Shoulder Impingement in Athletes

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a prevalent issue among athletes, particularly those involved in sports requiring repetitive overhead range of motions, such as swimming, weightlifting, CrossFit, volleyball, tennis, and baseball. While traditional chiropractic care can address this condition, sports chiropractic offers a specialized approach that caters specifically to the needs of athletes. This post will explore shoulder impingement, its causes, symptoms, and how sports chiropractic can effectively treat this condition.

What is Shoulder Impingement? 

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or the subacromial bursa become compressed between the acromion and the humeral head. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement. In athletes, this condition is often exacerbated by repetitive overhead activities, poor biomechanics, and muscle imbalances. 

How Does Shoulder Impingement Happen in Athletes? 

Athletes are particularly susceptible to shoulder impingement due to the high demands placed on their shoulders during their respective sports. Factors contributing to shoulder impingement in athletes include:

• Repetitive Motion: Continuous overhead movements can lead to overuse injuries, causing the tendons to become irritated and inflamed.
• Biomechanical Imbalances: Poor form or technique, combined with muscle imbalances, can alter the natural movement of the shoulder, increasing the risk of impingement.
• Postural Issues: Athletes who neglect postural alignment during training and competition may experience a reduction in the subacromial space, leading to impingement.
• Acute Trauma: Direct impacts or falls on the shoulder, common in contact sports, can also precipitate impingement.

Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement 

Athletes with shoulder impingement may experience:

• Sharp pain during overhead activities.
• A feeling of weakness or instability in the shoulder.
• Pain that worsens with repetitive movements or heavy lifting.
• Limited range of motion, particularly when raising the arm.

How We Treat Shoulder Impingement at Athlete Recovery and Chiropractic Health

Sports-Specific Assessment and Treatment 

Sports chiropractic incorporates a sports-specific assessment of the shoulder. Sports chiropractors are trained to understand the unique demands of different sports and how they affect the athlete's body. We use this knowledge to tailor our treatment approach to the athlete's specific needs, ensuring that the care provided directly addresses the underlying causes of pain.

Chiropractic Adjustments 

Chiropractic care can play a significant role in managing shoulder impingement. Spinal adjustments are often combined with mobilization techniques that target the shoulder girdle (clavicle and shoulder blade) as well as the proper movement of the upper back, neck and numerous joints that make up the shoulder complex. This promotes optimal biomechanics and reduces the risk of future injury. For example, if your tires are not aligned on your car, they will wear in a specific pattern. The same happens with the shoulder complex. Proper alignment is key to correcting and avoiding shoulder impingement syndrome!

Research supports the effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy, specifically in the thoracic spine, combined with shoulder joint mobilization in improving shoulder function and reducing pain in athletes with shoulder impingement.

Integration of Corrective Exercises 

Corrective exercises are a cornerstone of managing shoulder impingement. At Athlete Recovery and Chiropractic Health, we want to teach you how to stay out of our office! Once inflammation has been reduced and proper range of motion has been restored, building strength needs to be a priority. Individualized exercise programs focus on strengthening the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and other key muscles involved in shoulder movement. These exercises not only help to correct muscle imbalances but also improve shoulder mechanics, reducing the likelihood of impingement recurrence.

Studies have shown that targeted exercise therapy is effective in treating shoulder impingement, particularly when combined with other interventions such as manual therapy.

Soft Tissue Techniques for Athletes 

In addition to chiropractic adjustments and corrective exercises, sports chiropractors employ specialized soft tissue techniques to address muscle tension and fascial restrictions. Techniques such as myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) are commonly used to improve tissue extensibility and enhance blood flow to the affected area. These techniques are particularly beneficial for athletes, as they target the specific muscles and tissues that are most prone to injury in their sport.

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of soft tissue techniques in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in athletes with impingement.

Laser Therapy for Enhanced Recovery 

One tremendous tool to help reduce inflammation, eliminate pain and rapidly improve healing times is with our Class IV medical grade LiteCure Laser Therapy.  Laser therapy is often a go-to treatment for injuries like shoulder impingement. It is fast, safe, and comfortable. Best of all, it does not have harmful side effects like other injections that have been proven to cause tissue breakdown.  By stimulating the production of energy (ATP) used in the body to heal, laser therapy creates cellular repair and promotes tissue regeneration. This significantly reduces the time needed for our patients to either return to work or participate in sports without pain. 

Studies support the use of laser therapy in managing shoulder impingement, particularly when combined with exercise, chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and certain taping techniques.

We’re Here to Help

Shoulder impingement is a common and often debilitating condition. However, with the specialized approach of care we provide here at Athlete Recovery and Chiropractic Health, athletes can receive targeted treatment that not only addresses their symptoms but also corrects the underlying causes of the condition. By integrating advanced chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, soft tissue techniques, and laser therapy, we offer comprehensive solutions that help athletes recover faster and return to sport stronger than before.

September 02, 2024 – Dr. Jesse Han, DC and Dr. Chelsea Robinson, DC

References

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