SHOULDER PAIN

Listen up, folks! We're about to dive into the world of shoulder conditions and the miraculous world of natural treatments. Because let's face it, your shoulders deserve some tender loving care. They carry the weight of the world (or at least your heavy handbag) and sometimes they rebel. But fear not, we've got your back (or rather, your shoulders) with some great insights and natural remedies to follow.

 

Rotator Cuff Tear

 

So you thought you were invincible, huh? Well, meet the Rotator Cuff Tear, the grand master of shoulder pain. It loves to crash the party after an intense workout or an overenthusiastic dance-off. Ouch!  Although there are 4 muscles that make up the rotator cuff, the most common muscle to succumb is the supraspinatus muscle that lives on top of the shoulder blade and attaches to your humerus bone, not that funny though! 

 

This troublemaker is known for causing some serious pain in the shoulder area. Picture this: a deep, nagging ache that radiates from the shoulder and can sometimes extend down the arm. It's like a relentless reminder that your shoulder is not a happy camper. So, if you find yourself wincing every time you move your arm or attempt to lift something, you might well be dealing with a sneaky Rotator Cuff Tear.

 

To nurture a rotator cuff tear at home, the anti-inflammatory ® Injury Relief Lotion and Therapeutic Ultrasound on the pulsed setting are the best support.  100% natural Kirofix® provides the body with the building blocks required to heal soft tissue issues, including muscle tears, sprains and strains, whilst the Therapeutic Ultrasound brings the energy, via soundwaves, required for the damaged cells to repair.  6 minutes daily will usually suffice to get the ball rolling! 

 

Frozen Shoulder

 

Is your shoulder feeling as stiff as an ironing board? Say hello to Frozen Shoulder, the party pooper of shoulder mobility. It's like your shoulder decided to go on vacation without sending you a postcard. Rude!  If left to its own demise, there are distinct phases that a frozen shoulder goes through:

 

Stage 1: Freezing/Painful Stage: In this initial stage, your shoulder decides it's had enough of your shenanigans and starts to rebel. You'll experience a gradual onset of pain, usually deep within the shoulder joint. Every movement feels like an Olympic feat, and the pain intensifies at night, disrupting your beauty sleep. Trust me, your shoulder wants to make sure you don't forget it.

 

Stage 2: Frozen/Adhesive Stage: Congratulations, you've made it to the Frozen Stage! During this phase, the pain may subside a bit, but the stiffness takes centre stage. Your shoulder becomes as useful as a rubber chicken, with severely restricted mobility.

 

Stage 3: Thawing/Resolution Stage: Good news, shoulder warriors! The Thawing Stage is here to bring a glimmer of hope. Slowly but surely, your shoulder starts to regain some range of motion. The pain subsides, and you can finally wave goodbye to that rubber chicken feeling. Hallelujah!

 

Now, it's important to note that these stages can take months or even years to run their course but may be encouraged by doing some at-home treatments. Patience and a dash of persistence are essential as you navigate this shoulder odyssey.

 

If you want to speed the healing process along a bit we have found the Vacuum Cupping Set, Therapeutic Ultrasound and Shoulder Mobilizer to be the most effective combination.  Firstly use slide cupping over the back, front and side of the shoulder for 10 minutes.  Secondly, use the Therapeutic Ultrasound on the continuous (LOW) setting for 8 minutes, then use the Shoulder Mobilizer to stretch the adhered capsule in every direction for 10 minutes, follow it up with an application of Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion and then a further 8 minutes of the Therapeutic Ultrasound, but this time on the pulsed setting.  The continuous setting will help to warm up the capsule to encourage flexibility to help break up the adhesions, whilst the pulsed setting will help to remove the inflammation that occurs with the necessary stretching of the shoulder.  A great way to show this condition the exit door!

 

Shoulder Impingement 

 

Ah, the joy of Shoulder Impingement. It's that special someone who turns even the simplest activities into a high-stakes game. Suddenly, brushing your hair feels like an Olympic sport. Seriously?

 

Alright, let's dive into the mechanism of Shoulder Impingement, the troublemaker that loves to crash the shoulder party! Picture this: Your shoulder joint is a bustling neighbourhood, with muscles, tendons, and bones coexisting harmoniously. But here comes Shoulder Impingement, the neighbourhood bully, ready to stir up trouble.

