Shoulder Problems and Naprapathy
When we analyze shoulder pain we must first determine the nature of the problem. The pain can be due to:- Predominant joint motion restriction, with pain, as in Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) and Bursitis
- Predominant muscular/joint weakness, with pain, as in Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Predominant joint pain with restriction, as in Shoulder Arthrosis (Arthritis)
- Predominant pain associated with pulling & twisting, as in Biceps Tendonitis
- Predominant resting pain as in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
More than any other joint the shoulder is muscle dependent- the socket is shallow and we have more
directions of motion in this joint than any other. Because of this fact this joint is the most susceptible to
muscular/tendon problems. For the same reason the joint is very rehabilitate-able. The shoulder joint
is not very responsive to Chiropractic adjustment because of the lack of JOINT integrity, versus SOFT
TISSUE BALANCE DEPENDENCY. Soft tissue balance is the realm of Naprapathy. If ligament or tendon
damage is present, as is much more often the case for this joint (versus arthritis), the practice of P.I.N.S.
Prolotherapy is the applicable treatment as a follow up to the Naprapathic soft tissue balancing.The Shoulder is complicated because it is actually 3 joints:
1. The gleno-humeral (ball & socket) joint
2. The acromio-clavicular (AC) joint
3. The scapulo-thoracic (shoulder blade) joint
These joints are inter-related however. When the scapula migrates out of proper position, which often happens, the socket, which is part of the scapula, is at the wrong angle for proper joint function. This can lead to abnormal bending or shortening of the tendons and rotator cuff impingement. Stand normally with arms at the sides and look down at your hands. If you see more of the back side of one of your hands the shoulder ball on that side is abnormally internally rotated in the socket. When the shoulder blade is misaligned forward and upward, as occurs when sleeping on that side excessively, the AC joint can become jammed and strained. If the socket faces the wrong way the ball can get hung up by the crossing tendons. If the ribs under the scapula become rotated and tense they can force the shoulder into an abnormal and dysfunctional position.
Once the abnormal pattern of shoulder imbalance is determined corrective Naprapathic treatment is given and several exercises are given so that this pattern is reversed. If the cartilage (labrum), ligaments (capsule), or tendons (rotator cuff, biceps) are injured Dr. Young may recommend P.I.N.S. Prolotherapy in addition to the Naprapathic therapy.
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