The Shoulder

One of the more common areas we treat here at Classic Chiropractic is the shoulder. 

Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder is a complex region made up of muscles, bones, ligaments, bursa and joints.  The primary muscle group is the rotator cuff, the bones are the humerus, clavicle, and the scapulae, and the joints include the AC joint and the Glenohumeral joint (the ball and socket joint).  

Shoulder Injuries

The beauty of the shoulder is it's incredible range of motion that allows us to perform an array of tasks and actions.  However, the downside this increased capacity brings is an increased risk and rate of injury.  Common shoulder injuries include:  rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, AC joint sprain, tendinitis, bursitis, and tears to the labrum.  With so many possible causes for pain and injury is is vital to get the diagnosis correct.  Therefore a detailed history and comprehensive exam is very important.  In complicated cases it may be necessary to include imaging such as an MRI or X-ray.  

Shoulder Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on your diagnosis.  Our most frequently used approaches are chiropractic manipulation for improved movement, IASTM/Faktr aka: scraping for improving the orientation of collagen tissue (scar tissue) in the direction of muscle contraction for a stronger healing outcome, Kinesio taping for structural support and for inflammation control, and functional rehabilitation for improved flexibility and strengthening of the damaged tissue.  

At Classic Chiropractic we have had great success with many different injuries surrounding the shoulder and would be happy to be of service.  

Kinesio Tape

At Classic Chiropractic we tape a lot of people using Kinesio tape.  For most patients unless they have recently been involved in athletics it's their first exposure.  This raises a lot of questions:  What is it?  How is it different from normal tape?  How does it work?  How long do I leave it on?  I thought it would be good to take a moment and give some answers.
 

What is Kinesio tape?  
Kinesio tape is an elastic cloth tape with a rigid hypo-allergenic adhesive.  It is cut and placed in different patterns depending on the injury or need.  It was developed  in 1979 by Dr. Kenso Kase, a Japanese chiropractor.  The tape really came to the forefront at the 2008 Summer Olympics when Kerri Walsh (US gold medal beach volleyball player) was seen wearing it to support her surgically repaired right shoulder. 

How is Kinesio tape different from normal sports tape?
Traditional tape and taping methods sought to immobilize the injured area.  However, Kinesio tape seeks to allow full range of motion of the effected area while giving support and pain relief.  This allows the patient or athlete to heal faster and form less scar tissue.  
 

How does Kinesio tape work?  
Kinesio tape works by pulling up lightly on the skin and causing an increased separation  in the layers between the skin, fascia, muscles, and circulatory system.  This increased layering allows better blood and lympahtic flow to and away from the injured area.  By decreasing inflammation you speed up healing times.  Kinesio tape also reduces pain by reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the pain receptors where it is applied.  
 

How long do I leave it on?  
You can leave Kinesio tape on for four days.  The tape is cloth so yes you can shower/bathe.  The removal of the tape can be a little tricky but some lotion or oil can help.  

Kinesio tape has had a huge impact on the athletic world.  We believe our patient's should get the same great care.