 

The Crowded Space: In a healthy shoulder, there's ample space for the tendons of the rotator cuff to glide smoothly under the acromion, a bony prominence above the shoulder joint. But with Shoulder Impingement, the space becomes cramped, thanks to a combination of factors like poor posture, muscle imbalances, or repetitive overhead activities. It's like a party guest overstaying their welcome and hogging all the space.

 

The Pinch: As the space narrows, trouble brews. When you raise your arm, especially in repetitive or overhead motions, the rotator cuff tendons get pinched or squeezed between the acromion and the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone). Ouch! It's like your tendons are trapped in a shoulder traffic jam, honking for relief.

 

Inflammation and Irritation: The pinching action irritates the tendons and surrounding tissues. They become inflamed, swollen, and downright cranky. Hello, pain and discomfort! It's like your shoulder is throwing a fiery protest, making sure you know who's boss.

 

The Vicious Cycle: With continued impingement and inflammation, a vicious cycle sets in. The swelling leads to further narrowing of the space, exacerbating the pinching and irritation. It's like a never-ending cycle of trouble, leaving your shoulder longing for some peace and quiet.

 

Unfortunately, all of this noise can lead to other shoulder conditions like tendinitis and bursitis so it’s best to get this sorted out as quickly as possible.  Usually, a trip to a health practitioner, like a Chiro or Osteo is the best first step to adjust the shoulder joints to ensure that as much space as possible is made available to the soft tissue structures to move about freely.  At home, you can use the Therapeutic Ultrasound and Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion to speed up the inflammation-relieving effects.  Just 6 minutes daily on the point of the shoulder and down the front slightly will help gain you fast relief from this pesky condition.

 

 

Bursitis

 

Imagine your shoulder feeling as tender as a bruised peach. That's Bursitis, the pesky troublemaker that inflames the fluid-filled sacs around your joints. It's like having a sour grape as your constant companion. No thanks!

 

Shoulder Bursitis can really make life miserable. Prepare for deep, achy pain that accompanies every movement, along with tenderness and swelling in the affected area. Your range of motion takes a hit, making simple actions a challenge, and certain movements, like lifting your arm out to the side, can trigger sharp, stabbing pain. As if that's not enough, Shoulder Bursitis likes to disrupt your sleep by causing nighttime discomfort. Reclaim your shoulder's joy and bid adieu to this unwanted guest!

 

To have a crack at sorting this little issue out at home, here are a few important tips.  Start by doing yourself a favour and getting a Therapeutic Ultrasound.  This device is easy to use (no qualifications necessary) and is exactly what I would use to treat this condition if you were to present in my Chiro office.  Professional results for a fraction of the price.  The high-frequency sound waves have an amazing ability to reduce the inflammatory response in inflamed bursae, as well as many other soft tissue conditions.  I recommend using the Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion on the outer aspect of the shoulder (right where the pain is) first and then use the Therapeutic Ultrasound on the pulsed setting for 4 minutes daily.  Also, consider treating the supraspinatus muscle tightness using the Vacuum Cupping Set or going to a practitioner for some dry needling.  The supraspinatus muscle being tight is a major contributing factor to developing subacromial bursitis, so needs to be addressed in managing this condition.  The other thing to consider is your posture.  Rounded shoulders lead to many of these shoulder conditions and need to be addressed for long-term resolution.  Check out ‘posture awareness’ down below for more information.  

 

 

Tendinitis

 

Tendinitis, the stealthy ninja of shoulder pain, likes to strike when you least expect it. It's the nosey neighbour who overstays their welcome, making simple tasks feel like a marathon. How considerate!

 

Shoulder tendinitis is no stranger to causing trouble in the shoulder realm. It's characterised by inflammation and irritation of the tendons in the shoulder, resulting in pain that ranges from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. Movements like lifting or reaching can intensify the pain, while tenderness and swelling in the affected area add to the discomfort. You may also notice a decrease in your shoulder's range of motion, as well as stiffness.  

