Archive for January, 2012

Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems are an epidemic in the United States.  Complaints related to the shoulder are second only to spinal pain if you examine the number of doctor visits generated for each diagnosis.  Many times shoulder conditions are preventable.  Here are a few tips to help you beat the odds.

Keep your shoulders flexible.  You should have a 180 degree arch reaching overhead (like jumping jacks) or forward (like doing the “wave” at the ballpark).  If you are noticing that you can’t move through this full range of motion, it’s time to start stretching more or see a sports chiropractor for help.

Strength is important in between your shoulder blades.  Most shoulder injuries are the result of weak muscles in between your shoulder blades.  Strengthen them by doing exercises such as rows, reverse flys or planks.

Nip shoulder pain in the bud.  The #1 way patients develop a surgical tear in their rotator cuff is by ignoring their pain and continuing to work/play with a weakened shoulder.  You can prevent this by having your shoulder examined by a sports chiropractor at the first sign of discomfort.  In the worst case scenerio, they will tell you nothing is wrong and that you are okay to continue your activities.

Dr. Erin Ducat is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries as a Board-Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician at Ducat Chiropractic & Sports Medicine in Bloomingdale, IL.