Bottom Line:

As mentioned above…the shoulder joint is the most moveable joint in the human body. Since it is so mobile, it can also become highly unstable. The shoulder joint is a very complex joint composed of a ball-in-socket type joint, many…many small muscles surrounding the joint, as well as ligaments creating a firm capsule reinforcing the deepest aspects of the joint. 

 

These wide ranges of motion are facilitated by four primary muscles and their tendons. Ding, ding, ding….these are the ROTATOR CUFF muscles. These muscles are crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship between the parts of the shoulder joint. The two main parts that make up the shoulder joint, the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid (cup shape formation on the outer edge of the shoulder blade). 

 

A very common injury at the shoulder joint known as impingement occurs when this relationship is not remaining healthy, and the rotator cuffs and shoulder blades are not functioning together properly. If your shoulder becomes inflamed or becomes painful with any overhead or raising movement, you may make the mistake of avoiding using your arm to help it heal. 

 

It may be surprising, but utilizing and performing very direct, controlled movement can be the most effective way to heal. 

 

Not moving the shoulder for a long period of time can contribute to an increase in pain and delayed healing time. This condition, that is relatively common with shoulder injuries is known as “Frozen Shoulder” or Adhesive Capsulitis. 

Why it Matters:

The most common source of pain in the shoulder is actually the tendons. These muscles are very small, and can become delicate if repetitive compression (impingement) occurs. They are only about the size of your pinky finger, yet they hold some serious responsibility. 

 

Your tendons attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones. 

 

· If the sac of fluid that cushions your shoulder becomes swollen and painful as a result of repetitive motion, you may have bursitis. This can be noted by redness, swelling, and/or warming of the skin surface. 

· If a tendon in your shoulder becomes inflamed, you may have tendonitis. This can may be the most common injuries of the shoulder due to the anatomical arrangement of the shoulder. 

· If a tendon gets pinched between or under the bones of your shoulder, it can result in shoulder impingement. Lifting overhead repetitively, or for a long sustained amount of time, can cause impingement. You may experience some swelling and pain with an impingement type injury. Being an avid lifter or overhead throwing can increase your chances of acquiring an impingement type injury. 

 

· If a tendon in your shoulder becomes torn, you guessed it – you have a rotator cuff tear. Your rotator cuff can become damaged due to overuse, injury, or age, and tears usually cause pain when lifting and may be accompanied by a popping sound. Research back conservative care as an effective management technique for tears of the rotator cuff. This of course depends on age, activity level, occupation, etc. of the injured. 

 

Next Steps: 

Your shoulder and spine work together. One of the most important components of maintaining a healthy shoulder is assuring that your upper back (thoracic spine) is functioning its best. 

 

The upper back is a very mobile part of the spine, which needs to be able to rotate around 45 degrees each way, so the shoulders do not need to compensate. A very common occurrence among athletes, lifters, and general population. 

 

While it may seem like they are two completely different and independent areas of the body, research has shown that postural abnormalities can play a significant role in your likelihood of developing shoulder pain. 

 

Maintaining a full range of motion in your shoulder and in the spinal joints of your neck and mid-back can help reduce your chances of experiencing shoulder pain. 

 

If you’ve been living with shoulder discomfort or difficulty moving, take a moment to contact us for your initial examination, movement assessement, and treatment. 

 

We'll work together with you to create a movement-based plan that gives you the best chance of finding long-term relief, naturally.

Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS

ProMove Chiropractic & Performance

402.915.4901

drsealey@promovechiropractic.com

Science Source(s): 

Immediate Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Shoulder Motion Range and Pain in Individuals with Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Trial. J Chiropr Med. 2019.