Shoulder Pain Treatment In Des Moines
Find Real Relief From Shoulder Pain
The shoulder has more range of motion than almost any other joint in the body, which also makes it one of the easiest to injure or overwork. Reaching overhead, sleeping on your side, or even carrying a bag can start to feel like a lot to ask once something in that joint isn't cooperating.
Dr. Jeffery Stickel and Dr. Luis Amador-Gaxiola take a close look at how your shoulder is actually moving, not just where it hurts, since shoulder pain is often tangled up with restriction in the neck or upper back too. At ADIO Chiropractic Clinic, that broader evaluation is what separates a treatment plan that actually holds up from one that only quiets the pain for a little while.
Ready to move more freely again? Request an appointment today.
Understanding Shoulder Pain Treatment
Why Shoulder Pain Needs A Correction-Focused Approach
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which also makes it one of the easiest to overwork or restrict without realizing it. Because so much of its range of motion runs through the neck and upper back as well, shoulder pain is rarely a problem with just one part. Dr. Stickel and Dr. Amador-Gaxiola evaluate the full picture rather than focusing only on wherever the pain happens to be pointing.
Common Causes Of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can develop for a number of reasons, and it's common for more than one to be involved.
- Overuse or repetitive strain, common in jobs or sports that involve frequent overhead movement
- Old injuries, including falls or impacts that never fully healed
- Restricted joint movement, which can develop gradually and limit range of motion over time
- Referred pain, where discomfort in the neck or upper back shows up as shoulder pain
Shoulder Pain Or Something Else?
Not every ache around the shoulder actually starts there. Pain that feels like it's coming from the shoulder can sometimes originate in the neck, especially if it's accompanied by tingling or weakness down the arm, or from a restricted joint that's forcing the shoulder to compensate. Because treating the wrong source rarely fixes the problem, Dr. Stickel and Dr. Amador-Gaxiola make a point of checking the neck and upper back alongside the shoulder itself before landing on a diagnosis.
Shoulder Pain Treatment Options At ADIO Chiropractic Clinic
Depending on what's causing your shoulder pain, treatment may include:
- Extremity Adjustments to restore proper movement directly to the shoulder joint
- Chiropractic Rehabilitation & Corrective Care to diagnose the full scope of the issue and build a longer-term plan
- Shockwave Therapy for stubborn tendon-related pain that hasn't responded to rest
- Red Light Therapy to support healing and reduce inflammation in the joint
Getting the diagnosis right matters more here than with most joints, since a shoulder problem and a neck problem can feel nearly identical from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes shoulder pain?
Because the shoulder moves through such a wide range of motion, it's especially prone to overuse and repetitive strain, particularly from jobs or sports involving frequent overhead movement. Old injuries and restricted joint movement are common contributors as well, and shoulder pain can sometimes have more than one of these causes layered on top of each other.
How is shoulder pain treated differently than a general joint issue?
Shoulder pain often responds well to extremity adjustments, a technique used specifically on joints outside the spine. Dr. Stickel holds a certification in this approach, which allows him to target the shoulder joint directly rather than relying only on general spinal adjustments, especially useful when the joint itself, not just the surrounding muscle, is the source of restriction.
Can shoulder pain be related to problems in my neck?
It can, and it's more common than most people expect. Nerve irritation in the neck can send pain down into the shoulder, which sometimes leads patients to treat the shoulder for months without addressing where the problem is actually coming from. A thorough evaluation checks both areas before landing on a diagnosis.
How do I schedule an appointment with a shoulder pain chiropractor near me in Des Moines?
Scheduling is simple. Request an appointment online, and our team will follow up quickly to confirm your visit. We look forward to helping you move freely again.