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Shoulder pain
Your shoulder has one of the widest ranges of movement of any joint. From scratching your lower back to brushing your hair, your shoulder moves freely and without restriction. But, with such freedom also comes instability. The shoulder lacks many support structures seen in other ball-and-socket joints, like the hip.
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Shoulder pain is, therefore, extremely common. It’s also debilitating. In this article, we’ll explain what shoulder pain is and what causes it. And we’ll also advise on when to seek medical attention.
A quick overview of shoulder anatomy
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To understand how shoulder pain occurs, you need to understand the shoulder’s structure. The shoulder joint has three bones:
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Humerus (Upper arm)
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Scapular (Shoulder blade)
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Clavicle (Collar bone)
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The humerus and clavicle attach to the scapular, meaning the shoulder joint is actually two joints. The glenohumeral joint (GHJ) is a ball-and-socket joint with a shallow socket held in place by the rotator cuff muscles and ligaments. The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) supports the scapula, leading to fewer injuries.
Causes and associated symptoms of shoulder pain
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Every structure in the shoulder can become injured, causing a specific presentation of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff problems are amongst the most common. In fact, more than 2 million Americans report rotator cuff problems annually.
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Here are some causes:
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Rotator cuff problems involve three potential causes: (1) tendonitis or inflammation of the tendons, (2) bursitis or inflammation of the lubricating fluid-filled sacs, (3) rotator cuff tear where the tendon pulls from the bone. Pain will occur on reaching or throwing and typically worsens at night. If inflamed, the shoulder may also be stiff.
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Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis presents with joint stiffness and pain. The condition persists for months, gradually resolving. The cause is unknown.
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Osteoarthritis caused by the wear-and-tear of the cartilage covering the joints results in bone scraping on bone. Expect reduced movement, pain, and stiffness.
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Tendon tears most commonly involve an anterior-posterior tear of the glenoid labrum. It’s most often caused by a fall on an outstretched hand.
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Subluxation or dislocation is where the shoulder is unstable in the joint or, as a result of trauma, is disconnected from the joint entirely. This requires medical attention.
Other causes include calcific tendonitis, bicep tendonitis, biceps tendon rupture, ACJ arthritis, ACJ separation, and distal clavicle osteolysis.
Treatment
Treatment for shoulder pain will depend almost entirely on the cause. However, if not severe, you can manage symptoms with these tips:
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Rest is particularly important for inflamed or irritated joints. Too much rest can lead to joint stiffness, however.
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Ice and heat application will reduce pain and swelling. Usually, ice packs are for acute injuries, and heat pads are for chronic conditions.
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Gentle exercise is critical. You’ll want to improve your mobility and strength. Working with a physiotherapist can also be helpful.
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Medications, like NSAIDs (ibuprofen), will relieve inflammation-associated pain. For prolonged shoulder pain, a doctor may prescribe a steroid injection.
Chiropractors are trained to perform manipulations to the shoulder joint that will help normalise shoulder movement, once the shoulder is moving better the shoulder pain will be relieved. Another technique that a Chiropractor may use is dry-needling which is great to relieve any tight shoulder muscles which could be contributing to the pain. When treating shoulder pain, the chiropractor will always assess the cervical spine to make sure there is a proper nerve supply to the shoulder joint.
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Always consult a medical practitioner if the pain is severe in both shoulders, prolonged for over a week, or you feel feverish or unwell.
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How Does Chiropractic WorkSpinal joint restrictions can compress nerves, disrupting vital communication between brain and body. This interference may manifest as pain, headaches, digestive issues, or restricted movement. As Chiropractors, we use precise, gentle techniques to restore proper joint function and relieve nerve pressure. When your nervous system functions optimally, your body can heal more effectively, movement becomes easier, and pain diminishes as your systems return to balance.
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How Safe Is A Chiropractic AdjustmentChiropractic adjustments performed by specially trained and qualified practitioners are extraordinarily safe. A comprehensive clinical review analysing 250 published scientific articles examined potential adverse events associated with chiropractic care and found that serious side effects occur in only 1 in 2 million spinal adjustments—a safety record that far exceeds many common medical interventions and over-the-counter medications.
