We are a team of experienced chiropractors operating out of multiple locations, including one Sports Specialist Chiropractor. We understand the ever growing and changing needs of Calgarians. We work towards providing lasting results, in fewer appointments.
If you’ve ever been dealing with pain, an injury, stiffness, or movement limitations, you’ve probably wondered:
Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?
It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Peak, and the answer might surprise you.
The truth is that modern chiropractic care and physiotherapy have more in common than many people realize. Both professions focus on helping people move better, feel better, and return to the activities they love.
At Peak, our chiropractors and physiotherapists often work closely together, use many of the same evidence-based treatment approaches, and frequently treat the same conditions.
So what exactly is the difference?
What Physiotherapists and Chiropractors Have in Common
Whether you book with a physiotherapist or chiropractor at Peak, your appointment will typically include:
A thorough assessment
Discussion of your goals and concerns
Movement and strength testing
Education about your condition
A personalized treatment plan
Exercises and rehabilitation strategies
Hands-on treatment when appropriate
Both professions help people recover from injuries, manage pain, improve mobility, and optimize performance.
In many cases, the path to recovery looks very similar.
The Biggest Difference: Treatment Philosophy
While there is significant overlap, chiropractors and physiotherapists often bring slightly different perspectives to treatment.
Physiotherapists typically place a strong emphasis on rehabilitation exercises, movement retraining, and restoring function through progressive loading and strengthening.
Chiropractors often combine rehabilitation with a greater focus on joint mechanics, spinal function, and hands-on manual therapy techniques.
Neither approach is inherently better; they’re simply different tools that can help achieve similar outcomes!
At Peak, both professions use evidence-informed treatment and focus on creating individualized plans based on what works best for you.
“Is Chiropractic Care Just Cracking Backs?”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic care.
While spinal manipulation (the classic “adjustment”) is one technique chiropractors may use, it’s only one small part of what they do.
Modern chiropractors are trained to assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and may use:
Exercise prescription
Soft tissue therapy
Joint mobilizations
Spinal manipulation
Mobility training
Strengthening programs
Postural education
Injury prevention strategies
In fact, many patients are surprised by how much exercise and rehabilitation is included in their chiropractic care.
At Peak, our chiropractors don’t simply provide passive treatment; they work with you to build long-term solutions.
Conditions Both Physiotherapists and Chiropractors Commonly Treat
Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractors and physiotherapists often treat the exact same conditions, including:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Sciatica
Shoulder injuries
Hip pain
Knee pain
Sports injuries
Running injuries
Workplace injuries
Mobility limitations
Chronic pain
For many of these concerns, either profession can be an excellent starting point.
When Might Chiropractic Care Be a Great Choice?
You may benefit from seeing a chiropractor if:
You enjoy hands-on treatment
You feel stiff or restricted in your movement
You’re dealing with recurring neck or back pain
You’ve responded well to manual therapy in the past
You want a combination of rehabilitation and joint-focused treatment
You’re looking for support with performance, recovery, or injury prevention
Many patients find that chiropractic care helps them move more comfortably while also addressing the underlying factors contributing to their symptoms.
The Peak Difference: Collaborative Care
One of the biggest advantages of seeking care at Peak is that you’re never limited to one approach.
Our chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists regularly collaborate to ensure you’re receiving the most appropriate care.
Sometimes a chiropractor is the best fit.
Sometimes a physiotherapist is the best fit.
And sometimes a combination of both provides the best results.
Our goal isn’t to steer you toward one profession over another; it’s to help you find the right path to recovery.
Still Not Sure Who to Book With?
That’s okay.
Many of our patients aren’t sure where to start, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Whether you choose physiotherapy or chiropractic care, you’ll receive a comprehensive assessment and a personalized treatment plan designed around your goals.
And if another practitioner would better suit your needs, we’ll help guide you in the right direction.
The most important step isn’t choosing the perfect provider; it’s getting started.
