Common Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement is a common condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the shoulder joint. This can occur due to repetitive overhead arm movements, activities that involve heavy lifting, or poor posture. Symptoms of shoulder impingement may include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

Tendinitis

Shoulder tendinitis, also known as rotator cuff tendinitis, is a common condition that occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed or irritated. This can result in pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the affected shoulder.
Individuals with shoulder tendinitis often experience pain when lifting their arm overhead or out to the side, making daily activities challenging. This condition can be caused by repetitive overuse, muscle imbalances, poor posture, or age-related changes in the tendons.
Treatment for shoulder tendinitis typically includes rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Strain

A shoulder strain is a common injury that occurs when the muscles or tendons in the shoulder area are stretched too far or torn. This can happen due to overuse, sudden movements, or excessive force applied to the shoulder. Symptoms of a shoulder strain may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with corrective exercises to help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.

Bicep Tendonitis

Biceps tendinitis, is a common condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon. The biceps tendon is a strong band of connective tissue that attaches the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder (proximal biceps tendon) and elbow (distal biceps tendon).

Bicep tendonitis is often caused by repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing a ball or lifting weights. It can also result from sudden trauma or overuse of the biceps muscle. Other contributing factors may include poor posture, muscle imbalances, or age-related wear and tear.

Common symptoms of bicep tendonitis include pain in the front of the shoulder or the elbow, especially with overhead activities or lifting. Swelling, tenderness, and weakness in the affected arm may also be present. In severe cases, a popping or snapping sensation when moving the arm could indicate a more serious injury.

Arthritis

Arthritis in the shoulder is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the shoulder joint wears down over time, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

There are different types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is typically caused by wear and tear on the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the lining of the joint.

Symptoms of shoulder arthritis may include pain that worsens with movement, stiffness in the joint, swelling, and a grinding sensation when moving the shoulder. It can impact daily activities and decrease quality of life for those affected.

Subluxations

Shoulder subluxations occur when the shoulder joint partially dislocates, causing pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. This condition can be caused by trauma, overuse, or underlying conditions such as instability or muscle imbalances. Seeking chiropractic care can help address shoulder subluxations through gentle adjustments to realign the joint, reduce inflammation, and improve function.

Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis is a common condition that occurs when the bursa in the shoulder becomes inflamed. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder joint. When the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

Common causes of shoulder bursitis include repetitive overhead movements, trauma to the shoulder, prolonged pressure on the shoulder joint, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. Symptoms of shoulder bursitis may include pain that worsens with movement, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the shoulder.

Diagnosis of shoulder bursitis typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment for shoulder bursitis often includes rest, ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corrective exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen the shoulder muscles.

Chiropractic care can also be beneficial for shoulder injuries by addressing underlying joint dysfunctions and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to the condition.

Please feel free to reach out to Adapt Chiropractic if you have any questions or would like to explore how chiropractic care may fit into your overall wellness plan.