Shoulder pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it stems from an injury, overuse, or underlying conditions, shoulder pain can significantly impact daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life.

There are many potential causes for shoulder pain, many of which we at The Athletes’ Village Chiropractic and Sports Injury treat. With a focus on musculoskeletal conditions, we can diagnose and manage many different causes of shoulder pain, including but not limited to the following:

Shoulder Impingement:

This condition occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa become compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder joint. It often leads to pain, especially with overhead movements.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):

Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint. It can be caused by inflammation and tightening of the joint capsule.

Shoulder Arthritis:

Arthritis in the shoulder joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types affecting the shoulder. 

Shoulder Instability:

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures that support the shoulder joint, such as ligaments, become loose or damaged. It can result in recurrent dislocations or a feeling of the shoulder "slipping out."

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprain:

A sprain of the AC joint, located at the top of the shoulder, can cause pain and tenderness. It often occurs due to direct trauma or falls onto the shoulder.

Labral Tear:

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the shoulder socket. A tear in the labrum can cause shoulder pain, instability, and a catching or locking sensation.

Biceps Tendonitis:

Tendonitis of the biceps tendon can result in anterior shoulder pain, especially during activities that involve overhead movements or lifting.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine what the cause of your shoulder pain is. In some cases, there are conditions that can appear as shoulder pain but be caused by something else. An example is referred pain from the neck. Certain neck conditions, such as cervical radiculopathy or herniated discs, can cause pain that radiates to the shoulder.

How shoulder pain can be managed conservatively at The Athletes Village Chiropractic and Sports Injury

Treating shoulder pain involves a multimodal approach. Generally speaking, it will involve:

1)    Chiropractic Manipulation

2)    Active Release Technique

3)    Corrective Exercises.

Chiropractic manipulation can be used to address joint mobility restrictions. A loss of mobility in the thoracic spine (upper back) can cause imbalanced loading of the shoulder during movement. If this occurs over a long period of time or when performing a repetitive movement, It can lead to shoulder pain.

A chiropractic spinal manipulation can address this back restriction and provide a quick solution to improving spinal range of motion. When coupled with mobility corrective exercise it can be a valuable aspect of your treatment plan.

With shoulder injuries there is often a soft tissue component to the pain. As an ART practitioners, we begin by assessing your shoulder pain, identifying any soft tissue restrictions or adhesions contributing to your symptoms. We evaluate the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia in the affected area to determine the root cause of your shoulder pain. 

Once the specific soft tissue dysfunctions are identified, the chiropractors at The Athletes Village in Toronto will use precise manual techniques to address them. These techniques involve applying tension and pressure to the affected tissues while you actively move your shoulder joint through a range of motion.

In addition to the ART treatment session, we will create and prescribe a personally tailored rehab plan with corrective exercises. These exercises may address range of motion and stability. This is an essential part in maintaining the improvement achieved using hands-on techniques in the clinic.

It's important to note that each individual's shoulder pain is unique, and the treatment plan should be tailored to your specific needs. Consulting with a chiropractor at The Athletes’ Village is recommended to determine what type of treatment is suitable for your shoulder condition.