 

To treat supraspinatus tendinitis at home use the powerful combination of the Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion and the Therapeutic Ultrasound.  Apply Kirofix® directly over the supraspinatus tendon, which is at top, side and towards the back of the shoulder.  Follow this by using the Therapeutic Ultrasound on the pulsed setting for 4-6 minutes daily.  Be sure to keep the exercise and even stretching to a minimum during the acute phase as lifting the arm away from the side of the body can really aggravate this calcified tendon.  To fast-track healing place a Vacuum Cup on the supraspinatus tendon for 10 minutes daily for a week, or get a couple of dry needling treatments on this muscle, as this will decrease the excessive pull on this tendon, speeding up the healing process.  Posture needs to be considered in the long-term resolution of tendinitis.  Check out ‘posture awareness’ below or more info.  

 

 

Calcific Tendinitis

 

Oh, the joy of calcified deposits deciding to set up camp in your tendons. Calcific Tendinitis brings a special kind of pain that makes you want to scream "fudge!" Seriously, who invited them?  The presence of calcium deposits in the tendons adds insult to injury, causing discomfort and inflammation. Every movement of the shoulder can be met with a jolt of pain, and the affected area may feel tender and swollen. Sound familiar? All of these shoulder conditions present in a very similar way, making it challenging to know exactly what the diagnosis is.  Luckily we treat them all in a very similar way. 

 

To speed up the healing of this condition with some at home treatments, treat in the same way as described above for Tendinitis, except add the Bone Aid Relief Cream as well as the Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion to address the calcification that has occurred as Bone Aid has specific ingredients that assist with healing bone injuries.

 

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 

 

Let’s give you the rundown on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) because this condition is as annoying as a mosquito at a picnic. The area between your neck and armpit is like a nerve and blood vessel superhighway and TOS is like a massive traffic jam.  This traffic jam can be caused by wonky anatomy like an extra rib or muscle imbalances, traumatic accidents, terrible posture, or those repetitive motions from your favourite sports or job. This compression can leave you with pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. 

 

Now, if you want to handle this mess on your own turf, here's the deal. Straighten up! Good posture is non-negotiable. Stretch those chest, shoulder, and neck muscles like a champion and pump up the muscles in between your shoulder blades with resistance band exercises. This is critical for some permanent change to the compression experienced in the thoracic outlet area.  

Now for some tips on how to decrease the inflammation involved.  Your Wrap-On-Ice and Heat packs will become your new besties, alternating between the two helps get the perfect balance of blood flow and inflammation reduction. The ice reduces the inflammation and the heat brings the healing blood flow.  And don't forget the incredible power duo of anti-inflammatory Kirofix® Injury Relief Lotion (to be used in the front of the shoulder and side of the neck area) and the Therapeutic Ultrasound over the same location.  A great way to help kick inflammation to the curb. But let's get real, if the pain still plays hard to get, call in the pros. You don't mess around with this diva so see your local health practitioner. 

Check out this video for a visual on how to turn that postural imbalance around.  

At Home Treatments For Shoulder Pain: Taking Charge Like A Shoulder Superhero!

 

Now, let's move on to some at-home treatments to give shoulder conditions a run for their money.

 

 

Therapeutic Ultrasound 

 

Revive and restore your ailing shoulder with the power of Therapeutic Ultrasound! This cutting-edge treatment is here to help rescue you from the clutches of frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, tendinitis, and even calcific tendinitis. Harnessing the gentle yet potent sound waves of the Ultrasound, this therapy penetrates deep into the tissues, providing a myriad of benefits. Help say goodbye to pain as the Ultrasound waves aide to soothe inflammation, reduce swelling, and promote faster healing. Experience increased blood flow, which brings vital nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, helping speed up recovery. Feel the tension melt away as Ultrasound helps to break down scar tissue and improve range of motion. Don't let shoulder conditions hold you back – unlock the transformative benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound and start to reclaim your shoulder's strength and mobility! To find out more and watch a video on how to use it click HERE.

 

 

Vacuum Cupping

 

Say hello to Vacuum Cupping, your shoulder's new best friend! This ancient therapy is here to alleviate tension and lend a helping hand in the battle against these pesky shoulder conditions.  Vacuum Cupping is safe to do at home and super easy to use!

 

The suction from the Vacuum Cups works wonders in releasing tight muscles, promoting circulation, and reducing pain. It's like a deep tissue massage (but better!) targeting those stubborn knots that trigger these conditions in the first place. And that's not all – Vacuum Cupping can also help improve posture by gently lifting and separating the tissues taking pressure off the tendons and bursae, encouraging proper alignment and relieving strain. So, help say ta-ta to shoulder tension and embrace the therapeutic benefits of Vacuum Cupping. Let it be your secret weapon in finding relief and restoring your shoulder's well-being! To find out more and watch a video on how to use them click HERE.

