Also available are 32 3D animated educational videos  for various Pain, injuries and conditions, they can be found under the listing ”Types of Pain” Section.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Levator scapula syndrome

What is it?

Levator scapula syndrome refers to pain arising from the levator scapula muscle where it attaches to the top of the shoulder blade in the upper back.

How does it happen?

Levator scapula syndrome results from long periods of overstretching of the levator scapulae muscle. This can occur fom bad posture such as sitting over a computer with rounded shoulders. This poor posture stretches the levator scapulae muscle and when performed over a long period of time, can result in inflammation and pain within the muscle.

How does it feel?

Levator scapula syndrome produces pain which is felt in the upper back and neck. This is most often felt where the muscle attaches to the top of the shoulder blade. However, it may also be felt in the neck, over the top of the shoulder or between the shoulder blades.

What should you do?

If you have or suspect you have levator scapula syndrome, you should seek the advice and assistance of a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist.

What shouldn’t you do?

If you have or suspect you have levator scapula syndrome, you shouldn’t ignore the problem.  However, unless the cause of the problem is identified and addressed the pain will continue to return and may get progressively worse.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Levator scapula syndrome does not produce any long-term effects, as long as it accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated.

Management

The advice and assistance of a Chiropractor or a Physiotherapist is important in the treatment of levator scapula syndrome, they can  confirm your diagnosis. Health Professionals such as a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to design an appropriate course of treatment  to reduce your pain and reduce the chance of it returning. Treatment will include stretching and strengthening exercises, and  exercises designed to improve your posture.

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Fracture of the clavicle

What is it?  

A fracture of the clavicle refers to a break in the collarbone, the bone that lies horizontally between your breastbone and your shoulder.  

How does it happen?  

The clavicle is usually fractured following an impact to the shoulder. The impact may be with a stationary object or with a moving object or blow sustained from a contact sport such as rugby or horse riding. Similarly, the clavicle may be fractured when you fall on either your elbow or an outstretched hand. When this occurs, the force of the impact is transmitted along the bones in the arm to the clavicle. If the force is sufficient the clavicle may break.  

How does it feel?  

The first sensation felt when the clavicle is fractured is severe pain experienced between the bottom of the neck and point of shoulder. There may also be an audible noise as the bone breaks. When you look at your collarbone, there may be an obvious bump. This is due to either displacement of the broken ends of the bone or early bleeding and swelling around the site of the fracture.  

What should you do?  

A fracture of the clavicle is a serious injury. If you have or suspect you have a fracture of the clavicle, you should stop or reduce shoulder and arm activity and seek the advice and assistance from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Doctor. It’s important to support your arm whilst travelling you should wear an arm sling. Ice Packs will help with your pain and reduce and control any swelling, you should therfore apply an ice pack to the shoulder. The ice pack should be placed within a thin towel or cloth then placed upon the injury; ice packs should be applied for up to 15-20 minutes on an hourly basis when possible. Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process to the injured area reducing swelling and inflammation, thus providing significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, and more information can be found on this laser modality under our “Pain Relief” section

What shouldn’t you do?  

If you have or suspect that you have fractured your clavicle, you shouldn’t perform any activities with the shoulder or arm which may cause the broken ends of the bone to move on one another. To achieve this you shouldn’t use the injured arm until it has been assessed by a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist or Doctor. In addition, you should avoid any activities which may increase the blood flow to the injured area. These include hot baths and showers; massage, heat packs and rubs, for these may increase the bleeding around the fractured ends of bone and potentially delay the recovery recovery.  

Could there be any long-term effects?  

Most fractures of the clavicle heal without complication within of 6-8 weeks. This may leave a visible bump in the bone. However, this is should not be a problem in that it is a deformity which is pain free and doesn’t interfere with the use of your arm. In a small number of cases the broken ends of the bone fail to heal. When this occurs you may need surgery or alternative treatments to stimulate healing. One such modality mentioned earlier is Cold or Low level laser therapy; this modality has been awarded a five star rating for accelerating the healing process by reducing swelling and inflammation to the injured area, thus providing significant pain relief. 

