As we progress into the colder Winter months, slips and falls become harder to prevent. A common injury that occurs with a slip or fall is a shoulder injury. The shoulder joint consists of many joints that can become inflamed, irritated, or misaligned when a traumatic slip or fall occurs. The shoulder joint consists mainly of eight muscles that all have one goal in mind, to stabilize the shoulder and protect it from becoming overused or misplaced. This is what ultimately causes pain and discomfort.
In our office we approach shoulder injuries in a few different ways. A comprehensive shoulder examination is performed to help decipher the true cause of pain and how we can provide the best care possible. Once spine alignment and shoulder range of motion is assessed, x-rays may be warranted to determine the extent of the shoulder injury. After this baseline is completed and interpreted, the care process begins.
Our care includes different treatment approaches including soft tissue techniques to help address muscle tension and tightness around the shoulder joint. These techniques help alleviate muscle imbalances and improve overall flexibility in the shoulder area.
We also carefully assess the entire spine for any misalignments and make sure that the shoulder joint is moving as it should. Also addressing overall postural correction is crucial in preventing and managing shoulder issues. Correcting any spinal and shoulder misalignments can relieve stress on the shoulder joint and its surrounding tissues.
Providing extra healing power for any deep shoulder injury is also very important. The use of our high intensity laser therapy and other additional healing modalities helps with expediting the overall healing process to help you feel less pain in a shorter amount of time.
Lastly, helping you understand the importance of region-specific exercises to help strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder joint. Strengthening these muscles can provide better stability and support the shoulder, aiding in the recovery process.