 

 

TRIO Of Creams

 

Discover the dynamic TRIO of Creams that will help revolutionise your shoulder healing journey! Introducing Bone Aid Relief Cream, Trauma Relief Cream, and Heativate® Relief Cream – a powerhouse combination for optimal recovery.

 

First up, Bone Aid Relief Cream takes the stage. Packed with essential nutrients and building blocks such as Comfrey, and Yarrow (just to name a few) it provides the foundation for bone health. Whether you're battling arthritis, shoulder spurs, or calcific tendinitis, this cream supports your bones, helping them stay strong and resilient.

 

Next in line is Trauma Relief Cream, designed to tackle the myriad of soft tissues surrounding your shoulder. From tendons to muscles, ligaments to capsules, and bursae, this cream targets them all. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to soothing relief as it eases pain and inflammation, allowing your shoulder to heal and restore its optimal function with the help of active ingredients such as Arnica, Kunzea, Yarrow, Glucosamine and Magnesium (and many more!).

 

But that's not all – the dynamic TRIO is completed by Heativate® Relief Cream. This powerful cream brings the heat, quite literally! By stimulating blood flow, it ensures that the building blocks provided by Bone Aid Relief Cream and Trauma Relief Cream reach deep into the shoulder, kickstarting the healing process. Say hello to aiding enhanced circulation, increased nutrient delivery, and faster recovery.

 

When using these creams in conjunction with the powerful at-home Therapeutic Ultrasound device, use the Bone Aid Relief Cream, followed by the Trauma Relief Cream on the area before using the conductive gel provided with the Therapeutic Ultrasound on the pulsed setting.  The Ultrasound sound waves drive the active ingredients of these two amazing creams deep into the shoulder joint so the body can use them more effectively for healing.  After treatment, wipe off the gel, and then reapply all three creams one after the other, so that the body can continue to draw from this source throughout the day.  It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

 

So, don't settle for one-dimensional healing. Embrace the transformative benefits of the TRIO of Creams – Bone Aid Relief Cream, Trauma Relief Cream, and Heativate® Relief Cream – and unleash the full potential of your shoulder's healing journey. Get ready to experience relief, rejuvenation, and restored shoulder vitality like never before!

To find out more click HERE.

 

 

Rest & Relaxation

 

Show your shoulder some love by giving it a break. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain and find solace in rest and relaxation. Elevating your arm away from your side aggravates most of these conditions so let’s avoid this movement until significant recovery has occurred.  Embrace your inner Zen and let those troubles melt away

 

 

Hot And Cold Therapy

 

Heat and ice can be your dynamic duo in the battle against shoulder pain. Applying ice packs can bring cool relief and reduce inflammation. Alternatively, try a warm compress or take a soothing hot shower to ease muscular tension.  It's all about finding what works for you.  If you haven’t already seen the amazing Wrap-On-Ice and heat pack system which literally holds the gel packs onto your joint, then do yourself a favour and check them out HERE.  

 

 

Gentle Stretching

 

Don't let those shoulder villains keep you down! Embrace gentle stretching exercises to keep those muscles limber. But hey, listen to your body and don't push it too hard. Slow and steady wins the race.  If a stretch causes sharp pain, avoid it until more healing has occurred first.

 

Shoulder Mobilisation

 

Unlock the power of our Shoulder Mobilizer and help unleash a world of increased mobility and accelerated healing! If you've been struggling with a tight shoulder, it's time to break free from its grasp, quite literally in the case of a frozen shoulder. A Shoulder Mobilizer could be your ticket to a more flexible and healthy shoulder joint. This tool is particularly beneficial after healing the acute phase of the original shoulder injury, such as bursitis, tendinitis or rotator cuff damage for example.  By gently stretching and mobilizing the surrounding tissues, this ingenious gadget promotes an improved range of motion, allowing you to regain your full potential. But the benefits don't stop there – increased mobility leads to enhanced blood flow, delivering the essential nutrients and oxygen your shoulder needs for faster healing. Say goodbye to wear and tear caused by a tight shoulder, as the mobilizer eases tension and promotes proper alignment. Don't let a lack of blood flow hinder your healing journey – embrace the transformative benefits of a Shoulder Mobilizer and unlock your shoulder's true potential. Get ready to move, heal, and thrive! Learn more and to see it in action HERE

