Treatment of Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Injury

Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can be an effective combination for treating rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain.

The two most common causes of shoulder pain are rotator cuff tendonitis and shoulder muscle strain. Rotator cuff tendonitis usually results from repetitive overuse of the shoulder joint. Shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendonitis is more common in athletes, but can affect people who work with their arms and hands all day.

Shoulder pain from muscle strain is more common in people with poor posture, or who perform repetitive movements with their arms and hands such as computer work or physical labor. This type of shoulder pain is also referred to as repetitive stress or overuse injury. Shoulder pain from both rotator cuff tendonitis and muscle strain responds very well to a combination of Chiropractic and Active Release Technique.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tendonitis and Shoulder Pain?

Rotator cuff injuries like rotator cuff tendonitis are typically caused by repetitive overuse of the shoulder. Athletes and individuals who are involved in sports that involve repetitive movement of the shoulder such as swimming, baseball, weight lifting, tennis and rowing are susceptible to rotator cuff injury and shoulder tendonitis.

Moving the shoulder repeatedly during explosive movement can cause micro-tearing and inflammation in the rotator cuff, and formation of scar tissue. Rotator cuff muscles become stiff and weak, limiting ranges of motion in the shoulder and affecting athletic performance. Physical labor that requires using the arms overhead can cause this type of injury in just the same way.

Shoulder pain from repetitive muscle strain is common in people with poor posture, or who sit at a desk . With poor posture or computer use the head and neck tend to jut forward from the body, putting a great deal of strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This results in stiff, weak muscles, shoulder apin, and a loss of flexibility in the neck. If allowed to become chronic, shoulder muscle strain can lead to more serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or thoracic outlet syndrome. A combination of Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can help shoulder pain from shoulder muscle strain from becoming chronic, while decreasing pain and improving flexibility.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury and Shoulder Tendonitis

Repetitive use injuries of the rotator cuff typically cause pain around the shoulder. Pain may refer to the elbow and there may be deep, achy pain over the outside of the upper arm. There is often shoulder pain with movement of the arm, especially with reaching to the side or overhead. Sleeping on the affected shoulder may be painful and interfere with sleep.

Often people are unable to pinpoint once specific event that triggered a shoulder injury. Shoulder pain is often mild in the beginning and may increase in severity as activity continues to cause inflammation in the shoulder. If rotator cuff tendonitis goes untreated with continuation of activity, it may lead to more serious injury such as a rotator cuff tear.

Symptoms of Shoulder Injury from Shoulder Muscle Strain

Shoulder injuries from repetitive stress and overuse tend to cause stiffness and pain in the shoulders, neck and upper back. Shoulder pain may also radiate down the outside of the arm to the elbow. Pain is often present in the neck and between the shoulder, and may radiate out across the tops of the shoulders. Burning, ache and stiffness in the shoudlers and upper back may also be present. Daily headaches are a common complaint with chronic neck and shoulder strain, and often disappear after e neck and shoulder treatment is initiated.

Active Release Technique for Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Injury

Active Release Technique can provide fast and effective treatment for shoulder pain, whether it’s from rotator cuff tendonitis or shoulder overuse injury. Active Release Technique treatment involves three specific objectives to help eliminate shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendonitis:

1. Break up scar tissue and adhesions in the soft tissues around the shoulder and rotator cuff.
2. Return normal function to the muscles and tendons of the shoulder, neck and upper back.
3. Reverse inflammation and swelling around the shoulder.

Active Release Technique can accomplish these three objectives in a short period of time, often with dramatic results and a quick return to activity. Active Release can also help increase shoulder strength and ranges of motion, and improve athletic performance.

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis and Shoulder Pain Treatment in Bellevue

If you’re interested in learning more about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique® can help your shoulder pain or rotator cuff tendonitis, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey. His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE! Call (425) 455-2711.