How a Chiropractor Can Help With Rotator Cuff Injuries

Chiropractors are best known to be back pain specialists, providing treatments that relieve discomfort. However, they can also provide an effective alternative therapy for rotator cuff injuries. A rotator cuff injury is one of the most common shoulder injuries. It is painful and can make your day-to-day activities difficult.
What is a rotator cuff injury?Your rotator cuff is made up of a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Most rotator cuff injuries involve the tendon but sometimes can affect the muscle as well. A rotator cuff injury is most often caused by repetitive motion that causes inflammation or a tear in that area. This type of injury is common in swimmers and tennis players because they are doing the same movement in their arms over and over again. But, this type of shoulder injury can also be the result of a fall with the arm fully extended, taking a direct blow to the shoulder, or having the arm yanked.
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injuryThe most noticeable symptom of a rotator cuff injury is frequent pain in your shoulder. You may experience this pain both when your arm is resting and when it is in action. The pain may be more noticeable and you may feel a cracking sensation when you move your arm in specific motions. Other symptoms include feeling weakness in the injured arm or the inability to lift and move your arm to the side. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to see a chiropractor as soon as possible to avoid causing any more damage.
How can a chiropractor helpA chiropractor is the best non-medical alternative to treat shoulder joint issues that will help with a rotator cuff injury. They will focus on the pain and inflammation using an ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, or heat and ice treatments. After an assessment, your chiropractor will do adjustments and targeted exercises to restore mobility and increase the range of motion in your shoulder. It will take time to get back to your normal activities — it can typically take six to eight weeks for a rotator cuff injury to heal.
Your St. Catharines Chiropractic SpecialistsOur chiropractors at Dalhousie Health and Wellness will help relieve your pain from a rotator cuff injury. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan and have you feeling like yourself again soon. Book your consultation today to start your healing process.