Management   

The assistance and advice from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Doctor is important in the treatment of a fractured clavicle.  

A Chiropractor or Physiotherapist can assist in diagnosing the injury and the extent of the damage. This may require the use of a Digital-x-ray to view the bone. From this, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to provide you with an idea of how long the injury is expected to take to heal and determine an appropriate course of treatment. If your clavicle is fractured, treatment will consist of the wearing a sling for the first few weeks followed by a series of exercises designed to return you back to normal activities and reduce the risk of further problems.

As we have mentioned before, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process around the injured area, reducing swelling and inflammation, this modality provides significant pain relief for these kind of injuries, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, and more information can be found on Cold or Low Level laser Therapy, under our “Pain Relief” section.

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Shoulder instability

What is it?

Shoulder instability is a condition in which one of the bones in the shoulder joint moves partially or fully out of place. The head of the humerus, the upper arm bone, moves within the socket of the shoulder in more than one direction. Instability happens when the head of the humerus slips outside its normal position. The classification of this disorder is defined by the changes in degree of movement in the joint and by the change of direction in the movement of the joint.

Dislocation
when the humeral head moves completely out of the socket.

How does it happen?

Shoulder instability occurs when the capsule and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint become loose and allow excessive movement of the bones that make-up the joint. This most commonly occurs following a shoulder dislocation where the top of the arm bone is ‘popped out’ of its socket. This overstretches and injures the capsule and ligaments surrounding the shoulder joint, reducing their ability to support the joint and making the joint ‘unstable’. Similarly, the capsule and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint may be overstretched and damaged if they are repetitively stressed. This can occur, for example, during throwing and over head activities which stretches out these structures. If performed repetitively, this can make the capsule and ligaments loose and the shoulder joint ‘unstable’. You may well be born with loose ligaments which can cause or lead to shoulder instability . People with this type of laxity are often referred to as ‘double jointed’ and have loose ligaments and instability present throughout all the joints of the body.

How does it feel?

Shoulder instability may cause a number of sensations. In certain positions of the arm, the bones within the shoulder joint may slip or ‘sublux’. This is often felt as a clunking or clicking sensation as the bones within the shoulder joint move excessively over one on another. This clunking or clicking may be associated with pain which is felt deep within the shoulder. This may create a situation where you avoid moving the arm into the position where it clunks. In some situations you may also experience a ‘dead arm’ where the arm momentarily feels numb and weak after the bones slip or ‘sublux’. When the capsule and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint are extremely loose, the shoulder joint may continually dislocate.

Subluxation

The humeral head moves partially out of the shoulder socket.

• Anterior
  when the humeral head moves forwards. This is a very common injury in young men. Men having great shoulder flexibility are more prone to this injury.
• Posterior
  when the humeral head moves backwards. This is due to severe muscle spasm during an electric shock or epileptic seizure.
• Multidirectional
  this occurs in people born with loose joints. Muscles contracting and relaxing may trigger a multidirectional instability episode. There are certain sports that require greater shoulder range of motion such as swimming, these sports may also lead to multidirectional instability.

Shoulder instability usually results from an old injury producing a dislocation that, even when healed, leads to stretching of the shoulder capsule and ligaments.  

What should you do?

If you have or suspect you have shoulder instability, it is advised you seek the advice and assistance from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Doctor. Shoulder instability does not get better on its own.

What shouldn’t you do?

If you have or suspect you have shoulder instability, you should avoid those positions or activities that are likely to cause any further damage. This may cause further damage and prolong the recovery.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Shoulder instability generally does not produce any long-term effects as long as it is accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated. Treatment often involves several months of intense shoulder rehabilitation. This is often successful; however, in some situations your instability may continue to be a problem. This may result in dislocation/s of the shoulder joint and subsequent damage to surrounding structures, including nerves, bone, and the cartilage lining the joint surfaces. Damage to the cartilage may result in shoulder arthritis some years later. Treatment of the ongoing laxity in the capsule and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint, surgery may be required to tighten these structures and increase the ‘stability’ of the joint.

