Shoulder Pain Treatment in Kanata

Shoulder pain is a frequent issue among athletes and active individuals, often affecting performance and daily activities. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery and maintaining an active lifestyle. Here’s a concise guide to the top five most common shoulder musculoskeletal complaints we see at our clinic.

Common Types of Shoulder Musculoskeletal Complaints

Rotator Cuff Injuries

  • Cause: Overuse, repetitive motion, or acute trauma leading to tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. Often an acute injury, but can develop gradually over a period of time.

  • Symptoms: Pain and weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, often accompanied by a clicking sound.

  • Example: A swimmer experiencing pain and difficulty lifting the arm overhead due to repetitive strain on the rotator cuff muscles.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

  • Cause: Irritation of the rotator cuff tendons or bursa under the acromion during shoulder movements. Usually develops over time and becomes chronic if not managed.

  • Symptoms: Sharp pain when lifting the arm or reaching behind the back, with possible swelling and reduced range of motion.

  • Example: A tennis player feeling a pinching sensation and pain during serving motions due to impingement.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

  • Cause: Inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule leading to stiffness and restricted movement.

  • Symptoms: Gradual onset of severe stiffness and pain, with significant limitation in the range of motion.

  • Example: An office worker developing frozen shoulder, finding it increasingly difficult to reach overhead or behind the back.

Shoulder Instability

  • Cause: Loose shoulder joint ligaments or a history of dislocations leading to frequent slipping or popping out of the joint.

  • Symptoms: A feeling of the shoulder slipping out of place, often with pain and reduced strength during activities.

  • Example: A volleyball player experiencing shoulder instability during spiking motions, causing the shoulder to feel weak and unstable.

Shoulder Bursitis

  • Cause: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) that cushion the shoulder joint, often due to repetitive motion or direct trauma.

  • Symptoms: Pain and tenderness, especially when moving the arm or pressing on the shoulder, sometimes with swelling.

  • Example: A painter developing bursitis from repetitive overhead movements, experiencing shoulder pain and tenderness.

Effective Management:

The first step in effectively managing shoulder pain is a thorough assessment by a knowledgeable practitioner who understands your specific pain and needs. Each type of shoulder pain requires a tailored treatment approach dependent on the condition and the person struggling with the condition. At Highlands Wellness and Sports Injury Clinic, our team excels in managing all forms of shoulder pain with expertise and compassion.

Our Chiropractic Approach:

At Highlands Wellness, we specialize in pinpointing the cause of your pain and guiding you through a comprehensive understanding of your condition. We utilize evidence-based techniques designed to enhance joint function, facilitating rapid and comfortable healing of muscles, joints, and ligaments. We also provide in-clinic or at-home exercise plans designed to build strength, mobility, and confidence for you to get back to the activities you love.

Recovery Expectations: The duration of your recovery hinges on the underlying cause and severity of your knee pain. Following your initial appointment, you can anticipate:

  • A clear understanding of what's causing your pain.

  • Reduction in pain levels.

  • A personalized strategy to effectively manage and overcome your back pain.

Frequently asked questions.

  • Our goal is to help every patient participate in the activities that matter most to them. We will do our best to give you the care and teach you the strategies you will need to confidently return to your sport.

  • It is inevitable that some patients will require surgery depending on the severity of injury. Luckily, there is a TON of promising research showing that a robust program of care using manual therapy and strengthening can significantly reduce the need for surgery, especially in those who maintain good function post-tear.

  • Not at all. Most of our patients see us because they have pain. Once they are out of pain and functioning well, care typically ends. Some patients have complicating factors such as old injuries, stressful or physical work environments that may cause recurring issues, and we usually offer some form of maintenance in these cases.

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