Rotator Cuff Strain

We take our shoulders and our free range of motion for granted until there is a problem.  Whether because of age, bad posture, or overuse, suffering from an acute or chronic rotator cuff strain or injury makes simple daily tasks nearly impossible and even sleep can be disrupted until a solution or treatment is found.  It’s estimated that over 2 million people per year seek treatment for problems associated with their rotator cuffs.

Our rotator cuffs are made up of a group of muscles and tendons that hold the upper arm bone (or humerus) in the socket allowing us to raise and rotate our arms.  People that participate in jobs or sports that require a lot of overhead movement are far more susceptible to rotator cuff strain, as are people suffering from arthritis and inflammation problems.

What Are the Symptoms?

Starting as a dull ache and progressing to sharp pain, rotator cuff strains limit full movement in the shoulder causing pain and weakness that may get progressively worse if not proactively addressed.  Left undiagnosed and untreated, these symptoms can impact daily activities and may make sleep much more difficult, as well as routine self-care such as dressing, combing or brushing hair, and bathing or showering.

What Are the Causes?

Often rotator cuff strain happens when someone repeatedly performs the same task, such as through work (carpenter, house painter) or sports (tennis, softball or weightlifting).  It can also be the result of an acute tear from lifting something heavy or a bike or car accident.  And age can certainly play a role as muscles tend to weaken and arthritis appears.  Some causes include:

• Tear of the muscles or tendons that make up the rotator cuff
• Overuse accompanied by:
  • Tendinitis – inflammation of a tendon that often affects joint areas subject to overuse and injury 
  • Bursitis – painful irritation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacks that cushion joints
• Impingement Syndrome that occurs when tendons in the shoulder and rotator cuff rub against the shoulder blade causing inflammation and weakening
• Arthritis or bone spurs in the shoulder joint

Do At-Home Tests for Rotator Cuff Strain Work?

There are three tests that can be tried at home to self-diagnose shoulder injuries and rotator cuff strains.  The problem is that if done improperly you run the risk of causing additional damage or injury to the joint.  Proper diagnosis by health professionals may be the most prudent course of action.

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Strain Including Chiropractic Care

There are some initial things to try at home if suffering from moderate discomfort:  1) heat and cold intermittently, 2) NSAIDS anti-inflammatories, and 3) resting the joint until pain subsides.  If there is no improvement, chiropractic care is the best non-surgical alternative therapy and if further medical evaluation, injections, or surgery is necessary, additional referral in the Mill Creek area can happen upon determination.  

Conservatively, effective chiropractic care to fully restore movement and functioning would include: 

• Heat and ice treatments
• Shoulder adjustments
• Upper cervical adjustments
• Massage
• Exercise to restore proper function and mobility

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we approach our patients’ care in a holistic way reviewing lifestyle and wellness goals and tailoring our care to improve a person’s whole life, including nutrition and exercise, as well as using proper body mechanics to avoid further aggravation or injury.

Learn more about rotator cuff strain and chiropractic care at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, Washington.  Our goal is to support your healthy lifestyle!

Chiropractic Relief for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

If you are experiencing pain in the shoulder, upper chest, or lower neck area and aren’t sure of the cause, you may be experiencing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  Especially prevalent in females between 20 and 40 years of age, this somewhat rare syndrome is often overlooked or misdiagnosed when patients present with numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers.  Too often it is dismissed as tendonitis or overuse of the upper extremities.

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

As a group of disorders, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs when the nerves and/or blood vessels that run between the collarbone (clavicle) are pressed on the first rib.  This compression of the nerves causes pain in the shoulders and neck and can cause numbness down the arms to the hands and fingers.

Depending on the structure being compressed, the syndrome manifests in different ways:

• Neurogenic or neurological—caused by compression of the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that originate in the spinal cord and are responsible for muscle control and movement in the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.
• Vascular—caused by depressed veins or arteries under the clavicle/collarbone.
• Nonspecific—defined by chronic pain but a cause can’t be determined.

What Are the Causes?

Most often, the causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are either anatomical or acute.  If someone is born with an anatomical abnormality, such as an extra rib, this syndrome is sometimes the result.  Conversely, if someone experiences acute injuries suffered from a car or motorcycle accident, or sustains some job- or sports-related injuries, this can also lead to the syndrome.  