 Diagnosis

 Symptoms of shoulder instability may include:

• Numb feeling down the arm
• Shoulder can slip out of place
• Pain in and around the shoulder area
• Shoulder or arm may feel weak
• Shoulder feels loose. (Slack)
• Digital X-Ray may be needed

Treatment Options

• Cold or low level laser therapy: this modality is excellent in the acceleration of the healing process, significantly reducing the swelling and inflammation, thus providing significant pain relief. More on Cold or low Level Laser Therapy, listed under “Pain Relief”.
• Rest and limit the injured shoulder from further activities
• Ice packs will help control pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs These include: aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

 Rehabilitation

Can last several months and may include: physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that control the shoulder joint.

Management

The advice and assistance from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or a Doctor is important in the treatment of shoulder instability. They can confirm your diagnosis and the extent of the damage. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as Digital x-ray, CT scans or MRI. Following this, they can provide you with a determination of how long your rehabilitation is expected to take and determine an appropriate course of treatment.

Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should ideally be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process around the joint, capsule and ligaments’, significantly reducing  swelling and inflammation, thus achieving significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, and more information can be found on this laser modality, under our “Pain Relief” section. A combination of massage and stretches is beneficial. Also a series of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that stabilise and support the shoulder joint should be undertaken. In certain cases surgery may be considered to reconstruct the damaged joint lining, repair any ‘labral tears’ or tighten the loose ligaments.

Also available are 32 3D animated educational videos  for various Pain, injuries and conditions, they can be found under the listing ”Types of Pain” Section.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Shoulder Dislocation.

What is it?

Shoulder dislocations occur when the head of the humerus which is the upper arm bone, jumps out of the shoulder socket of the scapula, which is called the glenoid. This can happen during a severe wrench pulling the shoulder upward or outward, or from a combined over-extension and external rotation of the humerus.

Glenohumeral dislocations are generally classified by the direction of dislocation of the humerus.

A dislocation can be full or partial:

• A partial dislocation which also known as subluxation, when the head of the humerus slips out of the socket momentarily and then snaps back into place (socket)
• A full dislocation, when the head of the humerus comes completely out of the socket

Shoulder dislocations are normally associated with fractures to different parts of the shoulder; there may be a fracture and dislocation at the same time. Nerves and blood vessels can sometimes be injured with a severe shoulder dislocation.

Types of Shoulder Dislocation:

• Anterior
  when the humeral head moves forwards. This is a very common injury in young men. Men having great shoulder flexibility are more prone to this injury.
• Posterior
  when the humeral head moves backwards. This is due to severe muscle spasm during an electric shock or epileptic seizure.
• Multidirectional
  this occurs in people born with loose joints. Muscles contracting and relaxing may trigger a multidirectional instability episode. Also certain sports that require greater shoulder range of motion such as swimming may also lead to multidirectional instability.

Shoulder instability usually results from an old injury producing a dislocation that, even when healed, leads to stretching of the shoulder capsule and ligaments

How does it happen?

When forces acting on the shoulder joint are too great for the supporting muscles and ligaments to withstand, then top of the arm bone may be caused to ‘pop out’ or dislocate. This can occur with a direct blow to the shoulder joint which pushes the ball-shaped top of the arm bone out of its socket. Alternatively, it may result from the transmission of forces up the arm to the shoulder joint. For example, when you land on an outstretched hand, forces can be transmitted up the arm to the shoulder joint causing it to dislocate.

Causes

• Falling on an outstretched arm
• A direct or powerful blow to the shoulder area.
• Repetitive sports or activities such as throwing or lifting

Any kind of force applied to an outstretched arm.

How does it feel?

The first sensation felt when the shoulder is dislocated is immediate and intense pain. This is often felt all over the shoulder and may also radiate down the arm. It is usually so intense that you hold your arm against your body with your other arm. At the time of injury you may have also sensed the shoulder ‘popping out’. This ‘popping-out’ or dislocation of the joint is often visible when you compare the appearance of the injured shoulder to the opposite side.