 

Posture Awareness

 

Straighten up, buttercup! Poor posture can exacerbate shoulder conditions. So, stand tall, roll those shoulders back, and embrace good posture like the fabulous being you are.  Tight chest muscles and weak back muscles lead to a rounded shoulder posture that puts you at risk of rotator cuff tears, bursitis and tendonitis, so nip this in the bud as part of the long-term goal of getting rid of your ailment and making sure it stays away! 

 

When Is It Time To See A Chiro For Shoulder Pain?

 

Remember, these at-home treatments are not a substitute for professional advice. If the pain persists or worsens, it's time to seek help from a healthcare professional.  At our Watsonia VIC  Chiro clinic, Life Balance Adjustments, Dr Kez is frequently treating shoulder conditions, amongst other peripheral joint ailments, to give you a whole body treatment.  We are one whole body, yes we are made up of many joints, but we can’t be viewed as individual parts.  Everything is interconnected.  In clinical practice, I often see patients who have been treated elsewhere solely for their shoulder condition without any consideration of the body as a whole, and they aren’t getting a resolution to their condition.  In particular, when it comes to shoulder ailments, not addressing spinal posture has a detrimental impact on the success of shoulder treatment due to how this affects shoulder biomechanics.  Without viewing the body as a whole, things are often missed and recovery is either prolonged or incomplete, resulting in reoccurrences down the track. So don’t be surprised if Dr Kez adjusts your lower back and neck for example, while working on your shoulder ailment. 

 

Chiropractic Adjustments For Shoulder Pain

 

Listen up, folks, because we're about to dive into the world of shoulder chiropractic adjustments, where your cranky shoulder gets the royal treatment it deserves. Start to say farewell to those nagging pains and hello to a shoulder that's ready to conquer the world!

 

At Life Balance Adjustments, Dr. Kez has mastered the art of shoulder adjustments. No forceful yanking or cracking here – we've got a more refined approach. We use gentle techniques that will make your shoulder feel like it’s being nurtured back into place, rather than forced against its will.

 

So, if your shoulder is throwing a tantrum and causing you grief, it's time to put it in its place, literally.  A humerus bone that isn’t sitting optimally in the groove of your shoulder socket will cause wear and tear, not only of the shoulder joint itself (hello arthritis), but also to the capsule, ligaments, muscles and tendons too, leading to many of the conditions mentioned above.  Begin to bid farewell to those troublesome pains and embrace a life of shoulder freedom. Trust me, your shoulder will thank you for it.

 To book an in-clinic appointment or Telehealth with Dr Kez click HERE

Note that Dr Kez isn’t your typical ‘twist and crack’ Chiro as the preferred type of treatments are low force using an Activator and drop piece table if needed, also incorporating Dry Needling, Cupping and soft tissue work for a wholistic treatment you’ll be glad you came for!  

  

 

Dry Needling And Cupping

 

But wait, there's more! We're not just stopping at Chiro adjustments, because there’s so much more to a shoulder issue than simply joint alignment. Let’s bring out the big guns with modalities like Dry Needling and in-clinic cupping.  Yep, we're addressing those tight muscles that are jamming up the joint and causing the biomechanical issues that may lead to arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis and the poor posture that potentially caused the shoulder ailment in the first place.  Help say farewell to the lactic acid buildup with Dry needling and say hello to un-adhered, independently moving muscles that provide relaxation and relief from cupping.  When the muscles in your neck and shoulders are rebalanced using these modalities, normal biomechanics are restored and healing may take place unhindered. So what’s the harm in a few needles to get all that relief, right!?!? 

 

If you feel like your shoulder ailment is not getting the message to evacuate the building, perhaps a trained pair of eyes and hands is what you need to set off the alarm.  Dr Kez will get the joints aligned and relieve the tension in the muscles to get the biomechanics back on track, and then work on the inflammation and tissue damage that is present for helping fast-track healing.  Recommendations will also be given for you to do at home to further enhance your recovery.

 

Now, go forth with your new shoulder knowledge and show those conditions who's boss!