Welcome to Creekside Performance Center, your evidence-based chiropractic office dedicated to promoting optimal musculoskeletal health. In this blog post, we will explore the common phenomenon of "clicking shoulders," also known as shoulder crepitus, and its potential causes. We'll delve into evidence-based treatments for clicking shoulders and how chiropractic care can play a crucial role in alleviating discomfort and enhancing overall shoulder function.
Understanding Clicking Shoulders:
Clicking shoulders refer to the clicking, popping, or grinding sounds that occur within the shoulder joint during movement. Patients experiencing this phenomenon may describe sensations of instability or discomfort along with the noise. While it can be concerning, clicking shoulders are relatively common and can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Often times it can be a simple issue of a tendon sliding over a bone, creating a guitar string "pluck". This is common and typically not painful.
Causes of Clicking Shoulders:
Tendons or Ligament Movements: Clicking sounds can arise when tendons or ligaments slide over bony structures in the shoulder joint. This is often related to repetitive movements.
Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Tears or fraying of the labrum can cause clicking sensations when the joint moves.
Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes within the shoulder joint due to wear and tear can lead to clicking sounds.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint, can result in clicking shoulders.
Rotator Cuff Issues: Damage or inflammation to the rotator cuff tendons can contribute to clicking sensations and may lead to more severe shoulder problems if left untreated.
Evidence-Based Treatments:
Rest: In mild cases, rest to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Corrective Exercise: Targeted exercises can strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, promoting stability and reducing clicking sensations.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain.
Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors, with their specialized knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, can play a crucial role in addressing clicking shoulders.
Chiropractic Care for Clicking Shoulders:
At Creekside Performance Center, our evidence-based chiropractic approach focuses on identifying the root cause of clicking shoulders and providing targeted treatments. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper joint alignment and mobility, reducing stress on surrounding structures and easing discomfort.
Here's how chiropractic care can benefit patients with clicking shoulders:
Individualized Assessment: Our chiropractors will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a patient's medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging, to pinpoint the exact cause of the clicking shoulders.
Spinal and Shoulder Adjustments: Precise and gentle adjustments to the spine and shoulder joint can improve alignment and function, promoting proper movement and reducing clicking sensations.
Soft Tissue Techniques: Chiropractors may employ soft tissue therapies like massage or myofascial release to address muscle imbalances and tension contributing to shoulder issues.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Chiropractors will prescribe tailored exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, promoting stability and preventing future clicking shoulder episodes.
At Creekside Performance Center, we prioritize evidence-based approaches to chiropractic care, and clicking shoulders are no exception. Our team of skilled chiropractors aims to not only address symptoms but also identify and treat the underlying cause of shoulder discomfort. With personalized treatment plans that incorporate adjustments, soft tissue techniques, and rehabilitation exercises, we strive to restore optimal shoulder function and improve our patients' overall musculoskeletal health.
If you're experiencing clicking shoulders or any musculoskeletal issues, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. Your journey towards a pain-free and active life begins at Creekside Performance Center.