Dealing With Shoulder Injuries in Evanston?
Watch this video on how shoulder injuries form.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Anatomy.
The term "rotator cuff" describes a group of four muscles that keep your shoulder held together in its shallow socket while larger muscles move it. Rotator cuff pain is one of the most common complaints we see, and understanding the anatomy is the first step toward lasting shoulder pain relief.
Strains and injuries in the rotator cuff are typically the most common cause of shoulder problems, accounting for 4.5 million doctor visits per year. Injuries are classified by the amount of damage as "partial tears," "full-thickness tears," or "ruptures."
One side of your tendon has been partly frayed, resulting in a "partial tear." A "full-thickness tear," also known as a "total tear," occurs when your tendon develops a hole or slit similar to what would be formed by running a knife length-wise down a rope. A "rupture" is the most severe form of injury, meaning your tendon has been torn into two pieces.
What Causes Of Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Less than 10% of rotator cuff tears are the direct result of an acute injury like falling, pushing, pulling, throwing or lifting.
The overwhelming majority of injuries are caused by repetitive strains over a long period of time. One of the most common reasons people develop a rotator cuff tear is something called "impingement." Impingement essentially means that the section where your rotator cuff tendon lives has simply become too crowded, and the tendon is being pinched each time you raise your arm.
Shoulder pain when lifting arm overhead is a hallmark sign of impingement. This type of injury is most common in people who perform repetitive overhead tasks, including athletes who play baseball, volleyball, tennis, rowing, weightlifting, swimming, and archery, and people in jobs that include carpentry, painting, wallpaper hanging, cleaning windows, and washing or waxing cars. Other risk factors for rotator cuff problems include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and prior cortisone injections.
It is also worth noting that sudden shoulder pain without injury can point to rotator cuff tendinitis or early-stage tears before symptoms fully develop.
What Are The Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Patients who have suffered an acute rotator cuff injury often report a "tearing" or "snapping" sound and sensation that is followed by severe pain and weakness.
The majority of chronic strains begin slowly, with rotator cuff tear symptoms gradually becoming more noticeable as the tear progresses. Pain commonly occurs in the front and outside of your shoulder but can also travel down your arm. Neck and shoulder pain together may suggest involvement of surrounding muscles or the cervical spine, which our team evaluates as part of a full assessment.
Symptoms are usually aggravated by overhead activity and may progress to the point that raising your arm becomes difficult. Pain is typically worse at night, especially when lying on the impacted shoulder. Be sure to let us know if you experience significant neck pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or chest pressure.
How You Can Find Relief With A Shoulder Pain Chiropractor in Evanston
Young patients who have suffered an acute tear or rupture in many cases will require surgery, while most others will benefit from conservative treatments, such as the ones offered in this office.
Chiropractic care for shoulder pain focuses on restoring joint mechanics, reducing muscle tension, and improving range of motion without invasive procedures. Here is what we recommend in the meantime:
Avoid painful overhead activity or carrying heavy objects. Sleeping on your irritated side, particularly with your arm outstretched overhead, is not recommended. You may find relief sleeping on your unaffected side with a pillow between your arm and trunk. Smokers should do their best to quit. Patients who are overweight tend to recover more quickly when they begin a structured diet and exercise program. Consistently performing your prescribed home exercises is especially important.
Can a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal Without Surgery?
Many patients ask how to heal a torn rotator cuff naturally. For partial tears and rotator cuff tendinitis, conservative care including chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted rotator cuff exercises can significantly reduce pain and restore function. Full ruptures are more complex and may require surgical consultation, but even post-surgical patients often benefit from chiropractic rehabilitation during recovery.
Are you looking for a shoulder pain chiropractor in Evanston? Our team at Evolution Spine and Sport specializes in diagnosing the root cause of your shoulder pain and building a personalized recovery plan. Take control of your health and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain
The most common cause is repetitive overhead movement that leads to gradual impingement and tendon fraying over time. Athletes and workers who perform repetitive overhead tasks are at the highest risk of developing rotator cuff pain.
Rotator cuff exercises typically include internal and external rotation movements using light resistance bands, along with scapular stabilization work. It is important to start with exercises prescribed by your provider, as the wrong movements at the wrong stage of healing can worsen the injury.
Yes. Rotator cuff tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendon without a structural break, while a tear involves actual damage to the tendon fibers. Tendinitis is often reversible with conservative care. Tears range from partial to full rupture and vary in how aggressively they need to be treated.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Rotator cuff tendinitis often improves within a few weeks of conservative care, while partial tears may take two to four months. More significant tears treated without surgery can take longer, and post-surgical recovery typically spans four to six months. Consistent adherence to your rehabilitation exercises is the biggest factor in how quickly you progress.