If you have any questions or hesitations, book a complimentary discovery call at any of our 4 locations by clicking HERE!
Shoulder pain can significantly impact daily activities, affecting everything from reaching overhead to simply typing at a desk. For those seeking non-invasive solutions, chiropractic care offers a promising alternative. By employing specific techniques, chiropractic professionals aim to improve shoulder mobility and reduce discomfort. In this blog, we’ll explore how chiropractic care addresses shoulder pain, the common conditions it can help with, and the benefits over traditional treatments.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Relieve Shoulder Pain?
Chiropractic care helps relieve shoulder pain by restoring joint mobility, improving health, and enhancing muscular function. Techniques such as mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and exercises target the source of discomfort and promote recovery. The goal is to reduce inflammation, increase range of motion, and alleviate pain.
Joint Mobilization
Chiropractic techniques focus on restoring proper function to the shoulder joint, which can alleviate pressure and reduce pain. This can lead to improved function and range of motion.
Techniques such as myofascial release are used to target tight muscles and fascia surrounding the shoulder. This helps decrease tension and improve circulation, facilitating recovery.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and stabilize the joint. These exercises are designed to enhance flexibility and support long-term recovery.
Postural Correction
Poor posture can contribute to shoulder pain. Chiropractors assess and recommend changes in posture to reduce strain on the shoulder and neck areas.
Inflammation Reduction
Chiropractic treatments can help decrease joint inflammation through techniques that promote natural recovery processes, reducing pain and swelling.
Nerve Function Improvement
By addressing any joint dysfunction, chiropractic care can improve nerve function, which is crucial for optimal shoulder movement and sensation.
Overall, chiropractic care addresses shoulder pain by targeting its underlying causes, offering a comprehensive approach to improve shoulder health and reduce discomfort.
What Common Shoulder Conditions Can Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors can address various shoulder conditions by employing techniques that improve function, enhance mobility, and reduce stress on tissues. Conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, and tendonitis are often managed with chiropractic care. By focusing on the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic professionals aim to restore balance and function.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
These injuries involve the muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint. Chiropractic care focuses on reducing inflammation and improving joint mechanics to facilitate recovery.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Characterized by stiffness and pain, frozen shoulder can benefit from chiropractic mobilization techniques to restore movement.
This condition occurs when shoulder blade tendons become compressed. Chiropractic care aims to mobilize the shoulder and scapula, reducing impingement and pain.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of shoulder tendons can be addressed through mobilization and soft tissue therapies that promote recovery and reduce swelling.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa can cause significant discomfort. Chiropractors use techniques to decrease inflammation and improve shoulder mechanics.
Labral Tears
While severe cases may require surgery, chiropractic care can help manage pain and improve function for less severe tears.
In summary, chiropractic care can effectively manage various shoulder conditions by focusing on restoring proper joint function and reducing inflammation, thereby improving overall shoulder health.
How Is a Chiropractic Shoulder Adjustment Performed?
A chiropractic shoulder adjustment is performed by gently manipulating the shoulder joint to improve its function and mobility. Techniques may include manual adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, and mobilization exercises, all aimed at reducing pain and enhancing movement.
Initial Evaluation: The chiropractor assesses the shoulder’s range of motion, pain levels, and any dysfunction. This evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Manual Adjustments: The chiropractor applies controlled force to the shoulder joint to improve function. This can relieve pressure and restore proper joint mechanics.
Mobilization Techniques: Gentle mobilization exercises are used to increase joint movement and reduce stiffness, promoting a greater range of motion.
Soft Tissue Manipulation: Techniques such as massage or myofascial release are employed to target tight muscles and fascia, enhancing flexibility and reducing pain.
Stretching Exercises: Specific stretching exercises may be incorporated to increase flexibility and support recovery by reducing muscle tension around the shoulder.
Post-Session Guidance: Chiropractors often provide advice on posture, daily activities, and exercises to maintain improvements between sessions.
