Fort Dodge Area SHOULDER PAIN SPECIALIST
At Active Health Clinics, we understand how debilitating chronic shoulder pain can be, limiting your ability to perform daily activities and leading to distress. While shoulder pain
is common, it should not be overlooked, particularly if it is interfering with your quality of life.
You may have tried several remedies such as rest, ice, heat, or cortisone to ease the pain, but unfortunately, they may not have been effective. It's easy to dismiss shoulder pain as an inevitable consequence of aging or something that will resolve on its own. However, we understand that chronic shoulder pain can be a complicated issue that requires professional attention.
At our medical center in the Webster County Area, we encounter shoulder pain cases frequently. It's a widespread problem that many people face. Invasive and expensive options like shoulder replacement surgery and the continuous use of pain medication can seem like the only options available. Nonetheless, we believe that there are alternatives and long-term solutions to alleviate your pain.
What is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is discomfort or pain in the area of the shoulder joint, which is where the upper arm bone (humerus) attaches to the shoulder blade (scapula). The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile and complex joints in the body, allowing a wide range of motion in the arm.
Shoulder pain can occur for a variety of reasons, including overuse, injury, arthritis, or a rotator cuff tear. It can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.
At Active Health Clinics, our clinical team is renowned for delivering long-term results and is dedicated to determining the root cause of your shoulder pain and successfully resolving it.
When you experience shoulder pain, it can cause you to change the way you move your arm or avoid using it altogether, which can result in additional strain on the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles. This can cause further wear-and-tear on the shoulder and lead to inflammation and swelling, which can exacerbate the pain and cause further damage.
In addition, if the underlying cause of the shoulder pain is not properly treated, it can result in chronic shoulder problems, such as chronic inflammation, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Our initial step is to identify the precise mechanism causing your shoulder pain by evaluating your shoulder's function and condition, then creating a blueprint of the damage and its extent.
Why Risk Shoulder Surgery?
Why undergo surgery when there are effective non-surgical alternatives available? Shoulder replacement surgery can be quite costly and its success rate may vary depending on the individual. Moreover, it is a major procedure that involves a long and sometimes painful recovery period. While insurance may cover the cost of the procedure, the expenses related to post-surgery care can add up quickly.
Fortunately, you don't have to go through surgery to find relief from chronic shoulder pain. Active Health Clinics has pain management experts who specialize in treating shoulder pain and shoulder osteoarthritis. They offer an innovative non-surgical shoulder pain relief program that can alleviate your discomfort, restore joint function and motion, and improve your overall quality of life. With this program, you can avoid the risks and costs associated with surgery while achieving the results you need to live a pain-free life.
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Common Causes of Shoulder Pain:
Shoulder pain can stem from various factors, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. Therefore, it's crucial to receive a proper diagnosis to determine the underlying problem and ensure that you receive the best treatment for your condition. With an accurate diagnosis, you can address the root cause of your shoulder pain and find relief through the most effective treatment approach.
Shoulder pain is often the result of one of two things:
1) Acute Shoulder Injury: Your shoulder is in a constant state of activity, particularly on days when you're active, as it moves forward, backward, and side to side, as well as stopping, turning, rotating, and lifting. Due to the various types of movements it undergoes, there's a possibility of experiencing an acute or sudden injury at any moment.
Frequently occurring acute shoulder injuries:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Fractures
- Dislocated shoulder
- Shoulder separation
2) Degeneration: Shoulder degeneration, also known as shoulder osteoarthritis, is a type of arthritis that is caused by the wear and tear of the joint. Over time, the smooth cartilage that lines the joint can wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Degeneration can also cause the formation of bone spurs, which can further limit movement and contribute to pain.
Symptoms of shoulder degeneration may include:
- aching
- stiffness
- pain in the shoulder
- limited range of motion
Here are brief explanations of each of the common causes of shoulder pain that were mentioned earlier:
Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint and allow you to raise and rotate your arm. A rotator cuff injury can occur due to overuse, repetitive motion, or acute trauma, and can result in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and restricted range of motion in the shoulder joint. It can occur due to injury or as a result of certain medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and degeneration of the joint cartilage, which can result in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate joints. Bursitis is a condition in which the bursae in the shoulder become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Bursitis can be caused by overuse or injury.
Tendinitis: Tendons are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, causing pain and limiting movement. Tendinitis can be caused by overuse, injury, or age-related changes.
Shoulder impingement syndrome: Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons or bursae in the shoulder are compressed or pinched, causing pain and limiting movement. This can be caused by overuse or injury, and is common in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions.
Shoulder dislocation or separation: A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone is pulled out of the shoulder socket, while a shoulder separation occurs when the collarbone separates from the shoulder blade. Both conditions can be very painful and can limit movement in the shoulder.
