Shoulder and arm condition · Canton, OH
Shoulder injury treatment in Canton, OH
Shoulder pain is pain, stiffness or weakness in the shoulder joint and the muscles and tendons around it. Common sources include rotator cuff strain, tight muscles, arthritis and pain referred from the neck. At Belden Village Chiropractic in Canton, care starts with an exam to find the cause.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice in Canton
- Over 300 five-star reviews
- No referral needed
Shoulder injury at a glance
| Also called | Shoulder pain, rotator cuff strain, sore or stiff shoulder |
|---|---|
| Body area | Shoulder, upper arm and shoulder blade, sometimes the neck and upper back |
| Structures involved | Ball-and-socket joint, rotator cuff muscles and tendons, ligaments, collarbone and shoulder blade |
| Common symptoms | Pain when lifting or reaching, stiffness, weakness, clicking or catching, pain at night |
| Common causes | Rotator cuff strain or inflammation, muscle tightness or spasm, overuse, falls and sports injuries, arthritis, pain referred from the neck |
| How we evaluate | Health history, shoulder and neck exam, range-of-motion and strength testing, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, physical rehabilitation, massage therapy |
| Referral needed? | No referral needed |
What is a shoulder injury?
A shoulder injury is damage or strain to the shoulder joint or the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support it. The shoulder moves through a wider range than any other joint in the body, which also makes it less stable and easier to injure.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The top of the upper arm bone sits in a shallow socket on the shoulder blade, held in place by the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons. The collarbone, shoulder blade and upper back all affect how the shoulder moves.
Shoulder pain can also start in the neck, so care begins with an exam of both areas to find the source.
Shoulder injury symptoms and causes
What does a shoulder injury feel like?
Shoulder pain can be a dull ache, a sharp pain with certain movements or a stiff shoulder that is hard to lift.
- Pain when lifting your arm or reaching overhead or behind your back
- Aching on the outside of the shoulder or upper arm
- Stiffness or less range of motion
- Weakness when lifting or holding your arm up
- Pain at night, especially when lying on the sore side
- Clicking, catching or a feeling that the shoulder is unstable
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain often builds from overuse, though sudden injuries play a role too.
- Rotator cuff strain, inflammation or tears
- Tight muscles or spasm from overuse or awkward use, which can spread into the neck and upper back
- Repeated overhead work or sports such as throwing, swimming or tennis
- Falls onto an outstretched arm or the shoulder
- Wear-and-tear arthritis in the shoulder joint
- Pain referred from a neck problem, such as a pinched nerve
- Risk factors: overhead jobs, desk posture with rounded shoulders, a past shoulder injury
Which shoulder problem is it?
Different shoulder problems can feel alike, and more than one can happen at the same time. Your exam helps sort out the cause.
| Feature | Rotator cuff strain or tendinitis | Muscle tightness or spasm | Pain referred from the neck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Front and outside of the shoulder, sometimes into the upper arm | Top of the shoulder, shoulder blade and base of the neck | Shoulder, often traveling down the arm, with neck stiffness |
| Other signs | Weakness lifting the arm; pain at night | Tight, tender muscles; no numbness or tingling | Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arm or hand |
| Often worse with | Reaching overhead or behind the back | Long desk work, stress and carrying heavy bags | Turning or tilting the head |
Get emergency care right away if
- Shoulder pain started after a fall or hard hit and the shoulder looks out of place
- You cannot move or lift your arm at all after an injury
- The shoulder is hot, red and swollen, or you have a fever
- You have chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating or pain spreading to the jaw or left arm
- You have sudden weakness, numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
- Pain or swelling is severe and keeps getting worse
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for shoulder pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any imaging reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask how the pain started and which movements make it worse, then check your shoulder and neck movement, strength, posture and reflexes.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Shoulder injury care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle care for the shoulder, upper back and neck to help them move well together.
- Laser therapy Low-level laser light applied to the sore area, used to help ease pain and inflammation.
- Physical rehabilitation Exercises to restore range of motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles.
- Massage therapy Hands-on work to relax tight shoulder, neck and upper back muscles.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or an orthopedic consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Shoulder pain that makes reaching or sleeping hard?
Your shoulder injury care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Shoulder injury questions we hear in Canton
Chiropractic care is a common conservative option for many shoulder problems, such as muscle tightness and rotator cuff strain. We review your history and exam first and refer you to a physician if we find signs that need other care.
Yes. The nerves that supply the shoulder and arm leave the neck, so a pinched nerve or stiff neck joint can cause shoulder pain. We check both areas during your exam.
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that hold the top of the arm bone in the shoulder socket and help you lift and rotate your arm. Strains, inflammation and tears are common causes of shoulder pain.
Lying on the sore shoulder puts pressure on irritated tendons and other tissues, so pain at night is common with rotator cuff problems. Tell us about it at your exam so we can factor it into your care.
No referral needed. Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed, such as after a fall or when a tear or fracture is suspected.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats shoulder pain and injuries at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- Free on-site parking
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your shoulder pain
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.