To sum up, a chiropractic shoulder adjustment involves a series of targeted techniques designed to improve shoulder joint health and function, contributing to pain relief and enhanced mobility.
Are Chiropractic Treatments Safe and Effective for Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Chiropractic treatments are generally safe and effective for managing chronic shoulder pain when performed by a qualified professional. These treatments aim to enhance mobility, reduce discomfort, and address underlying issues such as dysfunction or muscle imbalances. While not all cases are suitable for chiropractic care, many individuals experience significant improvements.
Chiropractors employ non-invasive techniques, reducing the risk associated with more invasive procedures. By focusing on restoring health and function, chiropractic care can help decrease inflammation and improve joint function. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking alternatives to surgery or medication. Additionally, chiropractic care often includes personalized exercise plans, further supporting recovery and preventing recurrence.
It’s important to note that while chiropractic care is effective for many, it might not be suitable for all conditions. Therefore, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Overall, chiropractic treatments offer a viable option for those struggling with chronic shoulder pain, promoting recovery and improved quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care Compared to Traditional Treatments for Shoulder Pain?
Chiropractic care offers several benefits compared to traditional treatments for shoulder pain, including a non-invasive approach, personalized care, and a focus on holistic recovery. Techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and exercise programs address the root causes of pain and promote long-term improvement.
Non-Invasive Approach: Chiropractic care avoids surgery and medication, reducing risks and potential side effects associated with these treatments.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors tailor their approach based on individual needs, ensuring that each client receives targeted care for their specific condition.
Holistic Recovery Focus: By addressing the entire musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care promotes overall health and function, not just symptom relief.
Improved Mobility: Chiropractic techniques aim to restore joint function and flexibility, which can lead to better movement and reduced pain.
Reduced Inflammation: Through mobilization and soft tissue therapies, chiropractic care can help decrease inflammation, facilitating recovery.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By alleviating pain and improving function, chiropractic care contributes to a higher quality of life without the reliance on medications.
In brief, chiropractic care provides a comprehensive, personalized, and non-invasive approach to shoulder pain, often leading to improved outcomes and quality of life compared to traditional methods.
How Many Chiropractic Sessions Are Typically Needed for Shoulder Pain Relief?
The number of chiropractic sessions needed for shoulder pain relief varies based on the individual’s condition, severity of pain, and response to treatment. On average, clients may require 6 to 12 sessions to notice significant improvements. However, each person’s recovery timeline is unique and can be influenced by factors such as adherence to prescribed exercises and lifestyle modifications.
During the initial consultation, the chiropractor evaluates the shoulder’s condition and discusses a tailored treatment plan. Regular reassessments help track progress and adjust the number of sessions as needed. Some individuals may experience relief after a few sessions, while others with more complex issues may need a longer course of care. In summary, the duration and frequency of chiropractic sessions depend on individual needs and response to treatment.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Shoulder Pain Caused by Sports Injuries or Poor Posture?
Chiropractic care can effectively address shoulder pain resulting from sports injuries or poor posture. By targeting the underlying causes, such as dysfunction or muscle imbalances, chiropractic techniques promote recovery and prevent future issues. Methods like mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises are commonly used.
Addressing Dysfunction: Chiropractors focus on mobilizing the shoulder joint and surrounding areas, which can alleviate pressure and reduce pain from injuries or poor posture.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, aiding recovery from sports injuries or posture-related pain.
Corrective Exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to strengthen shoulder muscles, enhance stability, and correct posture, preventing recurrence of pain.
Postural Education: Chiropractors often provide guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities and sports to minimize strain on the shoulders.
Injury Prevention: Regular chiropractic care can help maintain optimal shoulder function, reducing the risk of future sports-related injuries.
Enhanced Performance: By improving shoulder mechanics and reducing pain, chiropractic care can contribute to better athletic performance and overall fitness.
The key takeaways are that chiropractic care offers effective solutions for shoulder pain caused by sports injuries or poor posture, focusing on recovery and long-term prevention.
