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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain services offered in the greater Pasadena, CA area

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, affecting 18%-26% of adults at any given time. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, the team offers high-quality care for shoulder pain using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Treatments like chiropractic care and massage can reduce inflammation and increase circulation, helping you heal quicker and return to your favorite activities. Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule treatment for shoulder pain, or book your appointment online. 

Shoulder Pain Q & A

Is shoulder pain something to be worried about?

Each of your shoulders has three bones and eight muscles that let you reach, grab, throw, and complete other movements. These hard and soft tissues are very tough and flexible, but they’re susceptible to general wear-and-tear. 

Even though most shoulder pain isn’t serious, seeking treatment is essential if your symptoms last for more than a few days and don’t improve with rest, ice, or activity modification, seeking treatment is essential. The problem may worsen without intervention and permanently affect your joint’s mobility.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Torn cartilage
  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Pinched nerve
  • Fractures
  • Dislocated shoulder

Sometimes, shoulder pain occurs after a spinal cord injury, like a car accident or a fall.

Should I see a physical medicine specialist about shoulder pain?

Make an appointment at Health Advantage Physical Medicine if you have shoulder pain that includes bruising, tenderness, or an inability to move your arm. That’s particularly true if these symptoms occur alongside heat and tenderness in or around your shoulder joint. 

How does a physical medicine specialist diagnose shoulder pain?

Your practitioner reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities, like lying down or raising your arm. 

Next, they examine your shoulder and shoulder joint, checking for bruising, redness, and swelling. Practitioners assess your shoulder’s range of motion and joint stability and gently press on your shoulder and the surrounding skin to pinpoint sensitive areas.

If a physical exam doesn’t provide enough insight to make a diagnosis, your chiropractor may order X-rays to get a closer look at your shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and surrounding bones.

How does a physical medicine specialist treat shoulder pain?

Chiropractors treat shoulder pain using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Treatment options include:

  • Chiropractic care
  • Dry needling
  • Corrective exercises
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Cold laser therapy
  • Cryotherapy
  • Spinal decompression
  • Functional medicine
  • Intravenous (IV) therapy
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

Most people benefit from a combination of two or more treatments. Attend each of your checkups and follow the at-home care instructions provided.

Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to explore the treatment options for chronic shoulder pain, or book your appointment online.