Fracture or broken bone in the shoulder: A fracture or broken bone in the shoulder can be caused by a fall, direct blow, or other trauma. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Treatment may include immobilization or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Here is a quick quiz to see if you might be affected by an acute shoulder injury:
- Have you recently fallen or suffered a direct blow to your shoulder?
- Do you experience sudden, sharp pain in your shoulder when you move it or put weight on it?
- Do you notice any swelling, bruising, or visible deformity in your shoulder?
- Are you having difficulty moving your shoulder or lifting your arm?
- Do you experience pain or discomfort when you sleep on the affected shoulder?
What symptoms does shoulder pain cause?
Shoulder pain can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common symptoms associated with shoulder pain:
- Pain: Shoulder pain can cause a dull ache, sharp stabbing pain, or a burning sensation in the shoulder joint.
- Stiffness: The shoulder may feel stiff, making it difficult to move the arm or perform certain activities.
- Weakness: Shoulder pain can cause weakness in the affected arm, making it difficult to perform tasks that require lifting or carrying objects.
- Swelling: In some cases, shoulder pain may be accompanied by swelling or inflammation around the shoulder joint.
Limited range of motion: Shoulder pain can make it difficult to move the arm in certain directions, making it challenging to perform everyday activities such as getting dressed or reaching for objects. - Clicking or popping sounds: Some people with shoulder pain may hear clicking or popping sounds when they move their arm, which can be a sign of a shoulder injury.
- Numbness or tingling: Shoulder pain can sometimes be accompanied by numbness or tingling sensations in the arm or hand.
If any of these symptoms apply to you, it may be time to seek medical attention.
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Treatment Options
At AHC, we offer a variety of services to help our patients overcome joint pain, with personalized treatment plans using a combination of services that not only alleviate pain but also address the root cause of the issue. Below is AHC 10 Step Joint Renewal Program:
Consultation and Blueprint built revealing how and why your shoulder is not functioning properly or not healing.
Detailed and Personalized Action Plan designed to stabilize, rebuild and restore your shoulder joint & function.
Ultrasonic, Focused Energy Treatments targeting the shoulder joint and supporting tissues.
Prescription-Grade Kinesiology Tape for biomechanical alignment and retraining throughout your program.
Cupping Therapy aimed at improving circulation and reducing muscle tension in the shoulder area, facilitating a more rapid recovery.
Precise Chiropractic Adjustments to correct alignment and improve body mechanics related to the shoulder.
(if qualified) - Enriched Plasma to support your shoulder joint tissues and facilitate healing.
Active Health Clinics specific Rebuilding & Strengthening Protocols for the shoulder..
Active Health prescribed ‘At-Home’ Rebuilding Exercises for the shoulder,, (just 5 minutes at home each day)
(if qualified) - Utilizing the latest Natural Medicine to support your shoulder's recovery.
Targeted class IV Laser Therapy to help stimulate blood-flow and support tissue healing in the shoulder area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if shoulder pain is serious?
Sudden and severe pain: If you experience sudden and severe pain in your shoulder, it could be a sign of a tear or rupture of a tendon or ligament. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience this type of pain. Inability to move the shoulder: If you are unable to move your shoulder or lift your arm, it could indicate a serious shoulder injury or condition that requires medical attention. Deformity or swelling: If you notice any visible deformity or swelling in your shoulder, it could indicate a dislocated shoulder, fracture, or other serious injury. Numbness or tingling: If you experience numbness or tingling in your arm or hand along with your shoulder pain, it could indicate nerve damage or compression.
What is the most common reason for shoulder pain?
The most common reason for shoulder pain is a condition called rotator cuff tendinitis, which occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed or irritated. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone and help to stabilize and move the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tendinitis is often caused by repetitive overhead motions or overuse of the shoulder, such as those performed in sports like swimming, tennis, or baseball. It can also be caused by aging, as the tendons in the rotator cuff tend to weaken over time. Symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis include pain in the shoulder that is worse at night, pain when lifting or reaching overhead, and weakness in the shoulder.
How do I get rid of the pain in my shoulder?
At Active Health Clinics, our clinical team is renowned for delivering long-term results and is dedicated to determining the root cause of your shoulder pain and are known to successfully resolve it. Our initial step is to identify the precise mechanism causing your shoulder pain by evaluating your shoulder's function and condition, then creating a blueprint of the damage and its extent. Fortunately, you don't have to go through surgery to find relief from chronic shoulder pain. Active Health Clinics has pain management experts who specialize in treating shoulder pain and shoulder osteoarthritis. They offer an innovative non-surgical shoulder pain relief program that can alleviate your discomfort, restore joint function and motion, and improve your overall quality of life. With this program, you can avoid the risks and costs associated with surgery while achieving the results you need to live a pain-free life.
REQUEST APPT. NOW!
