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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Treatment: A Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas Chiropractor’s Perspective

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is a “ball and socket” joint, meaning that it can move in any direction. In fact, it is the most mobile joint in the body, which is helpful given the wide range of activities we need our arms for! However, because it is so mobile, it is not a very stable joint, which makes it highly susceptible to injury. For this reason, shoulder pain is a very common condition that is treated by Dr. Alvin Philipose at Venturis Clinic.
Shoulder pain will occur in around 70% of people at some point in their lives. Like other musculoskeletal conditions, shoulder pain can be easily divided into two main categories: acute and chronic. Around 50% of these cases will resolve within 8-12 weeks, but 40% turn into chronic problems that last for 1 year or longer, making it an incredibly frustrating condition to experience. The point is, if you experience a shoulder injury, it is extremely important to address it as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming a chronic condition that gets more difficult to treat over time.
One of the most common causes of shoulder pain seen at Venturis Clinic is poor posture. Several different muscles attach to the shoulder, which makes it heavily reliant on these muscles being balanced to keep the joint stable. Poor posture often creates muscle imbalance, namely in the form of the shoulders rolling forward (typically in response to prolonged computer/desk work). Other common causes of shoulder pain include traumas such as falls or car accidents, stress, repetitive movements, and osteoarthritis (joint degeneration). Many of these causes tend to create misalignment of the shoulder joints. Dr. Alvin Philipose specializes in identifying and correcting these misalignments through chiropractic adjustments. Because there are many different causes of shoulder pain, it is essential to uncover the root cause of your problem so that your problem can be addressed appropriately.

How We Treat Shoulder Pain in Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Comprehensive Consultation and Exam

At Venturis Clinic, Dr. Alvin Philipose will approach every new patient encounter the same way – with a thorough consultation and examination. In the consultation, he will ask you several questions about your history of this problem as well as any other problems you are experiencing. Dr. Philipose will want to know about any past traumas you’ve experienced, what your day-to-day activities and hobbies are, and what kind of work you do. These things provide valuable insight into the origins of your shoulder pain and from where it could have developed. Additionally, Dr. Alvin Philipose wants to understand the effect this has had on you and your quality of life. This is your opportunity to help him truly understand you, and he is here to listen.
After the consultation and history, Dr. Alvin Philipose will perform an examination to best determine what is causing your shoulder pain. He will perform tests such as Range of Motion, orthopedic testing, neurologic testing, and palpation to be able to rule in or rule out certain shoulder conditions. It is his duties to put the puzzle pieces together based on this information. Based on the findings, Dr. Alvin Philipose will give you his best recommendations for care on how to best address this problem and help you accomplish your goals. In some cases, x-rays may need to be obtained in order to further understand your condition. The purpose is not to cause you any further concern, but rather it is merely to ensure Dr. Alvin Philipose will not miss anything when it comes to your shoulder problem.

Specific Chiropractic Care

Many people think of the shoulder joint as the joint where your arm meets your torso. But did you know there are other joints that are considered to be part of the shoulder as well? The glenohumeral joint is the most widely known, as it is where the humerus of the arm meets the scapula. But two other shoulder joints that commonly cause issues are the AC joint (where the collar bone meets the scapula) and the SC joint (where the collar bone meets the sternum). Joint restriction and misalignment can occur at any of these joints, and Dr. Alvin Philipose is trained to adjust these joints to provide pain relief and restore motion and function.
Dr. Alvin Philipose will also take a global approach to your shoulder issue, and make sure that the areas around your shoulder are functioning well, too. It is common for people with shoulder pain to also experience neck or upper back pain, and he is the expert at helping people with those types of discomfort. At Venturis Clinic, we take this approach with every patient to ensure they receive the best care possible.
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405.848.7246
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Soft Tissue Work

