The typical route for shoulder pain starts with over-the-counter medication and physical therapy elements. But if these fail, doctors will recommend steroid injections; if even those fail, they will recommend surgery.
Current research shows that this is a highly-flawed course of action for shoulder pain. Steroid injections and surgery are often not effective in dealing with it. They can also lead to adverse effects. Currently, the one treatment that shows positive results without adverse effects is chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Techniques
The chiropractor will start your treatment by first evaluating your condition. Afterward, they will develop a treatment plan that could include the following:
Manipulation Therapy
The technique is one of the most frequent, effective, and oldest in chiropractic care. Manipulation therapy aims to restore the normal range of motion in the joint. The chiropractor will position you in specific ways as they apply short, low-amplitude, quick thrusts to the shoulder joint.
Spinal Mobilization And Rehabilitation
This technique aims to enhance the joint’s function. Unlike spinal manipulation, it uses slow movement to mobilize the joint. It is ideal for patients with sensitive nervous systems since it does not cause reactive muscle spasms. The chiropractor will use their hands and various devices depending on your condition and its severity. These will slowly adjust your spine and joint until you regain function in your shoulder.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
The technique involves using small electrodes attached to a battery-operated device via wires. These electrodes have small stick pads that fit over the pain area. The current reduces your pain by stimulating the sensory nerves. The duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition.
Therapeutic Exercise
Exercises are beneficial in managing pain and strengthening your muscles. Your chiropractor will take you through a series of exercises and stretches. These will help realign your shoulder. They will also increase your range of motion, preventing further injuries. They will show you some stretches and exercises you can do at home to enhance your treatment.
Benefits Of Chiropractic Care
There are many benefits of the above and other techniques for your shoulder pain. They include:
Increased Range Of Motion
As you engage in therapeutic exercises, you will notice reduced pain and tissue restriction. It also strengthens your muscles and increases your joint mobility. As time passes, chiropractic care improves your range of motion, ensuring you do not sustain further injury.
No Addictions
Steroids and other pain medications can create unhealthy reliance. In contrast, you cannot develop an unhealthy dependence on chiropractic care. The chiropractor develops a treatment plan you can continue with even after healing. When you stick to it, your body becomes strong, and you will no longer experience pain.
Improves Posture
There are extra benefits to treating your shoulder joint with chiropractic care. One of them is improving your posture. As the chiropractor manipulates your spine and works on your shoulder, you will notice your posture also improves. Sometimes, the wrong posture may cause shoulder pain, and correcting it will relieve your condition.
For more information on chiropractic care, visit Healing Hands Center for Integrative Medicine at our office in Montclair, New Jersey. Call (973) 783-1800 to book an appointment today.