Comprehensive Care for Shoulder Pain, Frozen Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Problems
Reaching overhead shouldn’t feel like a challenge.
Neither should getting dressed, lifting groceries, working at a computer or sleeping on your side.
Yet shoulder pain can make even simple movements frustrating.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic & Wellness in Los Angeles, we evaluate shoulder pain from a broader musculoskeletal perspective to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and which non-invasive treatment options may be appropriate.
Why Is the Shoulder So Easy to Irritate?
The shoulder is highly mobile.
That mobility allows your arm to move through an enormous range, but it also means the shoulder relies heavily on coordinated function between joints, muscles and tendons.
Shoulder pain can therefore have many different causes.
Potential contributors include:
- Rotator cuff problems
- Tendon irritation
- Frozen shoulder
- Calcific tendon conditions
- Repetitive overuse
- Sports injuries
- Muscle or soft-tissue dysfunction
- Joint problems
- Poor movement mechanics
- Neck-related nerve irritation
Identifying the likely source is critical because these problems don’t all require the same treatment.
Rotator Cuff Pain
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps stabilize and move the shoulder.
Rotator cuff problems may produce pain when raising your arm, reaching behind your body, lifting or lying on the affected side.
Some people also notice weakness or a painful arc during movement.
A rotator cuff complaint can range from irritation to more significant injury, so an appropriate evaluation matters.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by progressive pain and significant restriction in shoulder movement.
Activities such as putting on a jacket, fastening clothing, reaching into a cabinet or grooming your hair can become difficult.
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through stages and can take time to resolve.
Treatment should account for the stage and severity of the condition rather than aggressively forcing movement.
Could Shoulder Pain Actually Come From Your Neck?
Yes.
Nerves traveling into the shoulder and arm originate in the cervical spine.
Certain neck conditions can therefore create symptoms that feel like a shoulder problem.
If you experience shoulder pain along with tingling, numbness or symptoms traveling into your arm or hand, evaluating the neck and nervous system can be particularly important.
Our Comprehensive Shoulder Pain Approach
We begin by determining what movements provoke your symptoms and assessing relevant joint, muscle and neurological function.
Treatment is then individualized.
Depending on the cause of your pain, your plan may incorporate:
- Shockwave therapy
- Soft-tissue techniques
- Chiropractic care
- Mobility exercises
- Rehabilitation
- Cold laser therapy
- Postural recommendations
- Treatment of relevant neck or upper-back mechanics
- Shockwave Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Re-LAX Chiropractic & Wellness offers focused shockwave therapy for selected musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave may be considered for certain chronic tendon and calcific shoulder problems.
Acoustic energy is directed toward targeted tissue with the objective of stimulating a biological response in the treatment area.
Because not every shoulder condition is appropriate for shockwave, evaluation comes first.
Shoulder Rehabilitation
Passive treatment alone isn’t always enough.
Depending on your condition, restoring appropriate mobility, strength and movement control may be an important part of your plan.
We want your shoulder to function better outside the clinic—not simply feel different immediately after an appointment.
Shoulder Pain FAQs
Can shockwave therapy help rotator cuff pain?
It may be considered for selected chronic rotator cuff/tendon problems. Tears and other significant injuries may require different management.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition involving shoulder pain and progressive restriction of joint movement.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Several shoulder conditions can become more noticeable when lying down. Rotator cuff and other musculoskeletal problems are common possibilities, but an evaluation is needed to identify the cause.
Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?
Yes. Cervical nerve irritation and other neck problems can refer symptoms into the shoulder and arm.
Can chiropractic care help shoulder pain?
It may be incorporated when joint and musculoskeletal factors are relevant. Treatment depends on the diagnosis.
When should shoulder pain be evaluated?
Persistent pain, significant weakness, loss of motion, symptoms after trauma or pain accompanied by neurological symptoms should be evaluated.
Get Your Shoulder Moving Again
If shoulder pain is changing the way you work, sleep, exercise or live, don’t simply work around it.
Find out what may be causing the problem.
Schedule Your $39 Consultation
Visit Re-LAX Chiropractic & Wellness in Los Angeles for a personalized shoulder evaluation and learn which non-invasive treatment options may be appropriate.
Call (424) 800-2488 or book your $39 consultation today.