Symptoms

•   Swelling
•   Bruising
•   Pain (often severe)
•   Shoulder contour appears abnormal
•   Bruising Instability and weakness in the shoulder area
•   Inability to move the shoulder
•   Bruising Instability and weakness in the shoulder area
•   Numbness and tingling around the shoulder or in the arm or fingers
•   Seek immediate medical attention.

What should you do?

A shoulder dislocation is a serious injury which requires urgent medical attention. If you have or suspect you have dislocated your shoulder you should stop all activities and seek medical advice from a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist or Doctor. A sling will be needed to support the arm; in emergency a homemade sling will do by using a jumper or towel. To help with your pain and reduce and control any swelling you should also apply an ice pack to the shoulder, a thin cloth should be placed onto the injured area, the ice pack to be placed directly on top of the thin cloth, and this should be applied for up to 15-20 minutes once an hour.

What shouldn’t you do?

If you have or suspect you have dislocated your shoulder, the main thing you shouldn’t do is try to ‘reduce’ or relocate the top of the arm bone back into its socket by yourself. This requires a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist or Doctor. If not done properly serious damage may be done to other structures (nerves, bones, ligaments, cartilage) resulting in irreparable damage and/or a longer recovery time. In addition, you shouldn’t undertake any activities which increase blood flow to the injured site. These include hot bath and showers, heat packs and rubs, and massage therapy. These will cause further swelling in the damaged tissues resulting in a prolonged recovery.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Due to the seriousness of a shoulder dislocation, there are unfortunately potential long-term effects. The most common of these is recurrent or ongoing shoulder dislocations. When the shoulder joint is dislocated, the tissues which support it are overstretched and in some cases torn. This makes the joint less stable and decreases its ability to resist or withstand external forces. As a consequence, it dislocates much more easily. Other long-term effects result from damage to surrounding structures when the shoulder joint is dislocated. Occasionally, when the shoulder joint is dislocated, nearby nerves may be damaged. This can result in numbness or altered sensation over the outside of the shoulder and occasionally weakness in the shoulder muscles. This can prolong your recovery. Similarly, recovery may be prolonged if a bone is fractured or broken when the shoulder is ‘popped out’.

Treatment Options

• Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy, this modality has a five star rating for accelerating the healing process by significantly reducing swelling and inflammation, to the injured area and thus providing significant pain relief.
• Rest and limit activity of the shoulder joint
• Ice packs will help control pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs These include: aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

Management

The advice and assistance from a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist or Doctor is important in the treatment of a dislocated shoulder. Initially, they can confirm that the shoulder is actually dislocated. If it is, they can assist in relocating or ‘reducing’ the bones back into their normal position. Following this, they can assess which tissues have been damaged and the extent of this damage. This may require the use of a Digital-x-ray to determine whether any of the bones are damaged. After this is done a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Doctor will be able to provide you with a determination of how long the injury is expected to take to heal.

For healing this injury ideally Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process in the area of the joint, capsule and ligaments, reducing swelling and inflammation, thus bring significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, (more information can be found on this laser modality, under our “Pain Relief” section). A sling should be used immediately after the injury, for at least two to three weeks. A series of exercises should be undertaken designed to return you back to normal and sporting activities; these will reduce the risk of further shoulder dislocations.

Rehabilitation

Can last several months and may include: physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that control the shoulder joint.

Also available are 32 3D animated educational videos  for various Pain, injuries and conditions, they can be found under the listing ”Types of Pain” Section.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Pectoralis major strain

What is it?

A pectoralis major strain refers to a tear in the large muscle which covers the chest.

How does it happen?

A pectoralis major strain typically occurs when the muscle is forcibly contracted whilst in a stretched position. This can occur during weight training when performing exercises such as bench presses. When the bar is lowered, the pectoralis major muscle is stretched across the chest. In this position, overstretching of the muscle combined with the need to generate high muscle forces to lift and lower the bar may place too much stress on the muscle. The muscle subsequently tears.

How does it feel?

