Phillips Chiropractic

Introduction The complexity of the shoulder joint allows it to achieve many different actions and activities. Anatomically, the shoulder involves three unique bones – the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus – many attaching ligaments, and approximately 20 different muscles. The principal articulation, the glenohumeral joint, is attached by ligaments and a group of muscles (and their tendon attachments) known as the rotator cuff. shoulder pain and disability are usually caused by problems with the rotator cuff. As with other joints, shoulder problems can be caused by trauma such as sports injuries, mechanical dysfunction due to imbalances in the muscles, or by wear and tear of the tissues encompassing the joint.

Arthritic changes do happen in the shoulder joint, though not as commonly as in the weight-bearing joints of the spine, hips and knees. Anatomy Problems in the shoulder often arise in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region energize all of the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, elbow, arm and hand. Tight or weak shoulder muscles, caused by aggravated nerves can produce dysfunction in the conventional mechanics of the joint, especially in the rotator cuff.

A similar problem can occur if one overburdens the shoulder in sports such as tennis and golf, or in other repetitive activities that cause the muscles of the joint to become overly tight or strained. Individuals are at risk of developing imbalance and shoulder problems if they sit too much in a lazy position, or with their shoulders held forward. Rotator Cuff Syndrome Pain and constricted motion will continue to occur until the imbalances and inflammation are correctedchanged.

The severity can vary from a slight “catching” or pain to an almost total inability to use the shoulder. This painful condition is often called Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Syndrome, and can afflict people of all ages. Frozen Shoulder Another common condition is ” frozen shoulder. “This often crippling condition occurs when the ligaments and tendons of the glenohumeral joint grow so irritated that adhesions occur making the joint almost stuck together. This results in accute pain, as well as limitation of shoulder mobility that makes it difficult for some individuals to even get dressed!

Attention from a professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor is vital because if left alone, frozen shoulder could take several years to heal if it heals at all. The conditions mentioned above are the most common of all shoulder disorders. Treatment Most shoulder treatments are basically the same. Muscle imbalances can be corrected with chiropractic treatment that includes soft tissue mobilization modalities to restore proper mobility to the shoulder joints and to correct any subluxations in the spine. Special rehabilitation exercises offered by your Santa Barbara chiropractor are also crucial for a fulland quick recovery.

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