Moving and Feeling Better: Chiropractic Care for Extremities

In the intricate universe of our bodies, our joints - shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows - play the pivotal role of maintaining mobility and ensuring our active participation in life's many adventures. But what happens when these joints start crying out in pain and restrict our movement? Traditional medicine often recommends painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or in severe cases, surgery.

But there's a better path to consider: chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care has been known for its effectiveness in treating back and neck pain, but fewer people know its benefits for other joint issues. Whether it's the result of an injury, arthritis, or general wear and tear, chiropractic can provide non-invasive, drug-free relief for ailing shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows.

Let's get started:

H2: How to find relief from shoulder pain…

Your shoulder is the most unstable and moveable joint in your body. Its wide range of motion occurs due to four primary muscles and their tendons, called the rotator cuff. If your shoulder becomes inflamed or an impingement happens, you may try to avoid using your arm to help it heal. It may surprise you that not moving can contribute to more pain or even lead to a frozen shoulder. Controlled movement is one of the best ways to heal.

The tendons are the most common source of shoulder pain. Your tendons attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones. If a tendon becomes trapped, it can result in shoulder impingement. If a tendon becomes inflamed, you may hear it called tendinitis or bursitis. And if a tendon becomes torn, you guessed it; you have a rotator cuff tear.

Here are three of the most common reasons for shoulder pain:

Shoulder Bursitis: If the sac of fluid that cushions your shoulder becomes swollen and painful due to repetitive motions, you may have bursitis.

Shoulder Impingement: If your tendons get pinched between or under the bones of your shoulder, it can lead to impingement. Lifting overhead repetitively can cause impingement, resulting in swelling and pain.

Rotator Cuff Tear: Your rotator cuff can become damaged due to overuse, injury, or age. Tears usually cause pain when you try to lift things, and you may hear a popping sound as you move.

Your shoulder and spine work together. While it may seem like they are two completely different areas, it's been discovered that postural abnormalities can play a significant role in your likelihood of developing shoulder pain. Maintaining a full range of motion in your shoulder and spinal joints of your neck and mid-back can help reduce your chances of dealing with shoulder pain. If you have shoulder discomfort or restricted movement, schedule a visit with us today. We'll work to create a movement-based plan to help you find long-term relief.