Enhanced Mobility and Pain Relief
Chiropractic care provides a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing shoulder pain, offering tailored treatments that address root causes and promote long-term recovery. Whether dealing with sports injuries or seeking alternatives to traditional treatments, chiropractic options can enhance mobility and reduce discomfort.
For those seeking personalized support, book a session with Peak Health & Performance in Calgary South for a comprehensive assessment and tailored chiropractic care to address shoulder pain effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Chiropractic Care Improve Shoulder Mobility?
Chiropractic care enhances shoulder mobility by mobilizing the joint and addressing muscle imbalances. Techniques such as manipulation and specific exercises help increase range of motion, reduce stiffness, and improve overall shoulder function.
Is Chiropractic Care Suitable for All Types of Shoulder Pain?
While chiropractic care is effective for many shoulder pain conditions, it may not be suitable for all. Individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to determine if chiropractic care is the best option for their specific condition.
What Should I Expect During My First Chiropractic Visit for Shoulder Pain?
During the first visit, expect a comprehensive evaluation of your shoulder, including a review of your medical history. The chiropractor will discuss a tailored treatment plan, which may include mobilization, exercises, and lifestyle recommendations.
Can Chiropractic Care Prevent Future Shoulder Injuries?
Regular chiropractic care can help maintain optimal shoulder function, reducing the risk of future injuries. By addressing muscle imbalances and promoting proper posture, chiropractic care contributes to injury prevention.
How Quickly Can I Expect Results From Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain?
Results vary based on individual conditions and severity of pain. Some people experience relief after a few sessions, while others may require a longer course of treatment. Consistency and adherence to prescribed exercises can enhance recovery speed.
Climbing may be a full body sport, but the most common injuries sustained involve the upper body. This generally includes injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand. Whether you’ve struggled with an injury for the past few seasons or have a new one that you’ve been unable to bounce back from, a chiropractor or physiotherapist is well versed to get you back on track!
What Is The Most Common Hand Injury in Climbing?
The most common injury in climbing is a finger pulley sprain. Finger pulleys are the annular (ring shaped) ligaments that wrap around the bones in our hands and keep tendons strapped down while allowing them to glide back and forth.
Other common hand injuries include tendinopathies or tenosynovitis.
What Causes Finger Pulley Injuries?
Evidence suggests that volume, not necessarily intensity, of climbing contributes the most to pulley injuries or even climbing injuries in general. Climbing athletes find themselves going back for “one last go” while working on a project even though we likely should have packed it in many attempts earlier. Finger pulleys, like any other tissue in the body, respond to load (they are trainable!) but also require rest to adapt properly. If you’re climbing at your max, ensure your sessions are short and/or you take significant rests between attempts.
How Long Do Pulleys Take To Heal?
Like all injuries, this depends on the location and severity of the sprain. A general guideline is that an incomplete tear will take 6 weeks to heal if everything is done correctly. This includes stress reduction, good nutrition and progressive, graded functional loading of damaged tissues. For a complete rupture, it may take significantly longer.
How Can a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist Help With Your Finger Injury?
A chiropractor or physiotherapist is able to perform a comprehensive history and physical exam to determine which structures are injured, what the degree of the injury is and give you a roadmap to recovery.
A program of care will provide you with expectations for how fast you can get back to pulling on plastic or rock and optimize your recovery as well as help prevent future injury!
How Do I Prevent Finger Pulley Injuries?
Specific warming up, cooling down and load management. Are you working a 45 degree crimp fest on the kilterboard five days a week with 3 hour sessions? Talking through your training schedule with a professional may be a good idea to get a second set of eyes on just how much load (and rest!) you’re giving your body.
In Summary…
Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of hand and pulley injuries is your best bet for a rapid return to climbing and avoiding future injuries. One important takeaway from this is that if you believe that you have been following a timeline and you still haven’t felt improvement, the pulley injury may be a tendon or tendon sheath issue as these can present similarly! If you’re experiencing finger pain or hitting roadblocks to your recovery, consider booking an appointment HERE.
