Chiropractic & Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is the most complicated set of joints in the body. It is the most flexible, the most unstable, and probably the most used region of the body. Co-ordinating the shoulders many muscles and four joints requires highly coordinated control from the brain and exquisite support and stabilisation from the whole spine. No wonder that shoulder complaints are common and difficult to resolve.
Chiropractors are well placed in understanding complicated joint movements, detailed neurological function and appreciation of muscle activity and dysfunction. Chiropractors are trained in specialised techniques for restoring function to
shoulder joints, examining for proper nerve function and utilising spinal adjustments to correct deficiencies, and analysing muscle function and imbalance.
At Health plus Chiropractic, we draw upon: 1. our long-term emphasis, further training and experience in muscle function and treatment to focus on complicated shoulder conditions; and 2. our expertise and qualifications in neuromusculo-skeletal rehabilitation to be able to provide effective management for shoulder and upper limb complaints. We don’t just view shoulder aches and pains as an extension of spine related disorders, we appreciate the unique functions of the shoulder and apply our capabilities to restore function.
Massage Therapy & Shoulder Pain
The shoulder joint allows more range of motion than any other joint in the body. This makes it susceptible to injury.
Because there is little bony stability, the shoulder relies greatly on connective tissue (e.g ligaments, tendons and muscle
s) to hold the bones of the joint together. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles that hold the shoulder together allowing shoulder movement and stability. Weak rotator cuff muscles often cause pain and may result in further soft tissue injuries such as tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) because of the key role that the rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser muscles play in the shoulder movement and function.
This means when a shoulder is not working properly the muscles are significantly affected. Since massage therapy is highly effective in dealing with soft tissue injuries, massage is often a useful therapy to speed healing in the shoulder.
Our massage therapists use a range of techniques for managing shoulder complaints including deep tissue, trigger point, compressions, soft tissue release and myofascial release to name a few. Furthermore, our massage therapists are skilled and experienced in massage therapy for specific muscles including the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers.
See also our Case Studies page for an example of a shoulder case