The first sensation you feel when the pectoralis major muscle is torn is sudden pain felt in the chest or, more commonly, at the front of the armpit. At the same time you may have a sensation of something tearing. In minor tears you may be able to continue with the activity with minimal hindrance. However, as the muscle cools down following this activity, pain may gradually worsen as bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle takes place. This may be associated with progressive tightening and stiffening of the pectoralis muscle. In more severe tears these sensations may be exaggerated such that you are unable to continue further activitities with the arm immediately following injury due to excessive pain, and muscle tightness, weakness and spasm. In complete tears of the pectoralis major muscle, you may have instant pain which quickly subsides. However,  as the muscle is completely torn, you are unable to produce force and the arm is substantially weakened.

What should you do?

To limit the severity of the injury, it is advised you cease using to the injured arm and begin initial treatment. The most important time in the treatment of a pectoralis major strain is the first 48 hours. This is when bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle is most active. Although swelling is a necessary step in the healing process, too much can delay healing and cause further tissue damage. To control the amount of swelling and limit the degree of damage to the pectoralis muscle, the muscle should be rested and iced. Rest involves ceasing activity with the injured arm and limiting the use of the arm. Icing involves applying a ice pack to the injured site for around 15 minutes once every hour. It ia important to always use a thin piece of cloth or towel between the skin and the ice pack, then contact a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist as soon as possible, ideally a therapist that has and can administer Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy this modality accelerates the healing process around the point of the injury, reducing swelling and inflammation, also significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, (more information can be found on this laser modality, under our “Pain Relief” section.

What shouldn’t you do?

In the first few days following a pectoralis major strain you shouldn’t undertake activities which increase blood flow to the injured muscle. These include hot bath and showers, pectoralis stretching and sports massage, and refrain as much as possible from using the arm.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Most pectoralis major strains heal without complication, within a matter of weeks. However, a proportion of injuries can result in longer-term effects, depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of damage. Complete tears of the muscle rarely heal by themselves and may require surgery to reunite the torn ends of the muscle. If a complete tear is not diagnosed and addressed early, it may prolong your recovery. Similarly, in more minor tears, recovery may be prolonged if the tear is not appropriately managed. This may result in a tight, weak pectoralis major muscle which is prone to re-injury when returning back to normal activity.

Management

The Chiropractor or Physiotherapist plays an important part in the treatment of a pectoralis major strain. Initially, they can assist in determining the exact tissue/s damaged and the extent of this damage. This is particularly important in complete tears of the pectoralis major muscle and may require the use of imaging techniques such as ultrasound. From this, a determination of how long the injury is expected to take to heal can be provided and appropriate management plan developed. The latter may mean the use of a number of treatment techniques to assist in reducing pain and swelling and to enhance the healing of the injured structures. This can be facilitated by providing you with an appropriate progression of exercises aimed at increasing your muscle length, strength and function. These exercises will facilitate your return to normal activitities and help prevent re-injury. Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process around the point of the injury, reducing swelling and inflammation bring significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, (more information can be found on this laser modality, under our “Pain Relief” section.

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Fracture of the Clavicle

What is it?  

A fracture of the clavicle refers to a break in the collarbone, the bone that lies horizontally between your breastbone and your shoulder.  

How does it happen?  

The clavicle is usually fractured following an impact to the shoulder. The impact may be with a stationary object or with a moving object or blow sustained from a contact sport such as rugby or horse riding. Similarly, the clavicle may be fractured when you fall on either your elbow or an outstretched hand. When this occurs, the force of the impact is transmitted along the bones in the arm to the clavicle. If the force is sufficient the clavicle may break.  

How does it feel?  

The first sensation felt when the clavicle is fractured is severe pain experienced between the bottom of the neck and point of shoulder. There may also be an audible noise as the bone breaks. When you look at your collarbone, there may be an obvious bump. This is due to either displacement of the broken ends of the bone or early bleeding and swelling around the site of the fracture.  

What should you do?  

