Treatment for Shoulder Pain in Gaithersburg, MD
Why Am I Experiencing Shoulder Pain?
Recent studies indicate that manual therapy alone can yield outcomes similar to surgery for certain rotator cuff tears. Conservative treatments, such as manual and physical therapy, are increasingly considered primary options for addressing this condition.
Recognizing the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear—deep shoulder ache, arm weakness, difficulty reaching behind the back, and disturbed sleep due to pain—is crucial. At Wellsprings Chiropractic, our comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans aim to diagnose rotator cuff injuries accurately. We utilize natural, non-invasive methods to alleviate shoulder pain and promote healing for rotator cuff injuries.
The intricate structure of the shoulder joint facilitates a wide range of motion but also exposes it to potential discomfort and pain. Functioning as a "ball-and-socket" joint, the upper arm bone's head snugly fits into the corresponding socket within the shoulder blade, cushioned by cartilage to prevent bone friction.
This joint's efficiency is further maintained by fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, which protect the tendons from grinding against bones. Tendons connect the shoulder bones to the rotator cuff, a complex system that ensures shoulder movement. Any disruption in this delicate interplay can lead to discomfort and pain.
Shoulder pain manifests diversely based on its underlying cause. Impingement-related pain, for instance, emerges during arm elevation at specific angles within the range of motion. Degenerative conditions may yield persistent aches upon arm movement in certain directions. Acute injuries can produce sudden, intense pain, limiting shoulder mobility entirely. Understanding the nature of your shoulder pain is pivotal in identifying its source and determining the most appropriate treatment approach
Are Any of These Shoulder Pain Conditions Affecting You?
The shoulder joint, with its intricate structure, can be a hub for various sources of discomfort. Conditions that we treat include:
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): painful stiffness in the shoulder joint, severely restricting motion.
- Impingement: Abnormal movement of the humeral head during arm elevation causes impingement-related pain, especially beyond 90 degrees of arm elevation.
- Tendinitis: Overuse, typically due to demanding occupations, overhead activities, or sports, combined with poor posture, leads to continuous tendon inflammation, causing swelling and painful impingement when raising the arm.
Rotator Cuff Tear: Injury, overuse, poor posture, or aging can result in partial or complete tearing of the rotator cuff—a complex structure of muscles, tendons, and soft tissue around the shoulder joint. Manual therapy often helps alleviate pain and rebuild strength to compensate for partial tears, potentially averting the need for surgery.
How We Treat Shoulder Pain
A comprehensive treatment plan for shoulder pain involves various targeted approaches aimed at alleviating discomfort and improving joint function. At our clinic in Gaithersburg, MD, we focus on natural and non-invasive methods to address shoulder-related issues effectively.
Dr. Fish is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating a spectrum of shoulder conditions. Through meticulous diagnostic assessments, including evaluations of range of motion, strength, coordination, joint mobility, and biomechanics, Dr. Fish will ascertain the underlying cause of your shoulder pain.
Once the root cause is identified, a personalized treatment regimen is crafted. Our approach integrates a combination of therapeutic modalities tailored to manage and alleviate your pain effectively. This includes gentle manual therapy techniques aimed at restoring joint mobility, reducing soft tissue restrictions, and enhancing blood circulation.
Furthermore, specific therapeutic exercises are prescribed to bolster strength and restore optimal muscle activation patterns surrounding the shoulder joint. These exercises are curated to suit your individual needs, ensuring a gradual and tailored recovery process.
Lastly, Dr. Fish provides guidance on strengthening techniques to prevent future shoulder issues and minimize the likelihood of recurrence. By imparting knowledge on proper movement patterns and exercises, we empower you to maintain shoulder health and function in the long term.