Shoulder pain is one of the more complex conditions we treat at Loop Spine & Sports Center because the shoulder is one of the most mobile and mechanically demanding joints in the body. Its range of motion far exceeds that of any other joint, and that mobility comes at the cost of stability.
The rotator cuff, the group of four muscles and their tendons that surround and stabilize the shoulder joint, is constantly working to keep the joint centered and functioning properly. When any part of that system is strained, irritated, or injured the result is pain, weakness, and restricted movement that can make even simple daily tasks genuinely difficult.
Common Causes of Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Pain
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Shoulder pain can develop from a single incident like a fall, an awkward movement, or an athletic injury, or it can develop gradually from the cumulative effects of repetitive use, poor posture, and muscular imbalance.
The most common causes we see at Loop Spine & Sports Center include:
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Rotator cuff strains and tears range from mild irritation of the tendon to significant partial or full thickness tears. Most rotator cuff injuries short of complete tears respond well to conservative care. Complete tears with significant functional loss are surgical cases and Dr. Trottier will tell you directly if your presentation suggests that is what you are dealing with.
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Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are compressed between the bones of the shoulder during arm elevation. It produces a characteristic painful arc of motion and is one of the most common shoulder complaints in active adults and desk workers alike.
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Rotator cuff tendinitis is inflammation of one or more of the rotator cuff tendons, typically from overuse or repetitive strain. It responds well to a combination of soft tissue treatment, adjusting, and therapeutic ultrasound when the inflammatory component is significant.
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Cervical spine involvement is a factor in many shoulder pain presentations that patients and practitioners alike fail to identify. Restricted segments in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine can refer pain directly into the shoulder and upper arm, and in some cases the shoulder pain a patient is experiencing has more to do with the neck than the shoulder itself. A thorough examination that includes the cervical spine is essential for accurate diagnosis.
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How We Treat Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Pain
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Treatment at Loop Spine & Sports Center for shoulder and rotator cuff conditions typically includes chiropractic adjusting of the cervical and upper thoracic spine to address any spinal component contributing to the shoulder symptoms, along with massage therapy targeting the rotator cuff musculature, upper trapezius, and surrounding soft tissue. Deep tissue work and trigger point therapy are particularly effective for shoulder conditions where chronic muscle tension and trigger points are driving the pain pattern.
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Therapeutic ultrasound is added for cases with a significant tendinitis or inflammatory component, particularly when the condition has been present for some time and scar tissue has begun to develop in the affected tendon. For patients with shoulder pain that also involves the cervical spine, treatment addresses both areas simultaneously rather than focusing exclusively on the shoulder.
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Extremity adjusting of the shoulder joint itself is used in select cases where joint restriction in the glenohumeral or acromioclavicular joint is a contributing factor.
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What to Expect
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Shoulder and rotator cuff conditions vary considerably in severity and complexity. Mild to moderate cases typically respond well within the first several weeks of consistent care. More significant rotator cuff injuries or long-standing chronic conditions require more time and a more structured approach. Dr. Trottier will give you an honest assessment of your specific situation during your first visit and a realistic picture of what improvement looks like for your case.
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Ready to Get Your Shoulder Evaluated?
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New patients are welcome and can take advantage of our $75 first visit special, which includes a thorough consultation, complete spinal examination, digital x-rays if needed, and a report of findings. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what is going on and whether we can help.
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Loop Spine & Sports Center is located at 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 605 in the heart of the Chicago Loop, steps from Millennium Park and accessible from every CTA train line.