Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain in Kingsport, TN
Get seen the same day at an ER or urgent care for a visible deformity, a shoulder that won't move after a fall, sudden inability to lift the arm, or severe pain after a dislocation. Left shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating can be a heart problem: call 911.
What causes shoulder pain?
- •Rotator cuff tendinopathy: irritated tendons, usually from overhead work, lifting or throwing
- •Impingement: pain when raising the arm, often from stiffness in the upper back or poor shoulder blade control
- •Overuse: a jump in training, a new job, or a weekend of painting ceilings
- •AC joint strain: pain on top of the shoulder after a fall or contact
- •Frozen shoulder: gradual, severe loss of motion in every direction
- •Pain referred from the neck: shoulder pain that's really coming from the neck or a pinched nerve
Throwing and overhead athletes
Pitchers, quarterbacks, volleyball and tennis players, and swimmers load the shoulder thousands of times a season. Pain usually comes from a mismatch between that load and the shoulder's capacity: lost rotation, a weak cuff, a stiff upper back, or a hip and trunk that don't share the work. Dr. Douglas played college baseball at King University and is a Certified Athletic Trainer, so throwing mechanics and return-to-throw planning are part of the exam, not an afterthought. Sports medicine.
How chiropractic care may help shoulder pain
- •Extremity adjustments and mobilization for the shoulder, collarbone joints and shoulder blade
- •Adjustments to the upper back and neck when they're limiting shoulder motion
- •Soft tissue work, including instrument-assisted techniques and dry needling for the cuff and surrounding muscles
- •Progressive cuff and shoulder blade strengthening (corrective exercise)
- •StemWave focused shockwave therapy for some stubborn tendon problems
A systematic review of rotator cuff tendinopathy found manual therapy reduced pain, especially when added to exercise.
What to expect and when we refer
Your first visit runs 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Douglas checks shoulder motion and strength, runs special tests for the cuff, labrum and joint, and screens your neck and upper back. X-rays are available on site when needed. Signs of a significant tear (sudden weakness after injury, inability to raise the arm), a dislocation or a fracture get imaging and an orthopedic referral first. More on your first visit.
Is chiropractic care safe for shoulder pain?
For most shoulder pain without a major tear, fracture or instability, conservative care is considered low risk after a proper exam. Some soreness after soft tissue work or dry needling is common and fades within a day or two.
Shoulder pain care in Kingsport
We see baseball and softball players, swimmers, CrossFit athletes, mechanics, nurses and anyone who works overhead. Plans are built around getting you back to the job or sport, with a clear progression rather than rest and hope.
Common Questions
Clinical Sources & Guidelines
- Desjardins-Charbonneau A, Roy JS, Dionne CE, et al. The efficacy of manual therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2015;45(5):330-350.
Ready to be seen?
Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.