Chiropractic Treatment For Shoulder Bursitis

Normal movements of the shoulder require complex coordination of a ball and socket joint, the shoulder blade, collar bone, upper spine and all of the muscles that move and stabilize these structures. Imbalance of any of these components can result in a painful condition such as bursitis. Since this condition involves pain around a joint and it limits mobility, a person with shoulder bursitis may consider consulting a chiropractor.

Putting Out the Fire

When a house is in flames, the first concern is to put out the fire. After that, you can focus on what caused the fire and how to repair the damage. Shoulder bursitis can initially be quite painful. If there is a good deal of inflammation in the bursa, the immediate strategy is to focus on reducing the pain and inflammation. Ice application often plays an important role in the early treatment of bursitis. Some chiropractors may also utilize ultrasound or other therapy modalities to help reduce inflammation. At this stage, exercises may be limited to gentle mobilization of the shoulder with no weights or resistance.

Mobility Issues

A chiropractic evaluation will usually include a motion assessment at the site of pain as well as a regional assessment of motion. In the case of the shoulder, this would include the ball and socket joint, the joints of the collar bone and shoulder blade, as well as the cervical and thoracic spine joints. If this evaluation reveals reduced mobility in any of these joints, mobilization or manipulation may be an important part of the treatment plan. A detailed description of this type of assessment and treatment can be found the Fall, 2003 issue of the "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine."

Muscle Imbalance

Sometimes, having strong deltoid muscles in the presence of underdeveloped rotator cuff muscles can cause the shoulder to elevate when reaching up or out with the arm. This can lead to impingement of the bursa during certain activities. Another type of muscle imbalance involving the upper and lower trapezius muscles has been reported in the journal "Physical Therapy in Sports." In this case, relatively over-active upper trapezius muscles were also shown to result in impingement issues. If muscle imbalances are present, the chiropractor can help design an appropriate exercise plan, or use taping techniques to assist in the recovery.

Posture

In their book, "Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders," Hertling and Kessler discuss how poor posture can sometimes be an underlying source of a painful shoulder condition such as bursitis. When the upper back is excessively curved, the head pitched forward and the shoulders rounded and closed-in, the arms hang at a different angle. At this changed angle, the shoulder ligaments are poorly positioned to provide stability to the joint. This causes the rotator cuff muscles to work harder in compensation. Increased loading of the rotator cuff can lead to pain and inflammation. Working to stand up tall and pull the shoulders back and down can greatly reduce unnecessary stress on the rotator cuff. Chiropractors often work with their patients to address these postural issues.

Expert Insight

As a healthcare practitioner that focuses on body mechanics and movement disorders, a chiropractor may be an excellent resource for the person suffering from shoulder bursitis.