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Shoulder Pain | Your Rancho Cucamonga Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints addressed by chiropractors. It can originate from the shoulder joint itself or from the surrounding muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Pain that worsens with specific movements often indicates that the discomfort stems from the shoulder joint.

Common Shoulder Conditions Treated by Chiropractors

Chiropractic care can help address a wide range of shoulder-related conditions, including:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Strains, tears, or inflammation of the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint that restricts movement.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse.
• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Compression of tendons or bursae between the bones of the shoulder.
• Shoulder Instability: A feeling of looseness or dislocation in the joint due to ligament or muscle injury.
• Arthritis: Degeneration of cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder socket.
• Postural Strain: Pain from poor posture that puts excess pressure on the shoulder muscles and joints.

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The Importance of Chiropractic Care
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At Elevate Chiropractic, Dr. Sayegh and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder pain using non-invasive, holistic methods. Chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapies, and personalized rehabilitation programs aim to:

• Reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Improve shoulder mobility and strength.
• Address underlying issues such as misalignment, poor posture, or muscle imbalances.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, a thorough evaluation and customized care plan can help you achieve relief and restore normal function.

Common conditions that may cause shoulder pain:

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae (singular: bursa) that act as cushions between muscles, tendons, and bones. These sacs are located at points in the body where friction occurs during movement, allowing for smooth, pain-free gliding of tissues over one another.

How Does Bursitis Develop?
When bursitis occurs, the inflamed bursae lose their ability to reduce friction effectively. Movement over the affected area becomes difficult and painful, further aggravating the inflammation and potentially leading to muscle stiffness and increased discomfort.

Common Causes of Bursitis

The most frequent causes of bursitis include:

• Repetitive Movements: Overuse or repetitive stress on a joint.
• Excessive Pressure: Prolonged or excessive weight or force on a specific area.
• Injury or Trauma: A direct blow to the bursa.
• Underlying Conditions: Such as arthritis, gout, or infection.

Most Commonly Affected Areas
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While bursitis can occur in any joint, it is most commonly seen in the:

• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Knees

Symptoms of Bursitis

• Pain localized to the affected area.
• Swelling and tenderness.
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion.
• Increased pain with movement or pressure on the joint.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Bursitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, and in some cases, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options focus on reducing pain and inflammation while improving recovery times:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
• Chiropractic Care: To improve alignment and reduce stress on affected areas.
• Soft Tissue Therapies: Such as myofascial release to relieve tension and promote healing.
• Cold Therapy: To reduce inflammation and pain.
• Therapeutic Exercises and Stretches: To restore mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Recommendations to prevent future flare-ups, including ergonomic modifications and posture corrections.

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Early diagnosis and appropriate care are essential to alleviate pain, restore function, and prevent chronic issues. If you suspect bursitis, consult with our team to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, the connective tissue that links muscle to bone. It often results from overuse due to repetitive motion, which can lead to irritation, microtears, and injury within the tendon or surrounding muscles. Tendonitis may also occur following a strain or tear of a muscle that has not been given adequate time to heal properly.

Common Areas Affected by Tendonitis
Tendonitis is most frequently seen in the upper and lower extremities, such as the:

• Shoulders (e.g., rotator cuff tendonitis)
• Elbows (e.g., tennis elbow or golfer's elbow)
• Wrists
• Knees (e.g., patellar tendonitis)
• Ankles (e.g., Achilles tendonitis)

It is less commonly found in the hips and torso but can still develop in these regions.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

• Tenderness directly over the affected tendon.
• Pain that worsens with movement or specific activities.
• Swelling or inflammation surrounding the tendon.
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the joint associated with the tendon.

Causes of Tendonitis

• Repetitive motions or overuse in sports, work, or daily activities.
• Poor technique or biomechanics during physical activities.
• Previous muscle strain or injury that has not healed completely.
• Aging, which may weaken tendons and increase susceptibility to injury.

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Diagnosis and Treatment
Tendonitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, which assesses the affected area and evaluates pain, swelling, and range of motion.

Treatment Options Include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing repetitive movements and allowing the tendon to heal.
• Chiropractic Adjustments: To improve joint alignment and reduce stress on the affected tendon.
• Cold Therapy: To decrease inflammation and swelling.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy to relieve tension.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: For deep tissue healing and inflammation reduction.
• Exercises and Stretches: Tailored programs to strengthen and restore the tendon's function.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Ergonomic advice to reduce strain during daily activities or work tasks.

The Importance of Early Intervention
Addressing tendonitis promptly is crucial to prevent chronic issues, such as tendinosis (degenerative changes in the tendon). A comprehensive treatment plan can help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and improve structural function for long-term relief.
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If you suspect tendonitis, consult with our team for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan tailored to your needs.

