health issues, shoulder, wrist, arm pain, anatomy, rotator cuff, tendinitis, carpal tunnel,

The shoulder is a complex joint, involving 3 different bones and 20 different muscles. The anatomy of the shoulder girdle allows for a wide range of motion in several directions. The upper arm (humerus) is connected to the shoulder blade (scapula) by a very shallow, cartilage rimmed socket, the glenohumeral joint, by a group of 4 muscles and their tendon attachments, called the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff include sports injuries, dysfunction due to muscle imbalance, wear and tear issues leading to scar tissue formation, and adhesions. The symptoms from rotator cuff problems can include neck stiffness, a slight catching, or severe pain on movement and frozen shoulder.

In addition to the glenohumeral articulation, the shoulder blade itself is attached to the chest and back by a set of muscles front and back, and the clavicle, or collarbone. Because of the wide range of motion of the shoulder, structural alignment and balance are the keys to shoulder and arm health.

The wrist and hand have anatomical weaknesses like the shoulder. Multiple bones, complex ligament and muscle attachments, ease of injury, and repetetive overuse lead to common problems like tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

A significant consideration, often medically and orthopedically overlooked, is the nerve supply to the shoulder and arm. Many shoulder and hand pains actually originate in the neck or cervical spine, as the nerves from this region control the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder, as well as the arm and hand. Nerve irritation or imbalance in this region can lead to referred pain, or can cause the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and wrist to become tight or weak, leading to imbalance, dysfunction, and early wear and tear in the joints.

Chiropractic is one the few health care disciplines to analyze and treat all 3 major causes of joint pain; nerve irritation, misalignment, and muscular/tendon issues. We use a combination of TFM (transverse friction massage), active release, spinal adjustments, various physiotherapy modalities, and specialized rehabilitation exercises to assist in a complete and quicker recovery.

Dr. Shaw is known to many local bodybuilders and personal trainers as "The Shoulder and Wrist Doctor" due to his success in rehabilitating even chronic shoulder and wrist problems. He has worked with patients who suffer from impiongement syndromes, frozen shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even those who have been told they need surgery. Don't let shoulder or arm pain limit your activities and your lifestyle. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.