A crucial element to the success we have in treating shoulder pain at the Venturis Clinic is utilizing massage therapy and other types of soft tissue rehabilitation. The shoulder is surrounded by many different muscles, and it is common for these muscles to become tight and irritated because of everyday life. Dr. Alvin Philipose is the expert in alleviating the tension that builds up in these muscles, which can increase both range of motion and function of the shoulder. They will work to address the specific locations of dysfunction and help restore proper shoulder mechanics so you can get back to feeling great again.
Also, Dr. Alvin Philipose is trained in various soft tissue techniques that are also effective in treating various shoulder conditions. One technique is known as Active Release Technique, in which Dr. Alvin Philipose will shorten the specific muscle, apply tension to it, and then lengthen and stretch the muscle through a full range of motion. This helps to break up muscle adhesions that develop and become deeply rooted in muscle tissue over time. Another soft tissue technique that is effective in reducing muscle adhesions is the Graston technique, in which Dr. Alvin Philipose will utilize a metal tool to break up the adhesions and attract blood flow to the site so the tissue can heal properly. No matter your preference, Venturis Clinic is the place to go for your shoulder muscle needs.

Custom Therapeutic Stretching Plan

The glenohumeral joint of the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. It is surrounded by the rotator cuff muscles that assist with movement and provide some stability, but not nearly as much as other ball and socket joints like the hip, for example. Striking the right balance of mobility and stability is essential when treating a shoulder condition, At Venturis Clinic, Dr. Alvin Philipose is well-positioned to help you with your shoulder pain.
In the exam process, Dr. Alvin Philipose will identify areas of weakness or restriction in your shoulder. From there, he will work closely with you to come up with a custom stretching exercise plan that will address your unique needs. If your shoulder is weak, it likely means that more strengthening and stabilizing is necessary. If your shoulder is too restricted, it may need more stretching and mobility work to improve its range of motion. Many kinds of shoulder conditions can cause pain, and it is our job to diagnose your problem and put you on the right path towards healing and resolution.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a form of low risk, non-steroidal treatment for degenerative bones, joints and ligaments. It is an injection of hypertonic dextrose solution at the affected area(s), such as knee joints, cervical spine and spinal cord. The body has a natural self-healing capability. For example, if someone is bleeding from a cut, the blood can be naturally stopped as the body has a clotting factor (Your plasma stops the bleeding) . Secondly, a red wound signifies inflammation and more blood cells around the wound. Thirdly, tissues can repair themselves autonomously until the wound can properly heal. Prolotherapy induces mild inflammation to initially activate the self-healing process. After triggering inflammation, the process of tissues repair will gradually start until the wound becomes healed or when the joint comes back to normal. The mechanism of action is different from an anti-inflammatory injection or when taking a pain relieve medication which only treats the symptoms. They do not actually address the root cause of the problem.
After the first Prolotherapy injection, the second injection will be 1-3 weeks later. The whole treatment program takes 3-6 sessions, depending on the severity of symptoms plus the doctors’ recommendation. The injection targets inside the joint and frozen ligaments around the joints to stimulate the tissue repair process. After the intentionally induced inflammation from the Prolotherapy subsides, the pain experienced becomes less. However, the treatment result varies as each patient’s condition is different to another.
Patients may experience mild pain and inflammation that can persist for 1-2 days. The discomfort can be relieved by applying a hot compress to the affected area, plus minimal help of painkillers. Patients will be advised not to consume any anti-inflammatory medications the day before, the day of as well as the day after as it contradicts the principles of Prolotherapy which is inflammation induction. After 1-2 days of inflammation, the pain will gradually subside.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain Oklahoma City, OK and Surrounding Areas

Bursitis

In and around the shoulder joints exist tiny, fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These sacs provide cushioning and support for the shoulder joints so there isn’t as much pressure on the adjacent bones of each shoulder joint. Due to things like overuse and wear-and-tear, bursae can become inflamed, which causes a condition called bursitis. Bursitis causes pain typically on top of or on the outside of the shoulder. Lifting an arm overhead or rotating it in circles can be aggravating to the bursae and increase pain. This is problematic because we use our shoulders for so many different movements involving the arm.