Lastly, obesity, poor posture, or pregnancy can create a situation where the nerves or blood vessels become compressed.  Often losing weight or giving birth will correct the pinched nerves or vessels completely alleviating the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

How Do the Symptoms Present?

In Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, the symptoms manifest based on type of compression whether that be nerve related or blood flow related and can be defined as follows:

• Neurogenic

  • Numbness or tingling in the upper extremities
  • Either sharp pain or aches in the neck and shoulder and sometimes the hand
  • Gilliatt-Sumner Hand – a muscle wasting evident in the fleshy part at the base of the thumb
  • Weakened gripping or holding ability

• Vascular

  • Blood clots in upper extremities
  • Throbbing or pain near the clavicle
  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers
  • Weak pulse
  • Cold or blue fingers and hands
  • Weakness in arm or neck 

Can Chiropractic Care Benefit Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Through a well-considered chiropractic care plan that includes manipulation and massage therapy, as well as syndrome-specific exercises specifically developed to alleviate the compression causing discomfort, patients can expect to make full recoveries in most cases.  In addition, treatment options may include manual trigger-point therapy, stretching, and postural instruction.  And with 90% of syndrome cases being neurologic in origin, chiropractic care is uniquely poised to provide solutions.

When evaluating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, it’s imperative to have an experienced provider like the professionals at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness.  They have an understanding of the unique aspects of this syndrome, but also use a holistic approach when evaluating and developing a treatment plan for their patients.  This includes delving into all components of the patient’s lifestyle from exercise to nutrition. 

Our dedicated team at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness are available to answer your questions and evaluate your healthcare needs.  Call us — Our goal is your good health!

Your Complete Guide to Elbow Pain

Elbow pain, often known as ‘Tennis Elbow,’ is one of the most common nagging injuries that people face. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always go away on its own and can make it difficult to participate in your normal activities.  Fortunately, though, there’s information you can learn that can help you manage and treat this condition. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about tennis elbow and how you can treat it.

So, What Is Tennis Elbow?

Also known as ‘lateral epicondylitis,’ this condition arises after continuous or strenuous use of the tendons in your elbow. This typically occurs after long-term repetitive motions of the arm or wrist.

Although it has the term ‘tennis’ in its name, this condition isn’t limited to this sport. In fact, it’s common for plumbers, carpenters, etc. to experience the same issues.

Over time, the pain that’s localized to the elbow can eventually spread to the arm or wrist. 

What Are The Symptoms?

The most common symptom of tennis elbow’s general elbow pain. But, you may find that this pain is exacerbated when performing actions like stirring a pot, turning a doorknob, etc. 

Even something as simple as drinking from a cup of coffee may be enough to cause discomfort.

Tennis Elbow: How Can I Treat It?

Fortunately, this condition has a handful of treatment options for you to choose from. The one that’s best for you will likely depend on how severe your tennis elbow is.

Let’s explore a few of the most notable options for tennis elbow treatment.

Exercises

For minor cases, all you may need to do is perform a few rehabilitation exercises for a short period of time. These involve:

• Clenching your fist while squeezing a soft object (such as a shirt or towel)
• Holding very light weight (approximately 2 lbs.) while slowly extending and flexing your wrist
• Twisting a towel in opposite directions at once (each hand should twist opposite from the other)

These movements will serve to target the area that’s inflamed, strengthening it over time and possibly eliminating the issue altogether.

KT Tape

This type of tape is applied directly to the elbow. It can serve to relieve pressure and increase circulation, notably reducing your recovery time.

This is best applied by a professional, though, and the average person likely won’t get the most use out of it as they could if they did it on their own.

Chiropractic Help

Although many people tend to think of chiropractors as professionals who help manage back pain, they also have plenty of experience in relieving joint pain, as well.

Someone who’s experiencing long-term tennis elbow will often find relief through a visit to a chiropractic office. So, keep this option in mind if basic treatment methods haven’t worked for you.

Managing Elbow Pain From Tennis Elbow Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about this type of elbow pain in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward getting the treatment you need.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.

