In the intricate universe of our bodies, our joints - shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows - play the pivotal role of maintaining mobility and ensuring our active participation in life's many adventures. But what happens when these joints start crying out in pain and restrict our movement? Traditional medicine often recommends painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or in severe cases, surgery.
But there's a better path to consider: chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care has been known for its effectiveness in treating back and neck pain, but fewer people know its benefits for other joint issues. Whether it's the result of an injury, arthritis, or general wear and tear, chiropractic can provide non-invasive, drug-free relief for ailing shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows.
Let's get started:
Your shoulder is the most unstable and moveable joint in your body. Its wide range of motion occurs due to four primary muscles and their tendons, called the rotator cuff. If your shoulder becomes inflamed or an impingement happens, you may try to avoid using your arm to help it heal. It may surprise you that not moving can contribute to more pain or even lead to a frozen shoulder. Controlled movement is one of the best ways to heal.
The tendons are the most common source of shoulder pain. Your tendons attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones. If a tendon becomes trapped, it can result in shoulder impingement. If a tendon becomes inflamed, you may hear it called tendinitis or bursitis. And if a tendon becomes torn, you guessed it; you have a rotator cuff tear.
Here are three of the most common reasons for shoulder pain:
Your shoulder and spine work together. While it may seem like they are two completely different areas, it's been discovered that postural abnormalities can play a significant role in your likelihood of developing shoulder pain. Maintaining a full range of motion in your shoulder and spinal joints of your neck and mid-back can help reduce your chances of dealing with shoulder pain. If you have shoulder discomfort or restricted movement, schedule a visit with us at Active Health & Wellness Clinic today. We'll work to create a movement-based plan to help you find long-term relief.
Determining the difference between hip and SI (sacroiliac) joint pain can be extremely confusing. But being able to identify which one is the culprit is crucial when you are looking to find relief. Your SI joint connects your tailbone (sacrum) and your pelvis. The SI joint is very fibrous and only moves a few millimeters. On the other hand, your hip is much less stable and allows your entire leg to move in every plane of motion.
While the hip and SI joints are very different in structure and function, they share similar pain patterns, making it difficult to tell one from the other. It's common to have SI joint pain mimic low back pain. Bending backward usually aggravates SI joint pain due to the compression that happens in the joint as you move. Hip pain is more likely to occur when you walk or try to bring your knees to your chest.
Here are the primary differences between hip, SI joining, and low back pain:
Suppose you've felt discomfort and aren't exactly sure if it's your hip, SI joint, or low back- it's important to schedule a complete evaluation to determine the source of your pain. This is important because our hips tend to become degenerative as we age, and if your doctor is only looking at a hip X-ray to determine a plan of care, you may find yourself getting treatment for a problem you don't have. At Active Health & Wellness Clinic, we take a holistic approach to our evaluations, and our movement assessments ensure that we can pinpoint your challenges so that you get the best care plan to live your highest quality of life.
Do your knees hurt? You're not alone. Chronic knee pain is thought to affect up to 25% of adults and can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life. Your knee is a hinge joint that primarily moves back and forth (flexion and extension) and allows some twisting or rotation. Every step you take places stress and strain on your knees, so it's no surprise that trauma, misalignment, and degenerative changes can all take their toll.
While knee pain may not be entirely preventable, there are steps you can take to keep your knees as healthy as possible. At the top of the list is to watch your weight. For every pound you are overweight, your knees must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run or climb stairs. In addition, the cartilage in your knee is designed to last a lifetime if you take care of it.
Here are a few additional ways to keep your knees healthy and strong.
The joints of your body should have a balance of strength and flexibility through their full range of motion. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for people with back issues to struggle with knee pain after limping around for a few weeks. We encourage our patients to be proactive with their health. Use the strategies above to help reduce your chances of knee pain and be sure to schedule an appointment if you encounter any knee pain or restricted motion.
Tennis elbow isn't just for athletes. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a painful condition when the tendons in your elbow are inflamed and overloaded due to repetitive motion.
Because of the motion that occurs when swinging a racket, it's commonly referred to as tennis elbow, but anyone with a job that features repetitive arm motions may be at risk.
Tennis elbow can become a serious issue because of the pain and weakness that make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Because it's an injury caused by repetitive motion, finding ways to decrease the inflammation and improve your biomechanics is critical.
Three natural ways to help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow include:
Tennis elbow is usually not a condition that will go away on its own. However, we've found two key strategies for reducing the pain associated with tennis below. First, begin an at-home exercise routine to strengthen your supporting muscles. The second is receiving adjustments, when necessary, to improve the motion and movement of your elbow joints. If you or someone you know has struggled with tennis elbow, call us so we can provide you with a plan to find relief.
In conclusion, chiropractic care is integral to the journey toward better mobility, strength, and overall well-being. It's not only about the spine but also the care for your extremities. If you're struggling with pain or lack of motion in your limbs, don't let it keep you from the activities you love. Reach out to our practice today. We're committed to helping you move better, feel better, and live a more fulfilling life. Your journey to a healthier you starts here. Remember, chiropractic care is a step towards enhanced health and pain-free life. Don't hesitate to contact us today!
Immediate Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Shoulder Motion Range and Pain in Individuals With Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Trial. J Chiropr Med 2019
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Spine-Health 2021
Chronic Knee Pain. Healthline. 2021
Tennis Elbow. Orthoinfo by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 2021