Frozen Shoulder

Another common condition that causes shoulder pain is adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as “Frozen Shoulder”. The shoulder joints are enclosed in a joint capsule, in which synovial fluid is present to reduce friction during joint movement. When the capsule thickens, it begins to restrict motion in the shoulder, which can cause pain that can worsen over time. Frozen Shoulder often occurs in 3 stages – Freezing, Frozen, and Thawing. In the Freezing Stage, mobility is decreasing, and it can be painful at times with certain movements. In the Frozen stage, the pain usually decreases, but movement is extremely limited. In the Thawing Stage, mobility is improving, and symptoms are dissipating. Frozen Shoulder commonly occurs in people who can’t move their arm as much, such as people with a broken arm bone or someone who recently had a stroke.
The key to treating frozen shoulder is getting these joints moving again. Exercises and stretches should be utilized frequently to help the condition “thaw” so that proper shoulder range of motion can be restored. They should also be continued after improvement is made to ensure the shoulder stays balanced and avoids future episodes from happening. They should also be performed on the unaffected side as well, as it can be common to develop frozen shoulder in the opposite shoulder than the one that initially had it. Keeping the shoulder balanced can help maintain good mobility and posture in the upper part of the body.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as Degenerative Arthritis, is a condition in which the affected joint is worn down over time. It results in decreased joint space and inflammation, which can be painful and limit the shoulder’s ability to function. Some risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include, but are not limited to age, weight, past injuries, and repetitive motions/stress to the joint over time. It can affect any joint in the body, but the shoulder is a particularly common location for it to occur.
With osteoarthritis, it is important to understand that it cannot be reversed. However, it can be appropriately managed to where progression can slow down and even halt. This makes treatment extremely important. At Venturis Clinic, we utilize chiropractic adjustments and stretching exercises to help strengthen the joint and improve its mobility. We have to preserve as many ranges of motion and function as we can to decrease the chance of it having a detrimental impact on a person’s quality of life. If managed diligently, the impact of osteoarthritis can be diminished, which can allow you to enjoy your life and the activities you love to do.

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that surround and support the glenohumeral joint in the shoulder, providing some stability in keeping that joint from dislocating. Rotator cuff injuries represent one of the most common types of shoulder injuries you can acquire. Straining a rotator cuff muscle can present with a deep ache in the shoulder that worsens with many different shoulder movements. It is common in athletes, but also in those who work with their arms a lot such as construction workers.
Most rotator cuff injuries can resolve through entirely natural means. Chiropractic, massage, and stretching can be utilized to ensure proper joint movement, joint stabilization, and tissue healing. Utilizing ice and being diligent with exercises and stretches at home can ensure that your recovery from a rotator cuff injury is a smooth and hassle-free process. For more serious rotator cuff injuries, including more extensive tears or even ruptures, more invasive treatment such as injections or surgery may be required. Regardless, it is important to have your shoulder assessed as quickly as possible so the right strategy for care can be implemented.

Shoulder Sprain

Many people tend to confuse the terms “strain” and “sprain”. To put it simply, “strain” occurs to muscles, while “sprains” occur to ligaments that connect bones. The shoulder has several different ligaments which keep the shoulder and arm bones connected and relatively stable. Due to trauma or overuse, it is possible to sprain these ligaments, meaning fibers of the ligament become damaged. This can cause both pain and inflammation to occur, which results in both discomfort and loss of function in the shoulder.
With shoulder sprains, stability becomes the key factor. Joints can sometimes be looser when ligaments are damaged, so we don’t want to further mobilize the joint. Thus, stabilizing exercises are the main method utilized to treat shoulder sprains. At Venturis Clinic, Dr. Alvin Philipose will focus on building strength and stability in the shoulder muscles while the damaged ligaments heal over time. We also utilize Prolotherapy to further assist in and accelerate the healing process of the damaged ligaments. If there is a complete rupture of the ligament, surgery may be required, but this is not always the case. If the problem is identified promptly, it can usually be resolved through conservative treatment methods.
Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
405.848.7246
Ask about Digital Motion X-Ray Imaging
Offering variety of pain management solutions 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is prolotherapy good for?