A fracture of the clavicle is a serious injury. If you have or suspect you have a fracture of the clavicle, you should stop or reduce shoulder and arm activity and seek the advice and assistance from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Doctor. It’s important to support your arm whilst travelling you should wear an arm sling. Ice Packs will help with your pain and reduce and control any swelling, you should therfore apply an ice pack to the shoulder. The ice pack should be placed within a thin towel or cloth then placed upon the injury; ice packs should be applied for up to 15-20 minutes on an hourly basis when possible. Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process to the injured area reducing swelling and inflammation, thus providing significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, and more information can be found on this laser modality under our “Pain Relief” section

What shouldn’t you do?  

If you have or suspect that you have fractured your clavicle, you shouldn’t perform any activities with the shoulder or arm which may cause the broken ends of the bone to move on one another. To achieve this you shouldn’t use the injured arm until it has been assessed by a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist or Doctor. In addition, you should avoid any activities which may increase the blood flow to the injured area. These include hot baths and showers; massage, heat packs and rubs, for these may increase the bleeding around the fractured ends of bone and potentially delay the recovery recovery.  

Could there be any long-term effects?  

Most fractures of the clavicle heal without complication within of 6-8 weeks. This may leave a visible bump in the bone. However, this is should not be a problem in that it is a deformity which is pain free and doesn’t interfere with the use of your arm. In a small number of cases the broken ends of the bone fail to heal. When this occurs you may need surgery or alternative treatments to stimulate healing. One such modality mentioned earlier is Cold or Low level laser therapy; this modality has been awarded a five star rating for accelerating the healing process by reducing swelling and inflammation to the injured area, thus providing significant pain relief. 

Management   

The assistance and advice from a Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Doctor is important in the treatment of a fractured clavicle.  

A Chiropractor or Physiotherapist can assist in diagnosing the injury and the extent of the damage. This may require the use of a Digital-x-ray to view the bone. From this, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to provide you with an idea of how long the injury is expected to take to heal and determine an appropriate course of treatment. If your clavicle is fractured, treatment will consist of the wearing a sling for the first few weeks followed by a series of exercises designed to return you back to normal activities and reduce the risk of further problems.

As we have mentioned before, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process around the injured area, reducing swelling and inflammation, this modality provides significant pain relief for these kind of injuries, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, and more information can be found on Cold or Low Level laser Therapy, under our “Pain Relief” section.

Also available are 32 3D animated educational videos  for various Pain, injuries and conditions, they can be found under the listing ”Types of Pain” Section.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury

What is it?

An acromio-clavicular or AC joint injury refers to an injury to the joint between the end of your collarbone (clavicle) and the upper part of your shoulder blade (acromion process).

How does it happen?

The AC joint is usually injured following an impact to that point of the shoulder. The impact may be with a stationary object, such as the ground or wall, or with a moving object, such as an opponent in martial arts or other contact sports. This impact can push the upper part of the shoulder blade beneath the end of the collarbone. This can injure the capsule surrounding the AC joint and the ligaments which support the joint.

How does it feel?

The first sensation felt when the AC joint is injured is pain experienced on the top of the shoulder. This pain may be strong enough to stop you from using the injured arm and may cause you to cradle the arm close to your body. Depending on the severity of the injury, when you look at the site where the pain is coming from there may be an obvious deformity or bump. This is due to either displacement of the bones forming the joint or early bleeding and swelling around the injured structures.

What should you do?

If you have or suspect you have injured your AC joint, it is advised you cease participating in sports and begin treatment. The most important time in the treatment of an AC joint injury is the first 48 hours. This is when bleeding and swelling around the injured tissues is most active. Although swelling is a necessary step in the healing process, too much can delay healing and cause further tissue damage. To control the amount of swelling and limit the degree of damage to the injured tissues, the shoulder should be rested and ice packs used regularly. Rest involves limiting shoulder and arm activity. If the pain is strong you may use a sling to support the arm and reduce the tension on the injured structures. Icing involves applying ice packs to the injured area for 20 minutes on an hourly basis whenever possible. Ideally, it should be applied using a ice pack with a thin cloth or towel placed on the skin and the ice pack on top of the cloth. A Chiropractor or Physiotherapist should be contacted as soon as possible following the injury (within the first couple of days). Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process around the point of the injury, reducing swelling and inflammation and significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, (more information can be found on this laser modality, under our “Pain Relief” section.