As a chiropractor, I see several patients who experience ongoing headaches that cause not only discomfort but interruption to their daily life. Have you had to cancel plans due to a headache? Do you find yourself rubbing your temples at work trying to massage the pain away? Or maybe your commute home is made unbearable by a throbbing pain behind your eyes.
Whatever type of headache you are experiencing, chiropractic care is a good place to start to know if we are able to help you manage your pain and get you feeling like yourself again! In this blog, I hope to answer some common questions that I receive about headaches.
What Causes Daily Headaches?
Many factors can contribute to daily headaches. Tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back can trigger tension headaches. Lifestyle and environmental factors can also contribute to frequent headaches. Lack of water intake, stress, fatigue, skipped meals, overuse of caffeine, fluorescent lighting, physical exertion and weather changes can all trigger headaches.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Headaches?
Chiropractors can treat headaches using multiple techniques. Soft tissue therapy can be used to reduce muscle tension in the neck, scalp and upper back. Mobilizations and adjustments to stiff or painful joints will improve pain and range of motion.
Acupuncture can be used to relieve muscle tension, improve blood flood and reduce pain sensations. Chiropractors will also provide education on common headache triggers and ways to improve and reduce symptoms at home through rehabilitative exercises and stretches.
How Long Does It Take for a Chiropractor to Fix Headaches?
Most often after your first treatment, you will experience some relief from headache symptoms. Headaches that are the result of muscle tension will often require multiple treatments to fully alleviate the muscle tightness.
Suffers of chronic headaches may require more regular treatment to stay on top of their headaches and reduce the severity of symptoms they feel. Depending on the cause of the headache and the different stressors identified, chiropractors will guide patients through how many treatments are necessary to alleviate their headaches.
Should I Go To A Chiropractor If I’m Having Migraine Headaches?
Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose and manage different types of headaches, including migraines. Chiropractic treatment plans for migraines may include cervical and thoracic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, education on migraine triggers and rehabilitative exercises.
Chiropractic care can aid in improving migraines, as well as reducing their frequency and intensity. Chiropractors can also recommend when it is time to see your family doctor if your migraines are not following an expected presentation.
Can a Chiropractor Fix Tension Headaches?
Yes! Muscle tension is a major contributing factor in causing tension headaches. Chiropractors can use manual therapy, soft tissue therapy, joint mobilizations and manipulations to treat and reduce muscle tension, which aids in reducing tension headaches. Research has found that chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy are effective in the treatment of tension headaches.
Will I Feel Immediate Relief After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
After a chiropractic adjustment, most people will feel reduced discomfort and less stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments result in your brain releasing endorphins. Endorphins help to block pain signals, resulting in pain relief.
Adjustments commonly result in reduced pain, discomfort and improved range of motion. It is also important to note that some general soreness after treatment can be expected as well, however, your practitioner will discuss any potential treatment effects with you directly!
Final Thoughts
So if you’ve found yourself searching for answers to the “how to get rid of headaches” question, I can suggest you give chiropractic treatment a try to undergo an assessment and create a plan on how to best manage your specific case. To book an appointment with me, you can click HEREand we can get started on managing your headaches today.
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. The shoulder is a complex joint that has so many moving parts and attachments that it’s no wonder it’s prone to pain and injury. Whether you’re an athlete, work in construction, or simply have a desk job, shoulder pain can strike anyone.
Many people think that if they lift something heavy with their arms or have some other motion that puts stress on their shoulders they will get hurt. However, even everyday activities such as reaching up high, sleeping awkwardly and carrying a purse on one side can cause strain in your shoulders and lead to pain.
Working with a skilled chiropractor can help reduce your pain and speed your recovery so you can get back to doing what you love. Here are some common types of shoulder pain, as well as ways you can relieve your symptoms with chiropractic care.
