We have seen a tremendous number of patients lately who need shoulder pain relief. Whether the pain starts from a fall, strain, heavy lift, or from sleeping on it too much, it usually presents as stiff and achy with sharper pains in certain positions.
Sure, if the pain is simply from muscles, it may go away on its own, but this should only take a few days after an injury. After 48 hours or so, you really should consider seeing someone about it. A massage may help if it is just muscular, physiotherapy may help, but the most effective approach is usually Chiropractic. Here, we look at the muscles, the range of motion in the joints and the areas of the spine that may be pinching on the nerves. This last point of nerve irritation is the thing that separates chiropractic from all else. A Chiropractor mentor of mine used to say, we may not help everything, but if you do have a pinched nerve and need an adjustment, nothing else is going to help. So true. We often see someone after they have tried other practitioners. You may find some improvement, but if you need an adjustment, you need to see a Chiropractor and get an adjustment.
Usually after a few adjustments, patients can notice improved range of motion and less pain. Then, we can start on the rehabilitation first with simple stretches, then exercises to strengthen the muscles. Often, I see patients who have Googled their shoulder issue and started on some exercises that only seem to aggravate the condition. What I always say is there are plenty of good suggestions online, but when to do the exercise is key. If you are really sore and stiff, it is not time to start strengthening the muscles. This will aggravate the already inflamed muscles and joints. You may find relief with some gentle stretching and ice or heat, but when this doesn’t help, you definitely need to call your Chiropractor.