Exercise vs. Manual Therapy for Shoulder Pain

Suffering from shoulder pain and/or loss of function/range of motion? Have you been told you have a “shoulder impingement” but aren’t entirely sure what that means or how to fix it? Your chiropractor may be a great avenue to pursue.

 

When we think of the shoulder joint, we usually will envision one single joint, when in fact the shoulder is made up of four joints that work together to create the complex shoulder movements and joint structure. “These joints include the ‘ball-and-socket’ glenohumeral joint (GHJ), the acromio-clavicular joint (ACJ), the sterno-clavicular joint (SCJ), and the scapulothoracic joint (STJ)”. The glenohumeral joint is where the bone of the upper arm inserts into the socket of the shoulder joint.

 

The acromio-clavicular joint is located at the lateral side of our collar bone, where the sterno-clavicular joint is located on the medial side of our collar bone, connecting to the sternum. Finally, the scapulothoracic joint is located where the shoulder blade meets the thoracic spine and rib cage.

 

“Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and functional restrictions. This condition is caused when the tendons of the rotator cuff, the head of the biceps brachii, and/or subacromial bursa are pinched or impinged during normal movement. This results in pain, reduced function and range of motion”.

 

The best approach for managing subacromial impingement syndrome is with manual therapy as well as specific shoulder exercises in order to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff. This is where your chiropractor steps in, as doctors of chiropractic often utilize a combination of manual therapy and specific exercises when treating patients with SAIS.

 

Not only will your chiropractor focus on the joints that make up the complex “shoulder joint”, your doctor of chiropractic will also be sure to assess surrounding structures due to their involvement with the shoulder joint. “Joint mobilization therapy and exercises to address dysfunction in the thoracic spine and joints that make up the shoulder result in improved range of motion and decreased pain”.

 

Content Courtesy of Chiro-Trust.org. All Rights Reserved.

 

Dr. Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and their ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regiments to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule and appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services!