Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain has many causes that require different treatment methods. Belmont Chiropractic Rondebosch has a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying causes and symptoms to bring pain relief and ease discomfort resulting from wear and tear, injury, and overuse.

 
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Adhesive Capsulitis/ Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis (or frozen shoulder) affects the shoulder joint, causing stiffness and pain. The condition can last for up to three years without a proper diagnosis and treatment from a chiropractor. When making a diagnosis, the chiropractor will carry out a specific range of motion exercises and, occasionally, send you for X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the exact location and extent of the damage.

Frozen shoulder can be divided into three stages:

  • Freezing: The shoulder becomes stiff and you start to experience a dull pain in the joint. 
  • Frozen: Stiffness increases, range of movement is severely limited, and the joint may be tender to touch.
  • Thawing: Treatment loosens the joint and the range of motion is restored.
  • Thickening of the connective tissue in the joint.
  • A prolonged period of immobility, for example, after surgery.
  • Age and normal wear and tear increase the risk of frozen shoulder.
  • Diseases that affect various systems in the body, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Lifestyle factors, including smoking, 
  • Previous shoulder injuries.
  • In some cases, frozen shoulder can be genetic.
  • Myofascial release on soft tissues, especially the connective tissue, in and around the shoulder joint to provide pain relief and increase the range of movement.
  • Pain control modalities, including therapeutic modalities that must be carried out by a chiropractor, such as electrotherapy, ultrasound, and low-level laser therapy.
  • Joint mobilisation that gently stretches the connective tissue in the shoulder joint, for example, scapular mobilisation and manual posterior capsule intervention by your chiropractor.
  • Stabilisation or manipulation, including closed manipulation.
  • Corrective actions include an adjustment to realign the joint and exercises you can do at home.
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Impingement Syndrome

Impingement syndrome results when your shoulder blade repeatedly rubs against or pinches your rotator cuff. Chiropractic treatment, based on a diagnosis by a chiropractor, is necessary to reduce pain and inflammation of the shoulder joint..

  • Pain when you lift your arms above your head.
  • Pain when lifting and lowering your arm and when reaching or stretching.
  • Pain is located on the front of your shoulder and moves to the side of your arm.
  • Pain at night when sleeping on the sore shoulder.
  • Stiffness and feeling of weakness in the shoulder and, occasionally, down your arm.
  • Your rotator cuff tendon rubs against the bony tip of your shoulder blade.
  • Overuse, previous injury, and natural wear and tear.
  • Inflammation of the bursa – the fluid-filled sac between your tendon and the tip of your shoulder blade.
  • The tip of your shoulder blade isn’t flat due to a genetic predisposition or bone spurs that develop as you age.
  • Myofascial release, including calculated pressure by a qualified chiropractor to release tight muscles.
  • Pain control modalities include exercises, low-level laser therapy, and electromagnetic field therapy, which must be carried out by a chiropractor.
  • Joint mobilisation to reduce pain and improve flexibility and range of motion.
  • Stabilisation or manipulation carried out in conjunction with therapeutic exercises. 
  • Corrective actions could include chiropractic adjustment and thoracic spine thrust manipulation.

Repetitive Muscular Injuries

Repetitive muscular injuries is an umbrella term for conditions or injuries caused by daily activities that require repetitive movement. Tendinitis is one such condition, as is a torn rotator cuff. A chiropractor will devise a rehabilitation treatment programme specific to each injury.

  • Pain and inflammation associated with tendonitis and demanding housework.
  • Overuse that results in numbness, tingling, inflexibility, and weakness.
  • Muscle cramps and swelling in the affected area.
  • Repeated lifting and pushing can particularly affect people in construction or who work in warehouses.
  • Jobs that require awkward movements and positions, for example, plumbers and electricians.
  • Repetitive use of power tools and other tools that vibrate heavily can result in a degenerative injury.
  • Myofascial release to the affected soft tissue, including muscles and tendons.
  • Pain control modalities, including anti-inflammatory medication and electrical stimulation carried out by a chiropractor.
  • Joint mobilisation using stretches and rehabilitation exercises designed to improve flexibility and range of motion.
  • Stabilisation or manipulation, including closed manipulation, carried out by your chiropractor to break up scar tissue and loosen stiffness. 
  • Corrective actions, including chiropractic adjustment and electrical stimulation.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

The rotator cuff comprises muscles and tendons that keep the arm bone securely in the shoulder joint. After proper diagnosis, your chiropractor will create a rehabilitation treatment programme that could include manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and stretching and strengthening exercises.

  • A sudden tear immediately results in sharp pain and weakness.
  • Degenerative tears are characterised by a dull ache deep in the shoulder joint.
  • Difficulty lifting and moving your arm, for example, when you reach behind you.
  • Your arm might feel weak, as though you can’t properly grip or hold items.
  • Pain that increases when your shoulder is at rest.
  • Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the front of your shoulder and side of your arm.
  • A clicking sound when raising your arm.
  • Progressive wear and tear from ageing. 
  • Repetitive overhead activity, for example, electricians and house painters.
  • Breaking a fall with your arm outstretched.
  • Dislocating your shoulder, breaking your collar bone, and any similar injury can also tear your rotator cuff. 
  • Occupations and sports that require repetitive heavy lifting, for example, working in a warehouse and playing tennis. 
  • Genetics can predispose people to rotator cuff injuries. 
  • Bone spurs on the top of your shoulder blade that rub against your rotator cuff tendon.
  • Myofascial release around the joint, neck, and upper chest.
  • Pain control modalities include ultrasound and advanced massage.
  • Joint mobilisation, when used in conjunction with other exercises in a rehabilitation programme, provides superior positive results.  
  • Stabilisation or manipulation, including gentle manipulation of the shoulder joint to provide pain relief and improve flexibility.
  • Corrective actions include adjustment techniques to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons in the shoulder joint and possibly the spine.

Costs

Initial ConsultationFollow Up Consultation
Medical Aid RatesR850R750
Private RatesR800R700
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