What shouldn’t you do?

In the first few days following AC joint injury, you shouldn’t undertake activities which increase blood flow to the injured tissues. These include hot baths and showers, heat packs, sports massage, and overuse of the arm. These activities can prolong bleeding and exaggerate swelling resulting in further pain and an extended recovery.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Most AC joint injuries heal without complication, within a matter of weeks. However, a proportion of injuries can result in longer-term effects. In more serious injuries, recovery may be prolonged due to the extent and severity of damage to the injured tissues. Similarly, in more minor tears, recovery may be prolonged if the tear is not appropriately managed. This may result in ongoing shoulder pain and an increased risk of re-injury when you return to normal activities.

Management

The assistance of a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist is important in the treatment of an AC joint injury. Initially, they can assist in diagnosing the injury and the extent of the damage. This may require the use of an X-ray to exclude damage to the bones. From this, the Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to provide you with an idea of how long the injury is expected to take to heal and determine an appropriate treatment program. The latter may involve the use of a sling to help with your pain, the use of low level laser therapy to assist with the healing of the injured tissues and a series of exercises designed to return you to get back to normal activity levels and reduce the risk of re-injury. In terms of the latter, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will also be able to advise you on other preventive measures. Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process around the point of the injury, reducing swelling and inflammation and significant pain relief, a five star rating has been awarded to this modality, (more information can be found on this laser modality, under our “Pain Relief” section.

 Also available are 32 3D animated educational videos  for various Pain, injuries and conditions, they can be found under the listing ”Types of Pain” Section.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Rotator cuff strain

What is it?

The rotator cuff refers to a group of four muscles which run from the shoulder blade to the top of the arm bone. They act to both support and move the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff strain refers to a tear to one or more of these muscles.

How does it happen?

A rotator cuff muscle may be strained when it is forcibly contracted or overstretched. This can occur in any activity which requires movement of the shoulder.

How does it feel?

A tear of a rotator cuff muscle is usually felt as sudden pain or a sharp pulling felt in the shoulder area. In minor tears you may be able to continue participating with minimal hindrance. However, as the muscle cools down following participation the pain may gradually worsen as bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle takes place. In more severe tears, pain may be exaggerated such that you are unable to continue participating immediately following injury. In these cases the shoulder may also feel weak.

What should you do?

If you have or suspect you have a rotator cuff strain, it is advised you limit the use of the arm and begin initial treatment. The first few hours after he injury are crucial in the treatment of a rotator cuff strain. This is the time when bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle is active. Although swelling is a necessary step in healing process, too much can delay healing and cause further tissue damage. To control the amount of swelling and limit the degree of damage, the injured rotator cuff muscle should be rested and iced. This involves ceasing to participate in sporting activities and limiting the use of the injured arm. Icing involves applying ice to the point of the injury for 15 minutes every hour with a ice pack. Then seek medical advice within 24 hours.

What shouldn’t you do?

In the first few days following rotator cuff strain you shouldn’t undertake activities which increase blood flow to the injured muscle. These include hot showers, shoulder stretching, heat rubs, massage, the consumption of alcohol and excessive use of the arm. These can prolong muscle bleeding and exaggerate swelling resulting in further pain and an extended recovery.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Most rotator cuff strains heal without complication within weeks. However, a proportion of injuries can result in longer-term effects, depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of damage, should a rotator cuff muscle becomes completely torn surgery may be required to repair the muscle. To recover from surgery and enable the muscle to fully heal, a prolonged recovery may be required. Similarly, in minor tears recovery may be prolonged if the tear is not appropriately managed. This may result in a tight, weak rotator cuff muscle which is prone to re injury with return to participation. This weakened muscle may also predispose you to other shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Management

The assistance of a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist is important in the treatment of a rotator cuff strain. Initially, they can assist in determining the exact area and extent of tissue damage. This may require the use of imaging techniques to aid in the diagnosis. This will aid you to determine how long the injury is expected to take to heal can be provided and an appropriate management plan developed. The latter may involve activity modification, the use of soft tissue treatment such as massage and stretching, and the progression through a series of specific strengthening exercises.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

 Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff

Fibrosis and pain on the inside of the shoulder blade – commonly makes a grinding sound on movement and is very hard to pinpoint. There may also be aching or a burning feeling as well as pain radiating  into the neck and shoulder.