Understanding Hip Flexor Pain: The Causes and Symptoms of Aching Hip Flexors

Did you know that the average American adult spends up to 6.5 hours a day sitting?  For teens, that number is even higher. On average, teenagers ages 12-19 spend about eight hours a day sitting. This position keeps our hip flexor muscles flexed constantly, and rarely leaves room for extension of the hip flexor. This fact could be one of several reasons for hip flexor pain in a wide range of people, both young and old. Hip flexor pain also commonly occurs in people with less sedentary lifestyles who remain more physically active. 

If you’re experiencing pain or strain in this region, you’re likely wondering why. How can you relieve this aching feeling? What can you do to combat it?

We answer all this and more below.

Causes and Symptoms

The hip flexors, located near the groin/inner thigh area, can cause noticeable pain that disrupts many day-to-day activities. 

Hip flexor pain is most often caused by people who overuse their hip flexors—in particular, athletes. If you’re actively using your hip flexors (for example, if you’re a runner), you may notice pain there more often than those who don’t use them.

Some common symptoms of hip flexor pain include:

• Muscle pain, which can be present at all times, or in specific movements, like when bringing the knee up towards the chest (for example, walking upstairs)
• Muscle spasms
• Decreased mobility 
• Acute achiness
• Front hip pain

Often, people change the way they walk to compensate for pain on one side, which can cause limping or various issues with the side they’re now leaning on for support.

These symptoms can range from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. 

How to Stretch and Strengthen the Hip Flexor

If you’re noticing pain while the hip is flexed, you can combat it by allowing the muscles to extend instead. This opposite motion allows your hip and inner thigh muscles to lengthen.

You can try various exercises and yoga poses to achieve this, such as:

• High or low lunges
• Pigeon pose
• Three-legged dog pose (raising one leg high, extending through the spine, from a downward dog)
• Gate pose (essentially, a kneeling side bend)
• Reclined pigeon pose (an ideal posture for those with especially tight hips)
• Bound angle pose, commonly called diamond or butterfly

Postures like bridge pose can not only lengthen but also help to strengthen the hip flexor muscles. 

How to Treat Hip Flexor Strain

Other than stretching and lengthening through the hip flexor muscles, you can also allow your body some rest time. If you’re an active person, perhaps you include more recovery days into your routine.

Chiropractors can also help treat hip flexor pain and strain.

They can achieve this by identifying the cause or root of the problem and then through assisted stretching, ensuring the proper alignment. Improper alignment while stretching may cause more strain, but a professional can ensure you’re doing things correctly.

Chiropractors can also determine if the pain is coming from somewhere else, such as the pelvis.

Stay Hip Healthy

Now that you know some common causes of hip flexor pain, as well as solutions, you can begin to get some much-needed relief.

We at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness can help you feel even better with personalized treatments to restore flexibility and mobility. 

New patients, click here to begin the appointment process. We can’t wait to help you get your life back!

What Is Shoulder Bursitis (And How Do You Treat It?)

According to the CDC, one out of every five Americans suffers from chronic pain. And 8% of chronic pain sufferers admit that it impacts their daily life.  If you’re suffering from pain that makes it hard to work or enjoy life, it’s time to do something about it. Instead of suffering in silence, reach out for help. If you suffer from chronic shoulder pain, you may be experiencing shoulder bursitis. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how to treat it. 

What Is Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis, or bursitis of the shoulder, is the painful inflammation of your shoulder joint. 

To get more technical, the condition is caused when the shoulder bursa is irritated. The bursae are liquid-filled sacs found near the joints in your body. When the bursa sac is irritated, it becomes inflamed and increases in size — meaning there is less room for the tendons and muscles in your shoulder to move around. 

What Are the Symptoms

How do you know if you’re suffering from a bursitis shoulder and not another condition? There are a few specific symptoms you should look out for, including:

• Reduced range of motion in your shoulder
• Pain around the tip or outside of your shoulder
• Pain when your shoulder is touched
• Pain when you lift your arm 
• Swelling and redness around your shoulder

If these symptoms are combined with a fever, you should seek medical attention immediately as you may be dealing with an infection. 

Common Causes

Now that you know what shoulder bursitis is and what the symptoms are, you may be wondering what caused it. 

The most common cause of shoulder bursitis is simply the overuse of your shoulder. Any repetitive motion can irritate the shoulder bursa, causing inflammation and pain. Many times, shoulder bursitis is caused by playing sports that involve your shoulder muscles, such as tennis, baseball, or even weight training. 

Shoulder bursitis can also be caused by a traumatic event, such as a car crash or a fall. If your shoulder area is injured during the event, bursitis may occur. 

KT Tape for Shoulder Bursitis

The good news is that shoulder bursitis is treatable with the help of a good chiropractor. 

One of the most effective treatments involves Kinesiology Taping (KT tape). This treatment involves a thin, stretchy athletic tape placed on the injured area to provide support. A trained chiropractor can apply the tape in a way that relieves both the pain and inflammation. The chiropractor can also align the shoulder joint making sure to decrease inflammation to the area and letting it properly heal. 

The great thing about KT tape is that it provides relief for the entire time that it is on your body. Once applied, the tape can generally  work for five days. 

Receive Chiropractic Care for Your Shoulder Bursitis Today! 

If you’re tired of suffering from shoulder bursitis, it’s time to receive chiropractic care. 

Our team at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness are here to help you recover. With years of experience, our team is dedicated to providing you the best care possible. 

Click here to book an appointment at our office in North Creek near the Mill Creek Town Center. 

Lean on Me: What’s the Best Treatment for Shoulder Tendonitis?

Here’s what you should know about shoulder tendonitis treatment in Mill Creek, Washington so you can make an informed decision.

Shoulder tendonitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Also known as shoulder impingement, this condition causes inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. It can make it different to hold your arm in certain positions, play sports, or even sleep.

Rotator cuff abnormalities affect 9.7 to 62% of the population. The risk of developing shoulder tendonitis and other related conditions increases with age. 

Athletes are more likely to develop this condition. Baseball and volleyball players, swimmers, and weightlifters face the highest risk. Manual labor and falls may cause injuries to your shoulder too.

Getting adequate treatment in a timely manner may help prevent complications. Therapeutic exercises combined with proper rest and chiropractic care can speed up your recovery.

Shoulder Tendonitis Causes and Symptoms

This condition is common in both athletes and middle-aged people. Baseball players, tennis players, and bodybuilders, and other athletes who use their arms overhead are at higher risk. Occupations that involve manual work may lead to shoulder pain and inflammation too.

Rotator cuff tendonitis, or shoulder tendonitis, causes tenderness and swelling in the front of your shoulder. Its symptoms may resemble those of other injuries or conditions, which is why it’s important to see a doctor. These may include:

• Shoulder pain and soreness
• Mild swelling
• Clicking sounds when using the shoulder
• Sharp pain when lifting your arm
• Stiffness and limited range of motion

These symptoms are typically due to overuse of a muscle or tendon, but they may also result from trauma to the shoulder or inflammatory diseases.

If you have shoulder pain, your doctor may recommend an MRI scan, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests. First, he will try to rule out bursitis and other disorders with similar symptoms.

Know Your Treatment Options

After a physical examination, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan based on your age, symptoms, and other factors. A combination of strengthening exercises, massage therapy, and rest is effective in most cases.

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to shoulder tendonitis treatment. This form of therapy can help relieve muscle tension and strengthen the affected tendon, leading to pain relief.

Your chiropractor may also recommend bracing, ice therapy, and other techniques to decrease inflammation. As you begin to heal, he may prescribe gentle exercises to strengthen your shoulder and increase its mobility. 

Side-lying external rotations, doorway stretches, and supine passive arm elevation are just a few examples. The pendulum exercise can help too. Consistency is the key.

With proper care, your symptoms should subside within two weeks to one month. Surgery should be your last resort.

Relieve Shoulder Pain Naturally

Shoulder tendonitis can be debilitating. The sooner you do something about it, the lower the risk of complications.

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we provide chiropractic care, massage therapy, and custom exercise programs in Mill Creek, Washington. If you’re struggling with shoulder pain, we can develop a treatment plan that fits into your lifestyle.

Don’t make any compromises when it comes to your health. Reach out to our team to discuss your needs and see how we can help!