From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:
Chiropractic Care for Weakness and Pain from a Gym Injury
This was a 33 year old patient with a chief complaint of bilateral (both) shoulder and neck pain. To be HIPPA compliant, I will call him Trevor instead of his real name.
Also, Trevor stated he “suffered from weakness” in his upper extremities (arms). So he had difficulty even lifting boxes due to the weakness in his arms at his job. Lastly, he noticed some (laxity) “clicking” in his shoulders.
Trevor was an athlete. He worked out at the gym almost every day. Trevor said 4 months ago he had injured his shoulders lifting weights at the gym. He had no past history of trauma otherwise. After going to physical therapy and getting massages for a month without relief, Trevor had come to see me.
What reasons can cause weakness in your arms?
Your sense of weakness may be due to pain or stiffness. It is a misinterpretation and not truly a weakness stemming from your nervous system. Similarly, instability may appear as weakness to you. For example, if you have laxity (looseness) of the shoulder joints, overhead or certain movements may feel “weak”. This is because of the inability of the shoulder musculature to compensate. Therefore, due to the ligamentous/capsular shoulder laxity, certain higher levels of elevation are difficult. In conclusion, the weakness is not due to a neurological problem.
The following are nervous system disorders causing weakness in the arms: cerebrum/cerebellar (brain) disorders, spinal cord, nerve root, or peripheral nerve (e.g. carpal tunnel) disorders, and myopathy (e.g. muscular dystrophy and inflammatory disorders of muscle).
Trevor’s Examination at Meiri Chiropractic
Upon examination, I gave Trevor a diagnosis for a sprain in his neck and bilateral glenohumeral joints (shoulder joints). He definitely had positive tests for his neck. And Trevor’s glenohumeral joints (shoulder joints articulation between the scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus (upper arm) did have mild laxity along with his postiive tests. I would order imaging (e.g. x-rays, MRI) in a month if there was no improvement.
Trevor’s Treatment and Outcome at Meiri Chiropractic
Firstly, Trevor’s treatments included chiropractic adjustments/ manipulation to his neck, both glenohumeral joints and associated regions. Secondly, associated regions included his thoracic (midback) spine. Thirdly, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) and modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Fourthly, he was given therapeutic exercises to continue his treatment at home.
Trevor felt much better from the first treatment. After only a few visits, his pain level was decreased. Most importantly, he had functional improvement. And he stated his “weakness” was gone. Thereafter, he continued his chiropractic care for full recovery from his injuries. Finally, he returned for periodic adjustments for overall wellness and increased performance at the gym.
Chiropractic Care for Weakness and Pain from a Gym Injury
At Meiri Chiropractic we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have. Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat existing conditions, but to keep your body in its best working condition. We have been offering the best effective chiropractic care in Palm Beach county since 2006. Many of our patient reviews note our excellence. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic Care for Weakness and Pain from a Gym Injury.