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What Are The Benefits Of Chiropractic TreatmentChiropractic treatment offers numerous health advantages beyond just pain relief: Enhanced Joint Mobility - Restore natural range of motion and fluidity to restricted joints Reduced Pain and Discomfort - Experience significant relief from joint, muscle, and nerve pain Muscle Tension Release - Alleviate chronic muscle tightness and spasms that affect daily function Postural Correction - Address underlying alignment issues that contribute to pain and dysfunction Slowed Joint Degeneration - Help preserve joint health and potentially delay arthritic changes Accelerated Healing - Support your body's natural recovery processes through proper alignment and nervous system function The benefits often extend beyond the immediate treatment area, contributing to overall wellness and quality of life.
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What You Can Expect On Your First VisitYour initial appointment includes several key components: Comprehensive Consultation - Dr. Tina will discuss your health history and current concerns in detail Thorough Examination - A specialized assessment including physical tests and evaluation of spinal movement and posture to precisely identify problem areas Personalised Treatment Plan - Dr. Tina will explain her findings and collaborate with you on an appropriate care strategy Same-Day Treatment - Your first visit includes muscle release techniques and specific spinal adjustments to address restricted joints Holistic Recommendations - Throughout your care, Dr. Tina will monitor your progress and may suggest lifestyle, ergonomic, and exercise modifications to support lasting results This structured approach ensures we address not just your symptoms but the underlying causes of your condition.
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Which Treatment Techniques Are Used By Dr. TinaOur approach is tailored to your specific condition and treatment goals. The cornerstone of our care is gentle chiropractic adjustments, precisely delivered to restore proper joint function. Depending on your needs, we may complement these adjustments with specialized soft tissue techniques: Joint Mobilization - Gentle, controlled movements to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness Dry Needling Therapy - Targeted treatment for muscle tension and trigger points Hypervolt Percussion Massage - Advanced deep tissue therapy to increase circulation and release chronic tension This integrated approach allows us to address both joint dysfunction and surrounding soft tissue issues for more complete relief and faster recovery.
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How Many Chiropractic Sessions Will You NeedYour treatment plan is highly individualized based on two key factors: Your Specific Condition - Acute issues may resolve in fewer visits, while chronic or complex conditions typically require more comprehensive care Your Health Goals - Whether you're seeking immediate pain relief or long-term wellness support Some patients choose chiropractic as part of their ongoing preventive health routine with periodic maintenance visits to sustain optimal function. Others seek focused treatment for specific issues until symptoms resolve. During your consultation, Dr. Tina will discuss your unique circumstances and preferences to create a personalised care plan that aligns with your objectives and timeline.
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Do You Need A Referral To See A ChiropractorNo referral is required to schedule chiropractic care with Dr. Tina. You can book an appointment directly without needing to see another healthcare provider first. However, if you plan to claim through your medical aid, some insurance plans specifically require a referral from your network GP before covering chiropractic services. We recommend checking your policy details before your visit if insurance coverage is important to you.
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Is Chiropractic Care ExpensiveChiropractic care consistently ranks among the most cost-effective treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions. When comparing expenses to medical interventions, surgeries, or ongoing medication costs, chiropractic typically provides excellent value while addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms. Many patients find that their initial investment in chiropractic care leads to reduced long-term healthcare expenses and faster return to normal activities.
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How You Can Pay For Your SessionsWe offer three convenient payment methods: 1. Medical Aid We handle all authorisation with your medical aid directly. Please provide your complete medical aid details when booking. If your plan doesn't cover the consultation, we'll notify you before your appointment so you can decide whether to proceed with a cash payment. 2. Cash or Card We've designed flexible payment packages tailored to different needs and budgets. Each package includes specific treatment modalities based on your requirements. We accept both card and cash payments for your convenience. 3. Mediwallet Credit Option For those without medical aid coverage or who prefer payment flexibility, we offer ZeroPay—a medical credit facility allowing you to spread payments over 3 months without financial strain.
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Will Your Medical Aid Cover The SessionsWe are contracted into most medical aids and charge 100% of the scheme rate so you don’t have to pay anything above the medical aid rate. Below is a list of the medical aids that typically cover Chiropractic treatment: Discovery Medical Aid Medscheme AECI Bankmed Barloworld Bestmed Bonitas (excluding Boncap, Bonstart and Bonstart Plus) CAMAF Fedhealth GEMS Health Squared (formerly Spectramed and Resolution Health) Libcare Medihelp Medshield Polmed SABC Medical Aid Sasolmed