouweiler2023-09-08The doctors really care about you.Dread Roberts2023-08-15I’ve experienced benefits in body, mind and spirit since starting treatment at Terry Chiropractic. I really feel like family when I’m there. The doctors are kind and patient along with a very friendly and accommodating staff.Walter Palmer2023-08-10I started going here about 2 months ago and it’s been a wonderful experience. The doctors and staff are very skilled and friendly and genuinely care. Since starting I’ve learned so much about the importance of spinal health and I’ve experienced first hand the improvements that adjustments, along with traction and home care, have made to my overall quality of life. I really noticed the benefits when things started to get busy at work and I realized that I wasn’t as tired or stressed as I have gotten in the past. I really appreciated how they took the time to educate me as well. They offer a seminar, and they have frequent evaluations where your progress is tracked and make sure you are knowledgeable about what’s happening in your body. A big thank you to everyone over at TCB. Would 100% recommend.Scott Schindler2023-08-09So professional. Strong communications. Super friendly. Also pretty universally beautiful people. Hoping that rubs off.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain in Boulder, CO
There are several ways to experience shoulder pain. Knowing the potential causes of shoulder pain may help you to reduce your risk.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small sac that helps cushion and protects the shoulder joint, becomes inflamed. Bursitis is caused by repetitive motions such as typing or throwing a ball but can also occur due to an injury or infection. Conventional treatment may recommend painkillers or surgery, but chiropractic’s natural approach can optimize the body for healing while decreasing inflammation and pain.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is another common cause of pain in the shoulder, occurring when the tendons that connect the muscles to bones become inflamed and irritated, leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. Treatment for tendonitis usually involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is another potential cause of pain in the shoulder. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears down over time leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Treatment for osteoarthritis typically includes lifestyle modifications such as exercise and weight loss.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and swelling in the shoulder joint. Chiropractic care is an excellent way to manage arthritis symptoms and restore patients’ quality of life.
Sprain
Another possible cause of shoulder pain is a sprain. This occurs when the ligaments around the joint stretch too far, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Treatment for a sprain typically involves rest, ice, and a focus on reducing inflammation.
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues around the joint become unusually stiff and tight, which restricts movement and causes pain. Joint manipulation and mobilization techniques improve mobility and reduce restrictions to increase range of motion and decrease pain. Myofascial release and trigger point therapy may also reduce tension and promote relaxation of the surrounding tissues.
No matter what type of shoulder condition you are dealing with, it is essential to speak with a qualified medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Our team is here to help you find relief from your shoulder pain so that you can get back to living life without discomfort.
Poor Posture
One of the leading causes of shoulder pain is poor posture. Poor posture can cause muscles to become tight and strained, leading to inflammation and pain in the shoulder. Poor posture can also increase the risk of injury. Other causes of pain in the shoulder include repetitive movements, stress, osteoarthritis, and trauma. If joint misalignment is causing your shoulder pain, the problem may not go away until we correct the misalignment. In this case, seeing a chiropractor can be beneficial. Chiropractors specialize in joint misalignment, and they may recommend stretches or exercises to help you gain a greater range of motion and reduce the pain. Finding and correcting the root cause of your shoulder pain is essential to enjoy long-term relief and prevent future injury. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment based on the cause of your pain, your individual needs and goals, and your comprehensive evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors help with shoulder pain?
Yes, chiropractors can help with pain in the shoulder. They specialize in adjusting the spine and joints to improve posture and reduce inflammation.
Should I see a doctor or chiropractor for shoulder pain?
It is best to speak with your doctor first if you are experiencing shoulder pain, as they can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. If the pain persists, seeing a chiropractor for further assistance may be beneficial.
Why is my shoulder pain not going away?
You may just be treating the symptoms and not the underlying condition. Treating the symptoms with painkillers may temporarily mask the pain, but the instigating issue still exists, so the symptoms will return when the medication wears off.
What could shoulder pain be a sign of?
A variety of factors, such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or tendinitis, can cause shoulder pain. It is important to seek medical advice from a qualified professional to get an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
How do I stop severe shoulder pain?
A chiropractor will investigate the root cause of the problem to stop the pain at the source. We take a holistic approach that relieves the pain and prevents it from returning while optimizing the body’s healing and immune systems.
What does a pinched nerve in the shoulder feel like?
Pinched nerves can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area. It is important to seek medical advice to properly diagnose and treat the condition.
How should I sleep with shoulder pain?
Sleep on your back with a pillow or small, rolled-up towel under your back to maintain a neutral spine. Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder. If you prefer sleeping on your side, place a pillow between your arms to align your shoulders properly and reduce pressure on the affected shoulder. It is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach.
$49 New Patient Special
Includes 1-on-1 Consultation, Neurological Exam, Comprehensive Movement Analysis, Computerized Postural Assessment, Digital X-rays (if necessary), and Detailed Doctor’s Report of Findings.