Shoulder Pain From Daily Activities
If you experience shoulder pain that seems to come out of nowhere, there may be a simple explanation – you’re doing too many activities that put pressure on your shoulder muscles and joints without allowing them time to recover. When you have a muscle injury, it doesn’t heal as quickly as a bone break or sprain, so you can feel the effects for weeks or months as it slowly heals.
The shoulder is a particularly complex joint, with many muscles and ligaments that can become overworked and inflamed through activities that may seem small, like sleeping with your arm over your head or constantly reaching above your head at work. To avoid shoulder pain from daily activities, you need to pay attention to your posture as well as the way you move. Even if you rarely lift anything heavy, you can still cause overuse injuries in your shoulders from poor posture.
This type of soft tissue or connective tissue injury responds well to chiropractic treatment.
Shoulder Pain From Overuse
If you’ve experienced an acute injury like a sports injury or a fall, you’re probably aware of the excruciating pain that comes with it. However, sometimes the pain from an injury doesn’t come until days or weeks later, making it difficult to know what is causing it. Injuries to the shoulder joint can cause acute pain as well as chronic pain.
One common way an injury can lead to chronic pain is through overuse – the same way lifting too much weight causes muscle strains, performing movements that put too much stress on your joints can cause overuse injuries like rotator cuff tendonitis and bursitis.
Rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common form of overuse injury of the shoulder, with research suggesting that it affects up to 40% of the general population at some point in their lives. Rotator cuff tendonitis happens when your rotator cuff muscles become inflamed and swollen, causing them to rub against the joint, which can become painful and cause your whole shoulder to feel stiff and sore. Bursitis, an overuse injury that happens when tiny sacs of fluid around your joints become inflamed, is another common cause of shoulder pain from overuse.
This type of injury also responds well to chiropractic techniques just as joint manipulation, shoulder tendon manipulation and other shoulder pain treatment.
Shoulder Instability and Rotator Cuff Injury
If you experience a sudden onset of pain in your shoulder, your doctor may discover that you have some degree of shoulder instability. This means that your shoulder joint is not as stable as it should be, and is particularly common following a shoulder dislocation. If your shoulder is unstable, you may have to undergo surgery to repair the joint and reattach any torn or stretched muscles or ligaments in order to regain full range of motion.
If your shoulder pain is chronic and accompanied by a feeling that your shoulder may “pop out of joint,” you may have rotator cuff tendonitis–the most frequent cause of shoulder instability, so if your pain is not caused by a specific injury but is instead chronic and causing you problems, this may be the source of your pain. Rotator cuff tendonitis results from overuse, particularly of the supraspinatus and subspinous muscles, which help to stabilize the joint. When these muscles are inflamed and swollen, they can rub against the joint, causing pain and inflammation in the entire shoulder.
Chiropractic care addresses shoulder injuries such as these with a wide range of physical therapy.
Chronic Shoulder Pain
If your shoulder pain is severe and does not ease with time, it may be chronic. Chronic pain means that the pain is long-lasting, lasting longer than six to eight weeks. One of the most common reasons for long-term shoulder pain is an underlying condition like arthritis. If you are experiencing long-term shoulder pain, you should see your doctor to determine if there is an underlying condition that may need treatment.
Overuse injuries like rotator cuff tendonitis can also cause chronic pain. While some cases of tendonitis heal in six to eight weeks, others may take longer. If you have been experiencing shoulder pain for longer than six to eight weeks, it is important to see your doctor to rule out underlying causes such as arthritis.
Shoulder Bursitis
If your shoulder pain is accompanied by redness, warmth, and tenderness in the joint above your shoulder, you may have shoulder bursitis. Bursitis occurs when small sacs of fluid that naturally exist in your joints become inflamed and swollen, causing redness and pain. Bursitis is most common in your knees and shoulders, though it can also affect your elbows and hips.
