Shoulder Pain Relief in Grand Rapids MI

The shoulder houses one of the widest ranges of motion in the human body, and that freedom comes at a price: a long list of ailments can affect it. The possible sources of shoulder pain are nearly limitless, but a significant portion of shoulder injuries trace back to neck and upper back issues, degeneration at the joint, vigorous exercise, or auto injuries. Because the shoulder works in almost every daily task, it pays to care for any injury promptly. Even a seemingly harmless shoulder problem deserves an experienced evaluation before it becomes something serious.

Signs your shoulder needs an exam

Some shoulder symptoms are more obvious than others, so anything involving the joint is worth tracking closely. Schedule an examination if you notice:

• Shoulder pain that lingers for a week or longer, or that keeps coming back
• Inability to raise your hand above the shoulder
• Difficulty lifting objects
• Pain at the joint that gets worse at night
• Visible signs of damage such as swelling or bruising
• Odd sounds or clicks from the joint when you move

The best therapy for shoulder pain depends on what is causing it, so a precise examination and a clear understanding of your specific condition come first. Our team is trained to assess your shoulder and build a comprehensive care plan aimed at lasting relief.

Why we look above the shoulder

The neck and upper spine are the regions chiefly responsible for supporting the shoulder joint. When spinal misalignments interfere with the nerve pathways serving those supporting muscles, a waterfall effect follows: the shoulder carries an increased load without adequate support. The body tolerates occasional overuse, but eventually its limits are reached and injury occurs. If shoulder pain remains after spinal alignment is restored, we draw on a comprehensive range of therapies aimed at correcting the underlying issue, because once the source is resolved, relief tends to follow.

Gentle, specific shoulder care

Extremity work is a strength of this practice, and the shoulder is no exception. As an Advanced Certified Activator Methods chiropractor, Dr. McAllister can adjust the shoulder and the spine that supports it with precise, low-force corrections, no wrenching of a joint that already hurts. A related pattern worth knowing about: pain on the outside of the elbow with a weakening grip often travels with shoulder trouble, so if that sounds familiar, read about tennis elbow too.

If you have questions about shoulder care or want to schedule a consultation, contact Kentwood Family Chiropractic today.