The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and control the detailed movements of the arm. It is one of the most frequently injured structures in the upper body, and rotator cuff problems show up across a wide range of patients at Lagoni Chiropractic, from overhead athletes and manual laborers to middle-aged adults who reached for something at an awkward angle and felt something give way.
Rotator cuff injuries range considerably in severity. A mild strain involves overstretching of the tendon fibers without structural disruption. A partial tear involves damage to a portion of the tendon. A full thickness tear involves a complete disruption of one or more tendons and may require surgical evaluation depending on the patient's functional needs and activity goals. Between the mild strain and the full tear is a wide spectrum of presentations that respond well to conservative care when properly identified and addressed.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy and impingement are among the most common shoulder presentations in the office. Tendinopathy involves degenerative changes in the tendon from repetitive loading and inadequate recovery, producing pain with overhead activity, reaching behind the back, and lifting. Impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched between the bones of the shoulder during movement, a problem that is often driven as much by the mechanics of the shoulder blade and cervical spine as by anything happening at the joint itself.
That last point is important. Shoulder mechanics do not exist in isolation. The position and movement of the shoulder blade, the mobility of the thoracic spine, and the function of the cervical spine all influence how the rotator cuff tendons track through the shoulder during movement. Treating the tendon without addressing those contributing factors produces temporary improvement at best. Dr. Jay evaluates the full kinetic chain from the cervical spine through the shoulder when a patient presents with rotator cuff symptoms.
Evaluation includes a thorough history and physical examination of the shoulder and surrounding structures. Imaging is coordinated when the clinical picture warrants it, including referral for ultrasound or MRI when the degree of tendon involvement needs to be assessed before developing a care plan.
Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments to the shoulder joint, cervical spine, and thoracic spine, Arthrostim instrument adjusting, low-level laser therapy to promote tendon healing and reduce inflammation, electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiotaping for shoulder support and proprioception, and a progressive home exercise program targeting rotator cuff strength, shoulder blade stability, and the movement patterns driving the problem. For cases that require surgical consultation Dr. Jay will facilitate the appropriate referral and can provide coordinated care before and after any procedure.
If you are dealing with shoulder pain that limits your ability to reach, lift, sleep on your side, or stay active, call us at (765) 778-4095 or fill out the form on our New Patient page.
Serving Pendleton, Anderson, Fortville, Lapel, and the surrounding area. Most major insurance accepted.