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Shoulder Injuries In Adult Athletes


"My shoulder has been bugging me!"

"I did something to it!"

"I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it hurts!"


This is what I see in my office all the time, and as an "aging" athlete myself, I know EXACTLY how this feels. The biggest questions are, what is the problem, and do you need surgery? The answer may surprise you. ANSWER, probably not, but you definitely need to do something about it now, or the answer will be yes to surgery.


Going to be short and to the point on describing these potential problems.


1) Impingement

  • Symptoms: hurts kind of all over, but mainly in the back and down the side.

  • Cause: repetitive stress (sports, weightlifting, occupation)

  • Surgery: probably not

  • Treatment: shockwave, ARP wave, flexibility and strength

  • Will It Get Better: yes, if you trust the process.


2) Bicep Tendonitis

  • Symptoms: pain (pinching) in the front and into the upper arm

  • Cause: repetitive stress (sports, weightlifting, occupation)

  • Surgery: probably not

  • Treatment: shockwave, ARP wave, flexibility and removing stuff that hurts.


3) Rotator Cuff (tears?)

  • Symptoms: pain in the back and down the upper arm, sometimes wrapping around.

  • Cause: acute (result of injury) OR chronic repetitive stress

  • Surgery: acute injury can result in big tears, then YES, potentially surgery.

  • Surgery: chronic repetitive stress can result in small tears, then NO, probably no surgery.

  • Treatment: big tears (surgery) / small tears: shockwave, ARP wave, strength training, and major emphasis on posture and fixing imbalance in shoulder / neck and entire upper torso.


4) Labrum Tears

  • Symptoms: pain can be front and back, potentially all over (depending on location)

  • Cause: acute or chronic repetitive stress (50/50)

  • Surgery: probably not, it can be a BEAR!

  • Treatment: shockwave, ARP wave, flexibility and strength training. Focus on posture and really getting pressure off the neck and shoulder.


Whatever your diagnosis is, don't wear it like a weight around your neck. No pun intended, well maybe a little. Most shoulder injuries / conditions in aging adult athletes are not surgical, and can be managed through conservative care. You got to find someone that understands the problem and understands you! It can get better, and will get better if you take it head-on and don't ignore it and say, "it will eventually go away," OR "it is my bad shoulder," OR "I am just getting old!" Suck it up buttercup and get it fixed!


Live Life! Get The W!


If you need help, reach out.


Dr. Josh Younce

Winfield Chiropractic + Wellness

0S050 Winfield Road, Winfield, IL, 60190

(630) 251 - 8268


Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read here.





 
 
 

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