Shoulder Issues Explained

Did you know that there are roughly 15 to 20 primary muscles that actively contribute to, stabilize, and control the major movements of the shoulder joint and girdle, though up to 30 muscles can affect the broader shoulder complex. But the core movement depends on the familiar rotator cuff muscles of which there are 4, the deltoid, supported by muscles of the chest, back, and neck. This helps you see the complexity of treating a shoulder problem.

With this in mind can a doctor of chiropractic help shoulder problems? Absolutely, especially if it is related to the following:

• Muscle and tendon weakness or injury, rotator cuff issues
• Posture: forward rounded shoulders and head sitting too far forward
• Misaligned joint of shoulder, clavicle or ribs
• Misaligned neck vertebrae, pinched nerve
• Bursitis, restricted motion

A chiropractor can help shoulder pain, but it depends on what’s actually causing the pain.

Here’s what your chiropractor typically does:

After taking a thorough history your doctor will perform a full chiropractic, orthopedic, nerve and circulation evaluation of the neck, thoracic spine and shoulder and down to the hand.

Following the evaluation the treatment plan may include the following:

1. Joint adjustments

They may perform spinal, clavicle, ribs and/or shoulder adjustments to improve alignment and mobility—especially in the upper spine (neck and thoracic area), which can affect shoulder movement.

2. Soft tissue work

Many chiropractors use techniques like Graston tools, massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release to reduce tightness in muscles like the rotator cuff, trapezius, and deltoids.

3. Mobility and stretching guidance

Targeted stretches and exercises to restore range of motion and reduce stiffness. Mobility within certain parameters is a must.

4. Posture correction

Poor posture (like rounded shoulders or forward head) is a major contributor to shoulder pain. They often help retrain posture and ergonomics. Another important posture is sleep position. A very stressful position on a shoulder and one that will inhibit the progression of healing is sleeping with the arm of the injured shoulder above your head. This puts the shoulder in an unstable position.

5. Rehab exercises

Strengthening weak muscles—especially around the shoulder blade—is key to long-term improvement. Exercises may be with hand weights, resistance bands and sometimes no weight at all.

6. Therapy modalities

Cold Laser Therapy, Infrared, ice/heat, Ultrasound, Electrical Stim

What they can help with

Chiropractic care may be useful for:

• Muscle strain or tension
• Postural-related pain
• Mild rotator cuff irritation
• Shoulder stiffness or limited mobility
• Misaligned vertebrae and shoulder joint
• Minimize inflammation with Cold Laser Therapy

If your pain is due to something more serious, your Chiropractor will refer you to an orthopedist or neurosurgeon.

For example:

• A torn rotator cuff
• Dislocation or instability
• Severe inflammation (very aggravated bursitis)
• Nerve issues from the neck related to a very large herniated disc or severe bony stenosis that may require surgical intervention

So what’s the bottom line?

A chiropractor can help. The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and address contributing factors. They’re most effective for mechanical or posture-related shoulder issues which are the majority of shoulder issues.