If you have inflamed and swollen joints in your shoulder, your doctor may diagnose you with subacromial bursitis or supraspinatus bursitis. Bursitis occurs when you have a sudden increase in shoulder movement or you perform repetitive motions that put pressure on your joints or cause friction in the joint. It is common for people who work in construction, sports coaches, and people who work on computers to experience bursitis as a result of their jobs.
Tendon Tears
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and a tendon that attaches these muscles to the bones in your shoulder joint. If you suddenly increase the intensity of your workouts, or if you have a degenerative condition that makes it difficult to move your arm normally, you may tear one of these tendons. Tendon tears happen when the tendon becomes overstretched and snaps or separates from the muscles around it. While some tears are minor, others can be quite severe and require surgery to repair.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons for shoulder pain, from poor posture and repetitive motions to sudden injuries. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying causes so you can start to heal. With treatments like chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy, you can address the root cause of your pain and reduce your discomfort. So don’t suffer in silence if you have shoulder pain – callPeak Health & Performance and get started on care that can relieve your suffering.
A sharp pain begins in your lower back, shoots down one of your legs and makes it impossible to walk normally.
If this has happened to you or someone you know, it’s likely that you have sciatica—the medical term for a condition in which nerve roots in the spine are compressed. A typical case of sciatica will last for about two to six weeks if left untreated. Getting the right treatment early can speed up the recovery time by helping you avoid secondary complications such as muscle spasms and atrophy, weakness, and numbness. These professionals are trained to diagnose and treat problems with a patient’s nervous system, including the sciatic nerve and lumbar spine. Each profession has its own set of skills, but they both work to get you on the road to recovery fast. Here’s what you need to know before choosing between physiotherapy or chiropractic care:
What is the difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor?
Physiotherapists and chiropractors have similar backgrounds and training, so they both know how to deal with chronic pain disorders. They will both use physical examinations to diagnose disorders and pain signals. Their education, though, varies depending on the country they are in. In the United States, both professions require a minimum of a master’s degree. In Europe, only chiropractors need a master’s degree, while physiotherapists require a doctorate. If you see a chiropractor for sciatica, you can rest assured that he or she has the necessary training to treat it—as well as other neuromusculoskeletal disorders such as spinal stenosis, hip pain or joint pain.
Physiotherapists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including those related to the nervous system. They can help you recover from sciatica, but they may also work with you to prevent it. Chiropractors, on the other hand, are trained to treat the causes of a sciatica-like pain, but not the symptoms. A chiropractor might prescribe chiropractic treatment such as exercises to strengthen your core and lower back muscles, or recommend that you exercise in a pool (to avoid overusing your leg muscles).
How do physiotherapists treat sciatica?
Physiotherapists can help you recover from sciatica pain by administering treatments to help relieve the symptoms you are experiencing. Depending on your specific pain, they might use ice packs to reduce swelling, heat packs to relax your muscles, or electrotherapy to reduce the pain in your nerves. They can also teach you how to exercise your core and lower back muscles, which can help you prevent a recurrence of sciatica. Physiotherapists can also work with you to modify your daily activities if you are experiencing a lot of discomfort when you are on your feet. Physiotherapists can also work with you to improve your posture and make sure that your workstation is ergonomically friendly. Improving your posture can help prevent a recurrence of sciatica by taking pressure off your lower back and core muscles. If you already have sciatica, good posture can reduce the pain.
How do chiropractors treat sciatica?
Chiropractors will examine your spine and lower limbs to find the cause of your sciatica. Once they’ve identified the source of your pain, they’ll use spinal manipulation to adjust the problematic joint to remove the pressure on your nerve roots and provide pain relief. Your chiropractor might also recommend a set of exercises to strengthen your core and lower back muscles, to prevent future episodes of sciatica. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your chiropractor might prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants as part of your pain treatment.
Should you see a physiotherapist or chiropractor for sciatica?
Physiotherapists and chiropractors have many things in common, but they also have some key differences. