From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s clinical pearl stories:
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From Shoulder Impingement Syndrome With Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care
This is my clinical pearl story about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief from Shoulder Impingement Syndrome With Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care. He was a 75 year old male patient. His chief complaint was right shoulder pain. And it came on insidiously (gradual, subtle but with harmful effects) without any trauma a year ago. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Barry instead of his real name.
Barry was retired, but was busy in his charity work. One day he presented to my office reporting pain in the right shoulder. He stated he had “difficulty raising his arm”. Furthermore, this led to trouble getting dressed and other daily activities. Barry stated he “didn’t want to get rotator cuff surgery” so he came to see me.
Barry’s Examination at Meiri Chiropractic
Upon examination, Barry tested positive for impingement syndrome for his right shoulder. Moreover, he also had findings that involved his mid back and neck contributing to his condition.
I ordered x-rays for Barry which showed extensive osteoarthritis throughout his cervical (neck), thoracic (midback) and right shoulder. This is the “wear and tear” type of arthritis when the bones rub against one another causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, disc degeneration and bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) which can “pinch” surrounding nerve/tissues. For Barry, the most notable finding on x-ray was the bone spur on his shoulder x-ray. I would order an MRI of his shoulder if there was no improvement after 12 visits.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
A shoulder impingement syndrome is defined as a compromise of the space between the coracoacromial arch (portion of top outer edge of shoulder blade) and the proximal (situated nearer the center of the body) humerus (upper arm bone). So several structures may get impinged (pinched): The biceps tendon, superior labrum (cartilage in shoulder joint), supraspinatus (1 of the rotator cuff muscles) tendon, and the subacromial bursa (a fluid-filled sac for countering friction at a joint ) are all vulnerable to being impinged. Symptoms are shoulder pain with overhead activities.
Causes for shoulder impingement include both structural and functional reasons:
Structural reasons:
-variant acromial types that are hooked or lengthened (top portion of shoulder blade developed/grew abnormal)
-degenerative (wear and tear arthritic) changes on the undersurface of the acromion
-an inflammatory process in the subacromial space (which could be due to i.e. bursitis, rotator cuff tear, or/and all of the above)
Functional reasons:
-abnormal position of your spine or scapula (ie. thoracic kyphosis)
-tightness of your shoulder capsule (membrane around shoulder joint),
-decrease in the space between the coracoaromial arch and proximal humerus due to past injuries
-abnormal motion due to nerve related problems (i.e. nerve palsy)
Barry’s acupuncture and chiropractic Treatments at Meiri Chiropractic
Starting at 2 times a week and then 1 time a week, Barry’s treatments included chiropractic adjustments/manipulation to his right shoulder, neck and thoracic (midback) spine. Additionally, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various relaxation procedures) and modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Finally, therapeutic exercises to continue treatment at home were given.
Firstly, the goal was to get him out of pain. Secondly, restore normal range of motion to his shoulder. Thirdly, to strengthen the rotator cuff and scapulothoracic (midback where his left shoulder is attached) musculature. The long-range goal was to stabilize his shoulder with a progressive rehabilitation program and modification of sport or/and occupational/daily lifestyle activities.
Next, Barry decided to try a course of acupuncture treatments (1time a week for 12 weeks) along with his chiropractic care.
Barry reported that he was starting to feel better after the initial visit. After 12 visits, he was mostly pain-free. Subsequently, with a few months of treatment, he got his full range of motion back in his shoulder. Furthermore, Barry was able to gradually introduce overhead activities without pain.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From Shoulder Impingement Syndrome With Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is for people who want to move and perform better in life. Chiropractic is for patients who don’t want drugs or surgery. Ultimately, it’s not just for pain relief. It’s for those who want a better quality of life.
Acupuncture is an ideal adjunct to chiropractic care. Acupuncture is a centuries-old healing procedure which focuses on the integrity of bodily systems and nonspecific conditions.
By seeing a chiropractor who is also certified in acupuncture, you can treat a wide range of health issues without the side effects of prescription medication. And this includes your shoulder pain. Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Relief From Shoulder Impingement With Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care.