The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, making it highly susceptible to injury. In fact, the shoulder is one of the most common sources of pain complaints. Persistent shoulder pain can have many origins, from whiplash injury in an auto accident, to dislocations, sprains, or even arthritis. Treatment will be completely dependent on the cause of the problem.
Every precaution must be taken to discover the issue underlying the shoulder pain. A chiropractor will seek answers through a holistic assessment of a patient’s health. By reviewing symptoms, diet, activity level, types of regular exercise, previous injuries, and family health history, the chiropractor will be able to determine the appropriate treatment.
Treatments and therapies administered by a chiropractor are designed to restore body alignment while relieving pain and improving overall mobility. Certain chiropractic techniques can relieve the pressure that causes the shoulder pain. This may involve applying massage and gentle pressure to reposition misaligned vertebrae.
Follow-up therapy at home may include application of heat or ice packs, massage, stretching, or strengthening exercises. Regardless of which course of treatment your chiropractor chooses, rest assured that relief is mostly immediate and additional therapy at home will only serve to enhance the healing process.