Weightlifters commonly experience several shoulder injuries due to the repetitive stress and heavy loads placed on these joints. The most common shoulder injuries in weightlifters include:
Rotator Cuff Tears: These occur when the tendons of the rotator cuff are overstretched or torn, causing pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This condition develops when the tendons of the rotator cuff get pinched or compressed between the shoulder bones, leading to inflammation and pain, especially during overhead movements.
Bicep Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder, often resulting from repetitive lifting movements or using weights that are too heavy.
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Sprains: These occur when the ligaments stabilizing the AC joint are stretched or torn, typically due to direct impact or stress on the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Dislocations: A serious injury where the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, causing intense pain and inability to move the arm.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons, ligaments, and bone.
Tendinitis: Irritation and inflammation of the tendons, often caused by overuse and excessive strain.
These injuries can result from various factors, including improper form, overloading, fatigue, and sudden forceful movements. Proper warm-up, gradual increase in weight, and maintaining correct lifting techniques are essential for preventing these common shoulder injuries in weightlifters.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Weight Lifters
1. Pain Reduction
Chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce shoulder pain by addressing joint restrictions in the spine and shoulder joint. By correcting these issues, chiropractors help increase range of motion, alleviate pressure on nerves and soft tissues, leading to decreased pain and discomfort. Soft tissue treatments can help to improve healing and reduce pain in those tissues. Mobility and rehabilitation exercises can be utilized to address strength and range of motion deficits in addition to correct compensation patterns.
2. Improved Range of Motion
Weightlifting requires a full range of motion in the shoulders. Chiropractic care can help increase shoulder mobility by:
Restoring proper motion in the shoulder joint
Reducing inflammation
Relaxing tight muscles
Reducing muscle spasms
This improved range of motion allows for better form during lifts and reduces the risk of injury.
3. Faster Recovery
Chiropractic treatments can speed up the healing process for shoulder injuries. By improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care helps damaged tissues repair more quickly. This means less time away from the gym and a faster return to your training routine.
4. Injury Prevention
Regular chiropractic care can help prevent future shoulder injuries by:
Maintaining proper joint range of motion
Improving overall posture
Improving strength and stability
Addressing muscle imbalances and compensation patterns
By keeping your body in optimal condition, you're less likely to experience shoulder problems in the future.
5. Non-Invasive Treatment
Unlike surgery or long-term medication use, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to treating shoulder pain. This means fewer risks and side effects, making it an attractive option for weightlifters looking to maintain their health and performance.Â
Chiropractic Techniques for Shoulder Pain
Chiropractors use various techniques to address shoulder pain in weightlifters, including:
Spinal, scapular and shoulder (glenohumeral) adjustments/manipulations
Active Release Technique (ART) or Pin and Stretch
Graston/IASTM Technique
Cupping Therapy
Kinesiology Taping
Therapeutic or Rehabilitation Exercises
Mobility Exercises
These methods work together to provide comprehensive care for shoulder injuries.
By incorporating chiropractic care into your training regimen, you can keep your shoulders healthy, reduce pain, and improve your weightlifting performance. Don't let shoulder pain hold you back from reaching your fitness goals – consider visiting us to experience these benefits for yourself.
References:
Golshani K, Cinque ME, O'Halloran P, Softness K, Keeling L, Macdonell JR. Upper extremity weightlifting injuries: Diagnosis and management. J Orthop. 2017 Nov 7;15(1):24-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2017.11.005. PMID: 29657436; PMCID: PMC5895929.
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