Chiropractic Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury

Posted on August 29, 2020June 26, 2024 by Natalie Meiri

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Chiropractic Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C. Posted: 8/29/20

Chiropractic treatment for rotator cuff injury is effective even if you have a rotator cuff tear. This was a 53 year old patient who hurt their left shoulder playing tennis and lifting weights. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Peter instead of his real name. Peter had a M.R.I. (magnetic resonance imaging) finding of a “3 x 3 mm partial thickness tear” of his rotator cuff. His orthopedic surgeon prescribed P.T. (physical therapy) and suggested surgery (arthroscopy) if P.T. wasn’t successful. Peter is allergic to N.S.A.I.D.s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen) and wanted to avoid drugs and/or surgery. However, the worse was when his orthopedist told him to stop playing tennis! So Peter never went to P.T. and came to see me instead.

Peter told me he wouldn’t stop playing tennis because he plays tennis almost everyday. Besides, he had a match coming up! Peter had been extremely active all his life in various sports. Right now, tennis was his sport. Actually, I told him I thought he should continue playing tennis. I gave one restriction: the two handed backhand tennis serve. The 2 handed backhand serve caused extreme pain for Peter’s left shoulder at the time.

Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts the shoulder joint

Starting at 2 times a week and then 1 time a week, his treatments included chiropractic adjustments/manipulation to his left 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. Advanced strengthening and sport-specific exercises for tennis were introduced as tolerated. As he made progress, I also adjusted his low back to optimize his athletic performance.

Peter experienced pain relief gradually. After 2 months, he had nearly full range of motion without pain. And at 3 months, was able to perform the two handed backhand serve pain-free. Furthermore, Peter went to the gym (with some restrictions from me) and played tennis A LOT while treating with me!

Chiropractic is for people who want to move and perform better in their sport. Like Peter, chiropractic is for patients who don’t want drugs or surgery. Ultimately, it’s for those who want a better quality of life.

Exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending. When we enjoy it and therefore do it regularly, it gives us an enormous sense of well-being. I rarely tell my patients to stop the exercise that is a source of their joy. Aristotle, the greek physician of the 4th century said “Life is movement”.

Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach offers chiropractic treatment for rotator cuff injury. Dr. Natalie Meiri will examine, diagnose and come up with a chiropractic treatment plan for rotator cuff injury for optimal relief and function. And then help you to prevent future injuries. Call 561-253-8984 today to schedule an appointment.

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