Understanding Shoulder Pain & How Chiropractic Care Can Help In Zeeland MI

Understanding Shoulder Pain & How Chiropractic Care Can Help In Zeeland MI

Chiropractic Zeeland MI Understanding Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common issues people face, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. It can range from minor discomfort to chronic pain that interferes with daily activities. Finding effective treatment is crucial, whether caused by injury, overuse, or underlying conditions. Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive solution for managing and alleviating shoulder pain.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of shoulder pain, how chiropractic adjustments in Zeeland MI can help, and what to expect from chiropractic treatment.


Common Causes of Shoulder Pain In Zeeland MI

The shoulder is a complex joint with a wide range of motion, making it prone to injury and dysfunction. Some common causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Strains or tears in the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder.
  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Stiffness and restricted movement due to inflammation in the shoulder capsule.
  • Tendonitis or Bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or bursae around the joint, often caused by repetitive motion.
  • Shoulder Impingement: When the rotator cuff muscles are pinched during shoulder movement.
  • Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Postural Issues: Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and stress on the shoulder joint.

Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.


How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring the body’s natural alignment and improving function. Chiropractors use various techniques to address shoulder pain, depending on the root cause and severity.

  • Spinal Adjustments: Shoulder pain is often connected to spinal misalignments, especially in the cervical (neck) and upper thoracic (mid-back) regions. Spinal adjustments help restore proper alignment, reducing nerve irritation and improving shoulder mobility.
  • Shoulder Joint Adjustments: Chiropractors can also perform adjustments directly on the shoulder joint to improve its range of motion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. These adjustments help ensure the joint is functioning optimally.
  • Shockwave and Cupping Therapies: Muscle tension and scar tissue can contribute to shoulder pain. Chiropractors use soft tissue techniques such as shockwave or cupping and instrument-assisted therapy to relieve tension and improve blood flow to the affected area.
  • Corrective Exercises: Rehabilitation exercises are often prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and restore balance. These exercises promote long-term stability and prevent future injuries.
  • Postural and Lifestyle Advice: Chiropractors can offer guidance on improving posture and making ergonomic adjustments to your daily routine, reducing strain on the shoulder and preventing recurring pain.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment

During your initial visit, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your shoulder pain. This may include:

  • A detailed health history
  • Physical examination and posture assessment
  • Range of motion and orthopedic tests
  • X-ray’s

Once the cause of your shoulder pain is identified, your chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may involve a combination of spinal and shoulder adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and home exercises.

For effective and lasting relief, most patients notice improvement after a few sessions. However, to achieve true healing and reduce the risk of recurrence, we recommend following a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. The recommended number of treatments will depend on the severity and duration of your condition.


Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain

  • Non-invasive and drug-free treatment
  • Addresses the root cause of the pain, not just the symptoms
  • Improves range of motion and joint function
  • Reduces inflammation and muscle tension
  • Helps prevent future injuries

Final Thoughts

For shoulder pain, chiropractic care offers a holistic and practical approach to finding relief. By addressing the underlying cause of your pain and restoring proper function, chiropractic treatment can help you get back to doing what you love—pain-free.

Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. Schedule a consultation with a chiropractor to explore your options for natural, lasting relief.


“I Got My Life Back” – How Chiropractic Care Helped My Shoulder Pain

For over a year, I struggled with nagging shoulder pain that seemed to get worse no matter what I tried. It started as a dull ache, but soon even simple tasks like lifting groceries or reaching for something on a high shelf became painful. I tried rest, stretching, and even over-the-counter painkillers, but nothing provided lasting relief.

Then, a friend recommended I visit a chiropractor. To be honest, I was skeptical. I always thought chiropractic care was just for back pain, but at that point, I was willing to try anything.

During my first visit, Dr. Westerbeke took the time to listen to my story, thoroughly examined my shoulder and posture, and explained how misalignments in my spine and neck could contribute to my shoulder pain. He suggested a plan that included gentle adjustments, targeted therapy, and lifestyle changes to support my recovery.

After just a few sessions, I began noticing improvements. My range of motion increased, and the sharp pain that used to wake me up at night started to fade. Over the next several weeks, the difference was remarkable. Not only did my shoulder pain significantly decrease, but I also felt improvements in my posture and overall energy levels.

One of the most surprising things was how holistic the care felt. Dr. Westerbeke helped me identify habits contributing to the problem—like poor desk posture and carrying stress in my shoulders—and gave me practical tools to prevent future pain.

Today, I’m pain-free and back to doing everything I love, from working out to playing with my kids. I’m so grateful I gave chiropractic care a chance. It relieved my shoulder pain and improved my quality of life in ways I didn’t expect.