Assessment and Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain: How Chiropractors Identify Underlying Issues

If you have shoulder pain in Richmond, VA, Dr. Scott Shaw can help pinpoint the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan. Read about how we diagnose shoulder pain and contact us today to start feeling better!

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex joint that allows you a full range of motion but is also vulnerable to several types of injury. Tears in the muscles and tendons, overuse injuries, and diseases of the joints can all affect the shoulder. Pain in the shoulder can be intense and limit your movement. It cannot improve independently, so don't delay contacting your Richmond chiropractor to be diagnosed.

Diagnosing Shoulder Pain

To identify the root cause of your shoulder pain, your chiropractor will examine the joint, have you demonstrate your range of motion, and may take x-rays to help determine what is causing your pain. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain in Richmond, VA, are:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Dislocation
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Poor posture
• Shoulder impingement

Treating Shoulder Pain

A chiropractor can use several methods to treat shoulder pain. Depending on the severity of your injury and your preferences for treatment, we may recommend:

• Chiropractic adjustments - manual adjustments of the shoulder joint relieve pain and restore range of motion.
• Trigger point therapy - sustained pressure on trigger points can help release tension and facilitate stretching.
• Physical therapy - stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles supporting the joint.
• Medications - medications are never the main part of our treatment plan, but medications that reduce inflammation can help ease shoulder pain.
• Surgery - if your chiropractor's treatments do not ease your pain, surgical repair of the shoulder may be necessary.

By targeting the underlying cause of your shoulder pain, we can treat the pain and help restore your range of motion.

Treat Your Shoulder Pain in Richmond, VA

Shoulder pain can slow you down, limit your range of motion, and will only get worse without identifying and treating the root cause. To make an appointment with Dr. Scott Shaw at Shaw Chiropractic Center in Richmond, VA, contact us at (804) 741-3068.