How Chiropractors and Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Shoulder Pain on External Rotation

Are you experiencing shoulder pain when performing external rotation movements? This discomfort can significantly impact your daily life and hinder your ability to participate in physical activities. Luckily, there are effective treatments available to help alleviate shoulder pain on external rotation, including chiropractic care and physical therapy.

Understanding Shoulder Pain on External Rotation

Shoulder pain on external rotation refers to the discomfort experienced when moving your shoulder joint outward. This movement involves rotating the arm away from the body, which can be a challenge for individuals suffering from shoulder injuries or conditions.

When your shoulder experiences pain during external rotation, it can limit your range of motion, making everyday tasks and physical activities challenging. Seeking professional help from chiropractors and physical therapists can provide you with the specialized care necessary to relieve pain and improve your shoulder function.

Chiropractic Care: Restoring Proper Function

Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. However, chiropractors are also skilled in addressing shoulder pain and dysfunction. They use non-invasive techniques to restore proper function to the affected area, promoting natural healing.

During the initial consultation, a chiropractor will assess your shoulder to identify the specific cause of your pain. They will take into account your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may request imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to gather a comprehensive understanding of the underlying issue.

Once they have determined the cause, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your shoulder pain on external rotation. This plan may include a combination of manual adjustments, mobilizations, soft tissue therapies, and therapeutic exercises.

Manual adjustments involve applying precise and controlled force to the affected joint to restore mobility and alleviate pain. These adjustments are safe and performed by trained professionals who understand the intricacies of the shoulder joint and its associated structures.

Mobilizations, on the other hand, utilize gentle movements and stretches to improve joint flexibility and reduce any restrictions contributing to shoulder pain. These techniques can increase your range of motion and allow for a smoother external rotation of the shoulder.

To complement the manual therapies, chiropractors may also employ soft tissue therapies such as massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy. These techniques aim to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote better blood circulation to enhance healing.

Additionally, therapeutic exercises prescribed by chiropractors can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, providing better stability and support. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can improve your shoulder function and decrease the likelihood of future pain or injuries.

Physical Therapy: Restoring Strength and Function

Physical therapy is another effective approach to address shoulder pain on external rotation. With a focus on rehabilitation and movement science, physical therapists specialize in enhancing mobility, strength, and overall functionality.

When you visit a physical therapist, they will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. This evaluation may involve assessing your posture, measuring your range of motion, evaluating muscle strength and flexibility, and performing specific tests to identify any impairments.

Based on their findings, physical therapists will design a personalized program tailored to your individual needs and goals. This program often includes a combination of exercises, manual therapies, and modalities to maximize your recovery.

Similar to chiropractic care, physical therapy includes various manual techniques to promote healing and reduce pain. These techniques may involve joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, or even manipulation under anesthesia in severe cases.

Exercises prescribed by physical therapists will target the specific areas contributing to shoulder pain on external rotation. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve flexibility, and correct any muscle imbalances or postural issues that may be exacerbating your pain.

In addition to manual therapies and exercises, physical therapists may also employ modalities such as heat or ice therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to further alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy for Shoulder Pain on External Rotation

Choosing chiropractic care or physical therapy to address your shoulder pain on external rotation comes with numerous benefits:

• Pain Relief: Both chiropractic care and physical therapy aim to relieve your pain and discomfort, helping you regain your quality of life.
• Non-Invasive Approach: These treatments focus on natural healing without the need for surgical intervention or medications, allowing your body to restore its functionality naturally.
• Improved Range of Motion: By reducing restrictions, increasing joint mobility, and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint, these therapies can enhance your range of motion and enable pain-free external rotation.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Chiropractic care and physical therapy provide personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs, ensuring that the therapy is tailored to your body's requirements.
• Long-Term Wellness: These treatments not only provide immediate pain relief but also focus on long-term wellness. They aim to address the underlying issues contributing to shoulder pain on external rotation, reducing the likelihood of recurring discomfort.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain on external rotation can impact your daily life, making it important to seek effective treatments. Chiropractic care and physical therapy offer valuable solutions to address this type of shoulder pain, providing non-invasive and individualized approaches that promote healing and restore functionality.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain on external rotation, contact IAOM-US today to schedule a consultation with our experienced chiropractors and physical therapists. Let us help you regain pain-free shoulder movement and improve your overall quality of life.