Many conditions respond well to prolotherapy, such as facet syndrome (back and neck arthritis), whiplash, joint sprains, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, sprains, chronic tendonitis, Ehler’s-Danlos Disease, Bulging disc, knee pain, shoulder pain Vagus nerve inflammation and more.

What are the risks of prolotherapy?

Theoretical risks of prolotherapy injections include soreness, infection or neurological (nerve) damage. Injections should be performed by trained physicians using universal precautions diagnostics examinations and tproper examinations. This results in very minimal side effects.

What is the average cost of prolotherapy?

Costs vary quite a bit from $150-$1500 dependent on type and contents of injections.

Is prolotherapy a permanent fix?

Prolotherapy is an all-natural, permanent treatment, as it relies on the body repairing itself to reduce pain. In contrast, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications only provide temporary relief. Booster shots as well has wellness therapies including stretching, massage, chiropractic, dry-needling and strengthening will help maintain progress.

Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?

More specifically, prolotherapy may be right for you if you experience any of the following: Damaged or lost tissue, especially surrounding the joints. If patients have tried various traditional treatments including prescription drugs, physical therapy, or steroids but seen minimal to no results, prolotherapy may be right for you.

Why does prolotherapy hurt so much?

A patient is generally sore for a couple of days after Prolotherapy. This is because the injections have to go through some muscles to get to the ligaments and tendons. To help the muscle soreness resolve itself sooner, dry needling and moist heat applied to the area is recommended.

Is prolotherapy better than cortisone?

Cortisone can cause tendon rupture, particularly of the achilles tendon. Prolotherapy is a proven orthopedic treatment to reduce pain and strengthen weakened joints without the negative side effects of cortisone.

What are the pros and cons of prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is great for strengthening weak joints and creating heightened muscle functionality, such as increased movement and flexibility. However, there are some risks involved, for example it is a shot like any other so there could be pain or tenderness to the injection site.

What should you not do after prolotherapy?

Due to the numbness we ask that you refrain from any strenuous activities but to stay mobile. Continue to move affected area to decrease soreness and stiffness. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days following injections. You will experience some pain and soreness 2-5 days after your treatment. Do not take any anti-inflammatories, pain medications or steroids during treatments. This may inhibit your body’s ability to heal the affected tissue.

How long does prolotherapy take to heal?

Most ligaments and tendons heal within a period of 3 months; however, the majority of healing after a prolotherapy session occurs in the first two weeks.

How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?

Prolotherapy treatments vary from person to person and from injury to injury. Many patients have experienced some relief of their pain with only one session. The average person requires anywhere from 3-12 treatment sessions spaced about 3-6 weeks apart from each other.

How long does a prolotherapy injection last?

On average, patients experience one year of improvement and relief from prolotherapy. However, there is a huge variation and sometimes improvement lasts from three months to 15 years.

What is injected during prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy involves injections of a mild irritant into the injured part of your body. Most of the time the injection contains saline, dextrose (a type of sugar), and lidocaine, which is a numbing agent. Dr. Philipose custom tailors the injection, so the exact composition depends on your needs. These injections may include natural collagen, minerals, amino acids and other natural substances to accelerate healing compared to traditional prolotherapy.

Is prolotherapy better than surgery?

Prolotherapy is considered a viable alternative to surgery, and as an option to pain medications, cortisone and other steroidal injections. The Prolotherapy procedure is considered a safe, affordable option that allows the patient to keep working and/or training during treatment.

Can prolotherapy reverse arthritis?

One study with 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis involved some participants getting monthly prolotherapy injections of dextrose for 3 to 5 months. Those who received prolotherapy saw a significant improvement in pain, function, and stiffness scores.

Does prolotherapy regrow cartilage?

Prolotherapy is an injection of a non-biologic substance with localized effects for repairing connective tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Recent studies in humans show that prolotherapy stimulates cartilage regeneration.

Are you sedated for prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a safe, cost effective injection technique used for treating musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain in various parts of the body. It is noninvasive, has limited side effects and does not require sedation.

What does dry needling actually do?

Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.

What is dry needling and does it hurt?

