Pain on External Rotation of Shoulder: Causes, Diagnosis, and Effective Treatments
Introduction
If you are experiencing pain on external rotation of your shoulder, it can severely limit your mobility and affect your daily activities. This type of shoulder pain is often a sign of an underlying problem that requires attention and treatment. At IAOM-US, our team of dedicated chiropractors and physical therapists specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions, including pain on external rotation of the shoulder.
What Causes Pain on External Rotation of Shoulder?
Pain on external rotation of the shoulder can stem from various causes. The most common reasons include:
- Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Overuse, trauma, or degeneration can lead to painful external rotation.
- Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the space between the rotator cuff and the acromion narrows, causing the rotator cuff tendons to rub against the bone, resulting in inflammation and pain.
- Glenohumeral instability: When the shoulder joint becomes unstable, it can lead to pain and discomfort during external rotation.
- Labral tears: Labrum is the cartilage in the shoulder joint that helps to stabilize it. Tears in the labrum can cause pain and restricted movement during external rotation.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs in the shoulder can cause pain, especially during movements like external rotation.
- Shoulder arthritis: Arthritis can cause degeneration of the shoulder joint, leading to pain during external rotation.
Diagnosis of Pain on External Rotation of Shoulder
At IAOM-US, our experienced chiropractors and physical therapists employ a comprehensive approach to diagnose the underlying cause of your shoulder pain. The diagnostic process may include:
- Physical examination: Our healthcare professionals will examine your shoulder, assessing the range of motion, strength, and any visible signs of injury or inflammation.
- Medical history review: Understanding your medical history helps us identify any pre-existing conditions or past injuries that may contribute to your shoulder pain.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be ordered to get a detailed view of the shoulder joint, allowing us to assess the presence of any structural abnormalities, tears, or inflammation.
- Specialized tests: Depending on your specific condition, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as an arthrogram or CT scan.
Effective Treatments for Pain on External Rotation of Shoulder
Once the cause of the pain on external rotation of the shoulder is identified, our skilled chiropractors and physical therapists will develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Some effective treatments for this condition include:
1. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, including shoulder pain. Our chiropractors may use techniques such as spinal adjustments, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises to alleviate pain and restore shoulder function.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of shoulder injuries. Our skilled physical therapists will design a customized treatment program that may include exercises to improve shoulder strength and flexibility, manual therapy techniques, and modalities like heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
3. Rehabilitation Exercises
Depending on your condition, our team will guide you through specific rehabilitation exercises to target the affected muscles and restore normal range of motion. These exercises aim to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve stability, and reduce pain during external rotation.
4. Medication and Injections
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with shoulder conditions. Additionally, targeted injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, may provide effective relief by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
5. Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care
Your healthcare provider may recommend certain modifications to your daily activities and ergonomics to prevent further irritation of the shoulder joint. Additionally, self-care techniques like applying ice or heat packs, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and practicing proper posture can support the healing process.
Conclusion
Pain on external rotation of the shoulder can significantly impact your quality of life, but with expert chiropractic and physical therapy care, relief is possible. At IAOM-US, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions, providing personalized treatment plans to help you overcome your shoulder pain. Don't let shoulder pain hold you back – contact IAOM-US today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free shoulder!
