Shoulder Pain Treatment in Upper Darby: Conservative Care Options

Personalized Conservative Care for Shoulder Pain

If you’re looking for shoulder pain treatment in Upper Darby, Everybody’s Chiropractic Center provides personalized, conservative care for patients dealing with rotator cuff problems, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, arthritis-related discomfort, work injuries, sports injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions involving the shoulder.

Additionally, shoulder pain can interfere with reaching, lifting, sleeping, exercising, working, driving, and other everyday activities. In some cases, symptoms begin suddenly after an injury. In others, pain develops gradually because of repetitive movement, overuse, arthritis, or age-related changes.

Led by Dr. Dan Klein, Everybody’s Chiropractic Center has served Upper Darby and surrounding Delaware County communities for decades. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Klein has treated thousands of patients with shoulder pain, rotator cuff problems, neck pain, sports injuries, work injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Rather than treating every shoulder problem the same way, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation. Based on your examination findings, diagnosis, lifestyle, activity level, and goals, we develop an individualized treatment plan that may include chiropractic care, rehabilitation, mobility work, soft-tissue treatment, and SoftWave Therapy when appropriate.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body. Because it allows such a wide range of movement, several muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints must work together properly.

As a result, shoulder pain may develop from a variety of conditions.

Common causes may include:

  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Shoulder bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Arthritis
  • Labral injuries
  • Muscle strains
  • Ligament sprains
  • Repetitive overhead activities
  • Overuse injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Work-related injuries
  • Auto accident injuries

Because several shoulder conditions can produce similar symptoms, an appropriate evaluation is important before choosing treatment.

For additional information about shoulder conditions and treatment options, visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Problems

Shoulder symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition. For example, some patients mainly notice pain with overhead activity, while others have discomfort even when resting or sleeping.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Pain when lifting your arm
  • Difficulty reaching overhead
  • Shoulder weakness
  • Pain while sleeping on one side
  • Clicking or popping
  • Limited range of motion
  • Pain reaching behind your back
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Pain traveling into the upper arm
  • Difficulty performing everyday activities

In addition, some patients experience neck pain or upper-back discomfort because the shoulder, shoulder blade, neck, and upper back work together during movement.

Rotator Cuff Pain and Shoulder Impingement

Rotator cuff problems are a common cause of shoulder pain.

The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. When these tissues become irritated or injured, patients may notice pain, weakness, or difficulty lifting the arm.

Likewise, shoulder impingement may cause discomfort when the arm is raised or used repetitively.

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain reaching overhead
  • Pain lifting objects
  • Weakness
  • Pain at night
  • Difficulty lying on the affected shoulder
  • Reduced shoulder movement

Because several conditions can create similar symptoms, we evaluate strength, mobility, function, and other clinical findings before recommending treatment.

Work-Related Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries may occur suddenly at work. On the other hand, symptoms may also develop gradually because of repetitive job demands.

Construction workers, nurses, healthcare professionals, warehouse employees, mechanics, teachers, retail employees, and others may place substantial stress on the shoulder during the workday.

Common work-related shoulder problems may include:

  • Rotator cuff strains
  • Tendinitis
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Muscle strains
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Lifting injuries
  • Overuse conditions

An evaluation can help determine which structures may be involved. From there, we can discuss whether conservative treatment may be appropriate.

Learn more about our work injury chiropractic care in Upper Darby.

Shoulder Pain After an Auto Accident

Although neck and back injuries are commonly associated with motor vehicle collisions, the shoulder may also be affected.

For example, the seat belt, steering wheel, dashboard, or sudden forces during impact may place stress on the muscles, joints, and soft tissues surrounding the shoulder.

Patients may experience:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Neck pain
  • Muscle tightness
  • Reduced shoulder movement
  • Strains and sprains
  • Weakness
  • Pain with lifting or reaching

Because some symptoms become more noticeable after the initial accident, an evaluation may help determine whether a shoulder injury is present.

Learn more about our auto accident chiropractic care in Upper Darby.

SoftWave Therapy for Shoulder Pain

SoftWave Therapy is one of the non-surgical treatment options available at Everybody’s Chiropractic Center for selected musculoskeletal conditions.

SoftWave uses acoustic shockwaves delivered to targeted tissues. Depending on the diagnosis and examination findings, it may be considered for certain tendon, soft-tissue, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions involving the shoulder.

Patients frequently ask about SoftWave Therapy for:

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Chronic tendon pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Certain overuse conditions
  • Sports-related shoulder problems
  • Chronic shoulder discomfort

However, SoftWave Therapy is not appropriate for every shoulder condition. Therefore, we first evaluate the shoulder and determine whether this treatment may be suitable for your individual case.

Learn more about SoftWave Therapy in Upper Darby.

You can also read our guide to SoftWave Therapy for shoulder pain.

How Conservative Care May Help Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain does not always involve only the shoulder joint itself. In fact, neck mobility, upper-back movement, shoulder-blade mechanics, muscle strength, posture, and movement patterns can all influence how the shoulder functions.

