Can A Chiropractor Help With Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Rotator cuff conditions are common, with over two million Americans seeking treatment yearly. Whether caused by injury or wear and tear, rotator cuff issues can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Problems with the rotator cuff can cause weakness and pain in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like putting on a coat or picking up groceries. 

Many people prefer noninvasive methods to diagnose and treat injuries and health conditions. Chiropractic care is a popular option, as this holistic approach focuses on manual adjustments and manipulations instead of surgery or medication. But is it helpful to see a chiropractor for rotator cuff conditions?

In this blog, we’ll answer the question, “Can you go to a chiropractor for rotator cuff diagnosis and treatment?” and dive into the diagnostic and treatment modalities that a chiropractor may use for rotator cuff conditions. 

What Are Common Issues and Injuries Affecting the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that covers the upper arm bone or humerus and keeps it attached to the shoulder blade or clavicle. A fluid-filled, lubricating sac called a bursa, located between the rotator cuff and the bone at the top of the shoulder, allows the smooth and pain-free movement of the upper arm.

Traumatic rotator cuff injuries, such as a fall or a sports accident, as well as chronic injuries that occur and worsen over time, can cause pain, inflammation and limited mobility in the shoulder. The bursa may also become painful and inflamed. 

Common injuries and conditions affecting the rotator cuff include the following: 

• Rotator Cuff Tears: These tears can result from injuries, such as falling while your hand is outstretched or lifting something heavy with a jerking motion. It could also result from wear and tear due to age-related changes and repetitive movements. 
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: This occurs when the soft tissues in the rotator cuff become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort, especially during shoulder movements. It often results from overuse or repetitive activities; a common symptom is sharp pain. 
• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: This chronic condition is characterized by irritation or degeneration of the rotator cuff soft tissue. It is typically associated with overuse or age-related changes.
• Impingement Syndrome: Shoulder impingement is a biomechanical dysfunction in which the top of the shoulder, or acromion, rubs against the rotator cuff. This condition often leads to pain and restricted movement.

What Are the Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries might not always present symptoms. When they do, they vary depending on the type of injury you have. Generally, however, rotator cuff injuries may result in:  

• Pain: Typically localized to the shoulder, it can also spread down the upper arm. The pain can intensify during movements like lifting and pushing. Additionally, pain may come and go as well as worsen if you sleep on the affected side.  
• Limited Range of Motion: Individuals may experience stiffness and discomfort in the shoulder when attempting to move the affected shoulder and arm. This results in a limited range of motion – it may be difficult to reach up, pull or push objects rotating the arm inward or outward. 

Rotator cuff injuries tend to worsen over time if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking care as soon as possible is crucial. 

Can a Chiropractor Diagnose a Torn Rotator Cuff?

Yes, you may see a chiropractor for a rotator cuff diagnosis.

An accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensuring you get the right kind of treatment. Chiropractors can help diagnose a rotator cuff injury through a holistic approach. They can evaluate factors such as shoulder range of motion, pain levels and overall physical condition to gauge the extent of the injury. 

Additionally, chiropractors may order imaging tests like MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans to help with their diagnosis. These tests also provide essential information about the injury, such as the location of a rotator cuff tear. 

Can Chiropractors Help With Rotator Cuff Injuries?

Chiropractors can treat rotator cuff injuries through targeted approaches that alleviate pain and promote recovery. These may include: 

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Focused on realigning the spine, these adjustments help alleviate stress on the rotator cuff, reducing pressure on nerves and muscles in the shoulder area.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as massage or myofascial release can relieve muscle tension around the shoulder, potentially reducing pain and improving range of motion. 
• Rehabilitation Exercises: When you see a chiropractor for rotator cuff injuries, they may recommend specific exercises to strengthen and stabilize shoulder muscles, which can help with recovery and prevention of future injuries. 
• Lifestyle Advice: Chiropractors may provide guidance on lifestyle, posture and ergonomics to relieve strain on the rotator cuff. 
• Cold and Heat Therapy: The application of ice packs or heat helps reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.
• Ultrasound Therapy: Utilizing ultrasound technology, chiropractors effectively target inflammation, pain and muscle spasms.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Shoulder Pain? 

Yes, a chiropractor can help with shoulder pain—not just from rotator cuff conditions but also from muscle strains, sprains, joint misalignment and other musculoskeletal problems. 

When traditional medicine doesn’t deliver the results patients want, chiropractic care can help fill in the gaps. Instead of just treating symptoms, chiropractors focus on identifying and addressing the underlying issues that cause them.

Through adjustments and manipulations, chiropractors can reduce stress on muscles, relieve pain and promote natural healing. Chiropractors also use soft tissue therapies like massage or myofascial release to ease tension and enhance shoulder flexibility. 

Get Holistic Treatment for Shoulder Conditions From a Top-Rated Chiropractor 

Brenner Chiropractic is led by Dr. Russell Brenner, a doctor of chiropractic with several years of experience in providing care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. We offer patient-focused therapies, personalized care and holistic treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment. 

To learn more about our services, please feel free to get in touch with our team at (516) 208-6123. You may also schedule an appointment by filling out our online form.