By. Dr. Phil Bechard, DC
Reaching for your phone on your nightstand in the morning, putting a shirt on, throwing a ball with your children, making a meal, this is just a small list of the incredible amount of everyday activities we do that involve the shoulder, and pain in this area can have a huge impact on many things that we take for granted. It’s estimated that 30% of adults experience some form of shoulder pain in any given month. If you are suffering from shoulder pain you may want to consider having a consultation with a chiropractor. There are a number of ways that a Chiropractor can help with your problem, one of the largest techniques utilized being manual therapy.
Manual therapy isn’t just one therapy technique — it’s an entire category of therapy. The techniques fall into this category all involve a therapist using their hands to manipulate or mobilize joints and soft tissue. This category of therapy can offer many benefits for shoulder pain treatment, including:
Reducing the pain of your shoulder issue
Decreasing the amount of inflammation in your shoulder
Increasing the range of motion in your shoulder
Improving your ability to do normal daily activities with your shoulder
Reducing the risk of recurring shoulder pain or problems
Manual therapy can be beneficial for shoulder pain by addressing various factors contributing to discomfort or dysfunction. Here are some ways in which manual therapy may help:
Soft Tissue Mobilization: Therapists use hands-on techniques to manipulate and mobilize soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the shoulder. This can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance blood circulation.
Joint Mobilization: Manual therapists may perform gentle movements to mobilize and restore normal joint function in the shoulder. This can help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Trigger Point Release: Trigger points, or tight knots in muscles, can contribute to shoulder pain. Our therapists can apply pressure to these points to release tension and alleviate pain.
Stretching Exercises: Manual therapy often involves incorporating specific stretching exercises to improve flexibility and relieve tightness in the shoulder muscles.
Posture Correction: Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain. At our office we can provide guidance on proper posture and offer exercises to strengthen the muscles that support good posture.
Pain Relief: Manual therapy techniques may stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, providing temporary relief from shoulder pain.
Education and Self-Care: Our chiropractors often educate patients on proper shoulder mechanics, ergonomic considerations, and self-care techniques to manage and prevent future pain.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of manual therapy can vary from person to person, and it is usually most effective in conjunction with other treatments such as exercises, heat/cold therapy, and lifestyle modifications.