As part of your evaluation, we may assess:

  • Shoulder range of motion
  • Joint mobility
  • Muscle strength
  • Shoulder-blade mechanics
  • Posture
  • Neck and upper-back movement
  • Functional movement
  • Activities that aggravate symptoms
  • Previous injuries

Depending on your condition, a conservative treatment plan may include:

  • Chiropractic care
  • Therapeutic rehabilitation
  • Corrective exercises
  • Mobility exercises
  • Soft-tissue treatment
  • Home exercise recommendations
  • SoftWave Therapy when appropriate
  • Class IV laser therapy when appropriate

Ultimately, the goal is to improve movement, function, and comfort. At the same time, treatment should help you return safely to work, exercise, sports, and everyday activities.

What to Expect at Your Shoulder Pain Evaluation

Every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During your first visit, we’ll discuss how your shoulder pain started and how it is affecting your daily life.

We’ll review:

  • Where your pain is located
  • How and when your symptoms began
  • Previous shoulder injuries
  • Work activities
  • Sports participation
  • Exercise habits
  • Activities that worsen your symptoms
  • Previous treatment
  • Current limitations

Next, your examination may include:

  • Shoulder range-of-motion testing
  • Orthopedic testing
  • Muscle-strength testing
  • Functional movement assessment
  • Postural evaluation
  • Neck and upper-back assessment
  • Neurological testing when appropriate

If you already have X-rays, MRI studies, CT scans, or other diagnostic imaging, we can review those findings when appropriate.

After the examination, we’ll explain what we found. Then, depending on the results, we’ll discuss the conservative treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual condition.

Why Choose Everybody’s Chiropractic Center for Shoulder Pain?

Led by Dr. Dan Klein, Everybody’s Chiropractic Center has served Upper Darby and surrounding Delaware County communities for decades.

With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Klein has treated thousands of patients with shoulder pain, rotator cuff problems, sports injuries, work injuries, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Our approach is individualized. We consider your diagnosis, symptoms, examination findings, lifestyle, activity level, work demands, and treatment goals before recommending care.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center has earned a strong local reputation, with hundreds of patient reviews and a 4.9-star rating, providing additional evidence of long-term patient trust in the practice.

Patients come to our Upper Darby office from Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Broomall, Newtown Square, Ardmore, Wynnewood, Bala Cynwyd, nearby Main Line communities, Philadelphia, and communities throughout Delaware County for experienced, personalized conservative care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Pain

Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?

Some patients with shoulder pain seek chiropractic and other conservative musculoskeletal care. However, treatment depends on the underlying cause.

We first evaluate shoulder movement, strength, mobility, posture, and related musculoskeletal factors. Afterward, we can determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

Does SoftWave Therapy help shoulder pain?

SoftWave Therapy may be considered for selected tendon, soft-tissue, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions involving the shoulder.

Because it is not appropriate for every shoulder problem, we determine whether it may be useful only after evaluating your condition. Therefore, recommendations vary from patient to patient.

Learn more about SoftWave Therapy.

Can conservative care help a rotator cuff problem?

Some rotator cuff problems may be managed conservatively depending on the severity of the injury, examination findings, strength, mobility, and functional limitations.

However, significant tears or major weakness may require additional imaging or referral.

What if I cannot lift my arm?

Difficulty lifting the arm may occur with several shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, severe pain, or neurological problems.

Therefore, a proper examination is important. Depending on the findings, imaging or medical referral may also be appropriate.

Will I need surgery?

Not every shoulder condition requires surgery.

Many patients begin with conservative treatment when appropriate. However, some injuries may require orthopedic or other medical evaluation, particularly when there is significant trauma, major weakness, instability, or structural damage.

Do I need X-rays or an MRI?

Not every patient requires diagnostic imaging.

If imaging is appropriate based on your history, examination findings, or suspected condition, we’ll explain why. Then we’ll discuss the next steps.

When should shoulder pain receive prompt medical attention?

Seek prompt medical evaluation after significant trauma or if the shoulder appears deformed. In addition, sudden severe weakness, inability to move the arm, chest pain, significant swelling, fever, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

How soon should persistent shoulder pain be evaluated?

If shoulder pain is persistent, worsening, or interfering with sleep, work, lifting, exercise, sports, or everyday activities, an evaluation can help determine the underlying cause. From there, we can discuss appropriate next steps.

Schedule a Shoulder Pain Evaluation in Upper Darby

If you’re looking for shoulder pain treatment in Upper Darby, Everybody’s Chiropractic Center provides individualized conservative care for shoulder pain, rotator cuff problems, impingement, tendinitis, sports injuries, work injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Dan Klein has helped patients throughout Delaware County, the Main Line, and nearby Philadelphia communities with personalized musculoskeletal care focused on improving movement, function, and comfort.

Whether your shoulder pain developed gradually or began after a specific injury, we’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the conservative treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual condition.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
115 E. Township Line Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082

Phone: 610-789-1800

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We serve patients from Upper Darby, Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Broomall, Newtown Square, Ardmore, Wynnewood, Bala Cynwyd, nearby Main Line communities, Philadelphia, and communities throughout Delaware County.