Shoulder pain is limiting. When you experience shoulder injury caused by repetitive use or sudden acute injury, it can cause pain even once the initial injury has healed. When this occurs, the shoulder tends to become stiff and difficult to move. Shoulder pain can range from a dull ache to
Shoulder pain is limiting. When you experience shoulder injury caused by repetitive use or sudden acute injury, it can cause pain even once the initial injury has healed. When this occurs, the shoulder tends to become stiff and difficult to move. Shoulder pain can range from a dull ache to intense shooting pains. This pain may also not be limited to the shoulder socket, but may be felt in the neck, head, and upper back. One form of chiropractic technique to treat soft tissue injuries, including shoulder pain, is Active Release Techniques (ART®). Active Release Therapy performed by a trained professional can reduce shoulder pain and increase mobility.
How Active Release Therapy Addresses Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain
Injuries to the rotator cuff (the shoulder) are typically caused by:
- Repetitive use. If you suffer from pain caused by repetitive use, you will likely need to change your habits to give your shoulder a rest. You may need to ice your shoulder to help reduce pain. Often, people will use steroid injections to help aid in repetitive-use shoulder pain, but repeated steroid use can weaken the tendon and lead to future injury. Injury caused by repetitive use tends to cause microtears that lead to a buildup of scar tissue.
- Sudden injury. If your shoulder pain is caused by a sudden injury, such as a shoulder sprain, you should ice the injury to decrease swelling and rest your shoulder to give it time to heal. You may need to use a sling to keep your shoulder immobilized. Many people will also use a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve pain, although these over-the-counter medications should not be used for more than 10 days in a row. These pain killers will not help to heal your shoulder injury, they will only suppress pain. Once this injury heals, there will likely be a buildup of scar tissue.
FAQ
Can any chiropractor administer ART®?
No, only chiropractors who are trained and qualified in ART® can administer this technique.
Does Active Release Techniques hurt?
Each Active Release Techniques session will be tailored to a person’s needs and pain level tolerances. Because ART® requires pressure on the damaged areas, it may cause some discomfort and mild pain, but your practitioner will make it as comfortable as possible and will communicate with you throughout the session to make sure you are not experiencing intense pain.
Is ART® the same as a chiropractic adjustment?
With a chiropractic adjustment, you will experience a gentle, controlled manipulation to reposition your back and spine, and other joints of your body. Active Release Technique (ART®) involves functional movement assessments and deep tissue massage accompanied by therapist-directed patient movements.
