A Chiropractic Approach to Shoulder Tendinitis in Livermore, CA

If the tendon connecting your shoulder muscles to the bone becomes inflamed or irritated, you’re probably suffering from tendinitis. Calcium deposited into the tendon may increase the pain and restrict your shoulder movement and flexibility.  Tendonitis in the shoulder is very common in patients and clients in my office in Livermore as it can happen from repetitive motions such as lifting weights, lifestyle habits (such as painting even when fatigued) or by sleeping on the shoulder joint for a long period of time.  One of the most common treatment methods besides pain reliving drugs is to work out the calcium deposits through motion of the joint, deep muscle work and ultrasound.

 A study in The New England Journal of Medicine examined the potential side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well-documented versus  a nondrug alternative — ultrasound. Fifty-four patients (61 total shoulders) received either ultrasound therapy or a “sham” treatment (in which the ultrasound machine was not turned on) for six weeks.

After the treatment period, calcium deposits had disappeared in six shoulders. The sham group showed no resolution of calcium deposits, and 50% improvement in only three shoulders. These differences were even greater at a follow-up visit nine months later.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or tenderness, schedule a consultation and a thorough examination with your chiropractor. If tendinitis is the culprit, ultrasound might be the solution.  And along with rehabilitative training that is provided at Lifestyle Fitness, the combination can avoid steroid injections and possibly surgery.

Reference:

Ebenbichler G, Erdogmus CB, Resch KL, et al. Ultrasound therapy for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. The New England Journal of Medicine, May 20,1999: Vol. 340, No. 20, pp1533-1538.