Shoulder Anatomy
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles located in the shoulder that helps to keep your shoulders joint secure.
Injuries to the rotator cuff are typically responsible for most shoulder problems, causing 4.5 million doctor visits per year in total. There are three different types of injuries: partial tears, full-thickness tears and ruptures—the latter being when there is a hole or slit in your tendon like what would be created by running a knife lengthwise down a rope.
Causes
Rotator cuff tears are usually the result of a progressive tear, which requires repetitive or excessive use over time. An acute injury like falling, pushing pulling throwing or lifting can lead to an immediate rotator cuff tear but only accounts for less than 10% of all cases.
The repetitive nature of our daily lives can cause injuries to accumulate over time. One such injury is called impingement, which occurs when the rotator cuff tendon becomes compressed by surrounding tissue and bone due to a lack of space in its natural resting place.
Athletes who play sports like baseball, volleyball, tennis and swimming are the ones at risk for impingement and rotator cuff tendon problems. Other forms of risks include smoking, obesity high cholesterol and prior cortisone injection.
Symptoms
An acute rotator cuff injury can cause a snapping or tearing sound, severe pain and weakness.
Chronic shoulder injuries start with symptoms that become more evident as the injury progresses. Symptoms include pain in the front and outside of your shoulder, which may radiate down your arm when aggravated by overhead activity.
You might also experience difficulty raising your arms over head or have frequent neck pains at night while lying on affected area of shoulders. If you suffer from significant neck pain, shortness of breath, chest pressure/pain or dizziness be sure to tell us so we can help!
How To Reduce the Pain
Sleeping on one side can irritate the impacted area and not sleeping with an arm overhead may be helpful. Smokers should stop smoking, maybe even join a program to do so, and overweight patients need to start dieting as well as exercising at home if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shoulder Pain
Q. Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent?
Yes. Newcastle Chiropractic Clinic on Blackfriars Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndrome, and shoulder-related neck pain. We see patients from across the local area including Stoke-on-Trent, Keele, Kidsgrove, Silverdale, and Crewe. Our chiropractors will carry out a thorough examination to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain and create a personalised treatment plan. For patients based closer to Stoke city centre, our partner clinic City Chiropractic on Epworth Street, Stoke-on-Trent provides the same level of specialist care.
Q. What is the difference between a rotator cuff injury and shoulder impingement?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround and stabilise the shoulder joint. A rotator cuff injury refers to a tear or strain within these tendons, which can range from a partial tear through to a full rupture. Shoulder impingement is a related but distinct problem, where the rotator cuff tendon becomes compressed or pinched between the surrounding bones due to reduced space in the joint – often as a result of repetitive overhead activity, poor posture, or gradual wear over time. Both conditions can cause pain at the front and outside of the shoulder, difficulty lifting the arm, and discomfort at night. Chiropractic assessment can identify which issue is present and guide the most appropriate course of treatment.
How does chiropractic treatment help with shoulder pain?
Chiropractic care for shoulder pain takes a whole-body approach. Because the shoulder works closely with the neck, upper back, and thoracic spine, restrictions or dysfunction in any of these areas can contribute to shoulder symptoms. At Newcastle Chiropractic Clinic, treatment may include spinal and joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and targeted rehabilitation exercises designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder. Where lifestyle factors such as posture, repetitive strain, or sports activity are contributing to the problem, your chiropractor will also provide practical guidance to help prevent the issue from returning.
I have had shoulder pain for months – is it too late to see a chiropractor in Newcastle-under-Lyme or Stoke-on-Trent?
It is never too late to seek help for shoulder pain, and many patients who have been managing a long-standing shoulder problem find significant improvement with chiropractic care. Chronic shoulder conditions can sometimes involve a degree of muscle imbalance or compensatory movement patterns that develop over time, and addressing these is something our chiropractors are well placed to help with. Newcastle Chiropractic Clinic is open Monday to Saturday with early morning and evening appointments available, making it straightforward to get seen without disrupting your working day. You can call us on 01782 711 191 or book online. If you are closer to Stoke-on-Trent, our partner clinic City Chiropractic at 40 Epworth Street, ST4 1NR is also available on 01782 848 184.
Visit A Team Of Newcastle Chiropractors You Can Trust
Book an Appointment
Call 01782 711 191 or
Book Online