Sprains

A sprain is a joint injury caused by the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to one another and provide joint stability. Sprains can occur in any joint but are most commonly seen in the ankle and wrist due to their frequent use and exposure to stress.

Symptoms of a Sprain

• Pain in the affected joint, especially during movement.
• Swelling and tenderness around the joint.
• Bruising in the injured area.
• Decreased range of motion or difficulty bearing weight.
• A popping sound at the time of injury, which may indicate a ligament rupture.

Grading Sprains
Sprains are classified into three grades based on their severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild):
  • Slight stretching and minor damage to the ligament fibers.
  • Symptoms include mild pain and minimal swelling, with little to no joint instability.
  • Recovery is typically quick with proper care.
• Grade 2 (Moderate):
  • Partial tearing of the ligament, leading to more significant damage.
  • Symptoms include marked pain, swelling, tenderness, and joint looseness (laxity). Bruising may also occur.
  • Recovery may take several weeks, depending on the severity.
• Grade 3 (Severe):
  • Complete tearing or rupture of the ligament.
  • Symptoms include intense pain, severe swelling, extensive bruising, and joint instability with gross laxity.
  • This grade may require surgical intervention and a longer recovery period.

Common Causes of Sprains

• Sudden twists or impacts during sports or physical activity.
• Improper landing after a jump.
• Walking or running on uneven surfaces.
• Falling or direct trauma to a joint.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Sprains are diagnosed through a thorough physical examination and, in some cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of ligament damage and rule out fractures.
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Treatment Options Include:

• Rest and Immobilization: To allow healing and prevent further damage.
• Ice Therapy: To reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Compression Bandages: To provide support and minimize swelling.
• Elevation: To improve circulation and decrease swelling.
• Chiropractic Adjustments: For realigning joints and reducing strain on the injured area.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release to address muscle tension around the joint.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: To restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Ergonomic and activity adjustments to prevent re-injury.

Why Early Care is Crucial
Prompt treatment is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications such as chronic instability or joint weakness.

If you suspect a sprain, consult with our team for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plan tailored to your recovery needs.

Strains

A muscle strain, commonly referred to as a "pulled muscle," occurs when there is damage to a muscle or tendon due to overstretching or excessive force. This type of injury results in tearing of muscle fibers, which can vary in severity. Muscle strains are often associated with physical activities or sports and can be painful, limiting mobility and daily function.

Symptoms of Muscle Strains

• Localized stiffness or tightness in the affected muscle.
• Pain that worsens with movement.
• Discoloration or bruising around the injured area.
• Swelling and tenderness.
• Limited range of motion or difficulty using the affected muscle.

Grading Muscle Strains

Muscle strains are classified into three grades based on severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild):
  • The muscle or tendon is overstretched, resulting in small tears in the fibers.
  • Symptoms include mild pain, with little to no swelling or bruising.
  • Recovery is typically quick with proper rest and care.
• Grade 2 (Moderate):
  • Partial tearing of the muscle fibers occurs, with more noticeable damage.
  • Symptoms include marked pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising from small blood vessel damage.
  • Movement is limited, and recovery may take several weeks.
• Grade 3 (Severe):
  • A complete rupture or tearing of the muscle or tendon fibers.
  • Symptoms include intense pain, significant swelling, extensive bruising, and difficulty or inability to move the muscle.
  • Recovery may require a longer rehabilitation period or surgical intervention in some cases.

Common Causes of Muscle Strains

• Overuse or repetitive movements.
• Sudden, forceful movements, such as sprinting or lifting heavy objects.
• Poor warm-up or stretching prior to physical activity.
• Weak or imbalanced muscles.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Muscle strains are diagnosed based on the mechanism of injury and a thorough physical examination. In some cases, imaging such as an MRI or ultrasound may be used to assess the extent of the damage.

Treatment Options Include:

• Rest: Allowing the injured muscle to heal.
• Ice Therapy: To reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Chiropractic Care: Realignment and joint adjustments to reduce strain on the muscle.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release to relieve tension.
• Compression and Elevation: To minimize swelling and support the injured area.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: Strengthening and stretching routines to restore mobility and prevent future injury.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Ergonomic advice and activity adjustments to avoid re-injury.

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Importance of Early Intervention
Seeking timely care for a muscle strain is essential to reduce pain, accelerate recovery, and prevent long-term complications. If you suspect a muscle strain, consult with our doctors for a personalized treatment plan designed to help you regain strength and mobility.

Treatment for Shoulder Pain with Chiropractic Care in Rancho Cucamonga

Contact us now for a your first visit with Dr. Jimmy Sayegh at Elevate Chiropractic in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca and see how chiropractic can change your life today!