Shoulder Pain Treatment in Valley Stream, NY
Shoulder pain can make it hard to reach for a shelf, carry groceries, get dressed or sleep through the night. At Valley Stream Chiropractic in Valley Stream, NY, we treat shoulder pain from injuries, overuse, posture and the everyday demands placed on this busy joint.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body, which also makes it easy to injure. Common causes of shoulder pain include:
- Strained muscles and tendons from lifting or reaching
- Overuse from work, sports or repetitive tasks
- Poor posture and long hours at a desk
- Falls onto the arm or shoulder
- Arthritis and stiffness in the shoulder joint
- Problems in the neck that send pain into the shoulder
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or nausea. Seek prompt medical care if a fall leaves your shoulder looking deformed or if you suddenly cannot lift your arm.
How We Can Help
Because shoulder pain can start in the neck or upper back, we look at all three areas. Depending on what we find, care may include massage therapy, trigger point therapy and myofascial release for tight muscles, as well as ultrasound, cold laser therapy and radio pulse wave therapy for soft tissue problems. When neck or upper back stiffness is part of the problem, chiropractic adjustments may help. Stretching and strengthening exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and strength.
Schedule an Appointment
If shoulder pain is limiting your day, call Valley Stream Chiropractic today at (516) 791-6421 to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.
How It Can Help
Find the source
An exam checks the shoulder, neck and upper back, since shoulder pain can start in more than one place.
Ease pain and tension
Massage, trigger point therapy, ultrasound and cold laser therapy can help ease pain and muscle tension.
Restore movement
Stretching and strengthening exercises aim to improve how the shoulder moves and supports daily tasks.
Why Shoulder Pain Should Not Be Ignored
The shoulder has the widest range of motion of any joint in the body, which lets you reach overhead, behind your back and across your body. That freedom of movement depends on a group of muscles and tendons working together, and it also makes the shoulder easy to strain. Lifting, reaching, sports, sleeping on one side, long hours at a computer and falls onto an outstretched arm can all lead to pain. Problems in the neck can also send pain into the shoulder.
When the shoulder hurts, people tend to stop using it, which can lead to more stiffness and weakness over time. Getting it checked helps find the source of pain and guide the right care. Shoulder pain can occasionally be a sign of a heart problem, so check the warning signs in the FAQs below.
What to Expect From Shoulder Pain Treatment
Your chiropractor will ask how the pain started, which movements are hard and whether you feel symptoms in your neck, arm or hand. The exam checks how the shoulder moves, the strength of the muscles around it and the posture of your neck and upper back. If there is any concern about a tear, fracture or other injury that needs a different kind of care, imaging may be recommended or you may be referred to another provider.
Depending on your exam, care may include massage therapy, trigger point therapy or myofascial release for tight muscles, along with ultrasound, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation or radio pulse wave therapy for soft tissue problems. Chiropractic adjustments may be used where neck or upper back stiffness adds to the pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore movement and support the shoulder. How long recovery takes depends on the cause and how long the shoulder has been bothering you.
New to the office? Read what to expect at your first visit, or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can come from strained muscles and tendons, overuse, poor posture, arthritis, a stiff shoulder joint, a fall onto the arm, or problems in the neck that send pain into the shoulder.
How can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?
Depending on the exam, a chiropractor may use adjustments, massage therapy, trigger point therapy, ultrasound, cold laser therapy and exercises to help reduce pain and improve movement.
When is shoulder pain an emergency?
Call 911 if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating or nausea. Seek prompt medical care if a fall leaves the shoulder looking deformed or you cannot lift your arm.
Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?
Yes. Irritated joints, muscles or nerves in the neck can send pain into the shoulder and upper arm. That is why your chiropractor will check your neck and upper back as well as the shoulder itself.
Should I stop moving my shoulder if it hurts?
Resting from activities that clearly make it worse can help, but keeping the shoulder completely still for long periods may lead to more stiffness. Your chiropractor can suggest gentle movements that are safe for your shoulder.
Terms You May Hear
- Rotator cuff
- A group of four muscles and their tendons that keep the ball of the upper arm centered in the shoulder socket.
- Tendinitis
- Irritation or inflammation of a tendon, often from overuse. It is a common cause of shoulder pain.
- Frozen shoulder
- A condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and painful and gradually loses range of motion.
Related Services
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is a specialized form of massage that targets the areas where muscle tension and knots develop. Dr. Green uses it alone or as part of a chiropractic care plan.
Learn MoreUltrasound
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to stimulate deep inside the tissue, to help reduce muscle pain and increase range of motion.
Learn MorePhysical Therapy
Physical therapy uses stretches and exercises to help with ongoing pain and range-of-motion issues after an accident, injury, or medical condition.
Learn More
Schedule a Consultation Today
We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule.