Anthea Holder – Chiropractor, Burwood East

Shoulder pain can be a real hindrance, affecting everything from lifting your groceries to simply reaching up to grab a cup from the cabinet. For many, this discomfort is due to a common condition known as shoulder impingement syndrome. This syndrome can be particularly frustrating because it often worsens with activities that involve raising the arm. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay this way. With the right chiropractic care, such as what we provide at Chiropractor Burwood, you can find relief and regain your shoulder’s full functionality.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the shoulder’s tendons and/or bursae are intermittently trapped and compressed during movement. The primary structures involved include the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa—a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction in the shoulder joint. In a healthy shoulder, these components slide smoothly without causing pain. However, when there’s impingement, the space between the shoulder’s bones narrows, causing irritation and inflammation.
Patients with shoulder impingement often describe a deep, aching pain that can radiate from the top of the shoulder down the arm and into the front of the shoulder. The discomfort can intensify with activities involving overhead movements, such as reaching, lifting, or even sleeping on the affected side. Over time, this condition can significantly limit your shoulder’s range of motion and strength, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Recognizing the Signs of Shoulder Impingement
- Pain When Lifting the Arm: One of the hallmark signs of shoulder impingement is a sharp or aching pain when raising your arm, particularly above shoulder height. This pain can occur during everyday activities, such as dressing, reaching for objects, or exercising.
- Shoulder Weakness: As the impingement progresses, you might notice a loss of strength in the affected shoulder. This weakness can make simple tasks, like carrying groceries or lifting light objects, feel significantly more challenging.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Impingement often leads to a decreased ability to move the shoulder fully. This restriction can be especially noticeable when trying to rotate your arm behind your back or raise it overhead.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Dr Anthea Holder, Chiropractor Burwood, I offer specialized chiropractic care tailored to manage and alleviate the symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome. Here’s how I can help:
- Manual Adjustments and Mobilization: Gentle, targeted adjustments to the shoulder joint and surrounding areas can help restore proper alignment and reduce impingement. These techniques aim to increase the joint space, allowing the tendons and bursa to move freely without being pinched.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: I use various soft tissue techniques, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy, to alleviate muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. This helps reduce inflammation and promote healing of the damaged tissues.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: I provide personalized exercise programs designed to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve flexibility, and restore the range of motion. These exercises are crucial for maintaining shoulder health and preventing future episodes of impingement.
By addressing the root causes of shoulder impingement, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing and relieving shoulder pain. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or more severe symptoms, seeking care from Dr Anthea Holder, Chiropractor Burwood can set you on the path to recovery and improved shoulder function.
Shoulder impingement syndrome doesn’t have to dictate your daily life. With the right chiropractic care, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and regain your shoulder’s strength. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait to seek help. At Dr Anthea Holder, Chiropractor Burwood, I’m here to support you on your journey to wellness and pain-free living.
For more information on how we can help with shoulder pain and other musculoskeletal issues, visit us at Dr Anthea Holder, Chiropractor Burwood. Let’s get you back to enjoying your life without the burden of pain.
[Link to schedule a free 15-minute chiropractic discovery call]
Yours in Health,
Dr. Anthea Holder
Chiropractic and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in Burwood