This condition is usually related to overuse and  posture problems. It can cause restrictions of  the rib joints where they articulate with the spine and restrictions of the spinal joints themselves. Treatment is usually by Micro current, Trigger point treatment and manipulation of the associated joints. ART and or tool assisted treatment of the tissues to break down the adhesion’s.

Rotator cuff muscle pathology – Pain is commonly in the front of the shoulder and may go into the arm.

The rotator cuff muscles can become easily stressed when asked to brace suddenly in a fall or car accident when holding the steering wheel at time of impact. Pain in muscles can occur from Trigger Points. Fibrotic changes in the muscle from a tear or micro tears can adhere and cause the muscle to shorten, the muscles then may feel restricted and painful, the peripheral nerves may also become trapped.

Also available are 32 3D animated educational videos  for various Pain, injuries and conditions, they can be found under the listing ”Types of Pain” Section.  

For the management of Shoulder Pain at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our  ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”. 

Biceps tendinopathy

What is it?

Biceps tendinopathy refers to inflammation within the tendon which connects the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm with the shoulder blade.

How does it happen?

Biceps tendinopathy results from the overuse of the biceps tendon. The biceps tendon passes through a narrow channel in the arm bone before reaching its insertion onto the shoulder blade. In this bony channel the tendon is very susceptible to damage. Overuse or repetitive use of the biceps muscle and, therefore, the biceps tendon can cause friction of the tendon against the edges of the bony channel leading to microscopic tears within the substance of the tendon. Following inflammatory reaction is the response in repairing these microscopic tears. This inflammation within the tendon is called tendinopathy.

How does it feel?

Biceps tendinopathy presents as pain felt in the top of the upper arm. This pain typically develops gradually. Initially, the tendon may only be painful following shoulder activity.  Sometome it may be felt first thing in the morning, the day after vigorous activity, there will also be pain which may lead to stiffness or tightness in the shoulder. Normally, these initial signs of biceps tendinopathy are ignored as they disappear quickly with use of the arm. However, by continuing precipitating activity, the tendinopathy progresses and the pain within the tendon becomes more frequent and intense. Pain occurs during any shoulder activity vigorous or not. In the earlier stages, this pain during shoulder activity may initially disappear, only to return later on.

What should you do?

Biceps tendinopathy generally does not get better on its own if the cause is not addressed and you continue the shoulder activity. If you have or suspect you have biceps tendinopathy, you should consult your Chiropractor or Physiotherapist at their Sports injury clinic. Treatment may begin at home, initially this should consist of an application of the ice pack shortly after shoulder activity, the ice pack should never be placed directly on to the skin, always put a thin fabric on the injured area, the ice pack then on top for 15-20 minutes only, this should be done once an hour, up to 8 times per day, the more you do, the better the results.

What should you not do?

Biceps tendinopathy do not ignore the problem. The pain may dissipate as the shoulder activity is undertaken; however, engaging in shoulder activity will interfere with the healing process and may cause further significant damage. If this occurs, the recovery may be prolonged and it may take a number of weeks or months to return the shoulder to painless activity.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Biceps tendinopathy does not produce any long-term effects as long as it is properly diagnosed and appropriate treatment administered. If not, it can lead to prolonged pain in the upper arm and prolong periods of pain resulting from shoulder activity.

Management

A Chiropractor or Physiotherapist is important in the treatment of biceps tendinopathy. Initially they diagnose the problem and its severity. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI Scan. From this a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

For Example

This may involve shoulder activity modification, soft tissue treatment such as massage and stretching, and the progression through a series of specific strengthening exercises. Please view our Cold or Low Level Laser Section listed under “Types of Pain” for the management of Biceps tendinopathy this modality has a five star rating for pain relief and the acceleration of the healing process of Biceps tendinopathy