Are you tired of dealing with persistent shoulder pain? Do you find yourself unsure about the cause and uncertain about the appropriate treatment? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of our shoulder assessment process and offer effective solutions to alleviate your discomfort and improve your shoulder mobility.

Shoulder Assessment

In our shoulder assessment, we evaluate the mobility of your spine, including the neck and upper back. This initial examination is crucial because the shoulder blade and shoulder joint rely on the stability of the spine. By assessing how well your shoulder moves and identifying any discomfort or abnormalities, we can gain valuable insights into the potential causes of your shoulder pain.

Orthopedic Tests

We also conduct a series of orthopedic tests to rule out significant issues and gather more information about your condition. These tests may include labral and crank tests, which assess clicking or pain when pressure is applied to the shoulder. Furthermore, we evaluate muscle strength, impingement, and rotator cuff function to gain a comprehensive understanding of your shoulder’s condition.

Treatment For Shoulder Conditions

Now, let’s turn our attention to a specific condition: shoulder impingement. If you’re grappling with pain in the front of your shoulder and haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, we have a better approach for you: dry needling. This innovative technique has demonstrated promising results in addressing shoulder impingement and reducing discomfort.

Dry Needling

During dry needling sessions, we focus on inserting needles into specific areas of the lower shoulder blade and the muscles located on top of the shoulder, such as the deltoid and triceps muscles. By targeting these areas, we can enhance muscle movement and function, allowing the shoulder blade to move more efficiently and alleviating tension and impingement.

The process begins with the identification of the shoulder blade, followed by marking the specific points where we intend to insert the needles. These points correspond to muscle knots and trigger points, which are areas of muscle tension. By directly addressing these points, we stimulate your body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow to the affected area, relaxing muscle knots, and promoting faster recovery.

In addition to treating the muscles, we also work on specific fascial points. Fascia refers to the connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles. When these points become tight or congested, they can adversely affect the overall function of the shoulder joint. By targeting these areas, we improve the efficiency of the entire shoulder joint.

Once the needles are inserted, we employ various techniques to further enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Gentle manipulation of the needles, including twisting motions, helps release tension in the fascia and promote relaxation. Alternatively, we may perform pistoning or targeted manipulation to address muscle knots and alleviate discomfort.

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain and seeking effective treatment options, we are here to guide you. Our comprehensive assessment process, combined with innovative techniques such as dry needling, can help alleviate your discomfort and improve the mobility of your shoulders. Additionally, we provide first-aid strategies and exercises to enhance your recovery and strengthen your shoulder muscles.

By addressing the root causes of your shoulder pain and implementing targeted rehabilitation strategies, we aim to restore your shoulder’s functionality and provide you with long-lasting relief. Remember, consistency and regular follow-ups are essential for achieving optimal results.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to helping you regain your shoulder health and supporting you throughout your recovery journey. Contact Dr. Wadsworth today to schedule a shoulder assessment and take the first step towards a pain-free and mobile shoulder.

Wishing you a great day ahead!