We use very thin filament needles. The initial feeling of the needle entering through the skin is very minimal; much less than a vaccination or having blood drawn. Once the needle reaches the muscle, the twitch sensation feels more like a deep cramp and doesn't last long (15-30 seconds).

How long does dry needling results last?

After dry needling, experiencing some slight soreness is normal, and you will typically note an improvement in your symptoms within one to two days. How long the benefits will last will vary per individual. The first few treatments will usually have a short length of relief spanning over several days.

How many sessions of dry needling do you need?

If treatment zones are found and the correct muscle groups are targeted, sub-acute conditions will improve after three – four consecutive sessions, with chronic injuries requiring five – six consecutive needling sessions.

Does dry needling remove knots?

Dry needle therapy resolves muscle knots by inserting a very thin needle directly into the trigger point. The knot responds to the interruption and relaxes immediately. Most patients agree that dry needling doesn't hurt in the way that you might think!

How deep do dry needles go?

Superficial dry needling involves inserting a needle at a depth up to 10 mm or into the subcutaneous tissue and may be combined with manipulation of the needle while in situ.

Does dry needling reduce inflammation?

The micro tears caused by the needle prompts the body's natural defenses to get to work, bringing nutrient-rich blood to the site and boosting tissue repair. Dry needling also helps to dissipate inflammatory mediators, those substances that gather in an area of inflammation.

Is dry needling good for arthritis?

Dry needling is an effective treatment in reducing pain from osteoarthritis because it increases blood circulation around the joint, thereby providing natural relief.

What exactly does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is trained to make sure your body is functioning as optimally as possible by using spinal manipulations and other therapies to relieve pain in your joints and muscles. These spinal adjustments will increase blood flow and nerve conductivity to the joints and muscles that are experiencing pain. They are taught philosophically to find and treat the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Is it healthy to go to the chiropractor?

Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from acute or chronic conditions such as strains, arthritis or disc injuries.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

• Improves neck pain.
• Reduces reliance on opioid pain relievers. 
• Eases back pain.
• Possible reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms. 
• Eases headache symptoms. 
• More affordable treatment for chronic back pain. 
• High satisfaction. 
• Reduces scoliosis symptoms.

What are the cons of seeing a chiropractor?

Spinal and joint manipulation has a chance to go wrong and may cause unwanted injuries. So it is important that you only have an appointment with an experienced chiropractor that performs the necessary examinations and diagnostics to ensure safe treatments. DO NOT ALLOW a physical therapist or any other untrained person try a manipulation especially without X-rays.

When should you go to a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are most sought after to treat neck and low back pain due to acute or chronic pain. If you experience back pain that lasts for more than a few days, consult a chiropractor for an assessment.

What cracks when you see a chiropractor?

During a back adjustment, your back undergoes quick, gentle stretching of the spinal facet joint, so you may hear a cracking or popping noise. This is caused by small pockets of air or bubbles, which are in the fluid that surrounds your joints.

Why do chiropractors want you to keep coming back?

Changing your posture, changing your spine's ability to move, changing your muscle health and structure take time. Months in fact. All muscles have memory and your body wants to go back to its old patterns instead of creating new healthy ones. That is why adjustments need to be repeated again and again

Is chiropractic care is ineffective?

Critics are skeptical mainly due to the fact that chiropractic care does not involve medications or any invasive surgeries. Some have associated this practice with some side effects and fatal complications in some cases resulting in death or stroke. It also goes against the medical philosophy of not prescribing medications. In recent years there has been a comparison that shows not only Chiropractic to be safe, but healthier and more successful than taking steroids and medications. There are also various techniques now that prevent any type of injuries due the gentleness of the adjustment.

Why do some chiropractors crack and others don't?

The noises you hear during chiropractic treatment depend on the technique used. For example, some techniques cause a cracking sound, and others don't, but both can be highly effective, depending on your needs. So, whether you hear an abundance of pops or none at all, you don't need to worry.
If you have tried multiple types of doctors and treatments but still hurting, you may not have found the cause. We can help!
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7917 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, 
OK 73120, USA
(405) 848-7246
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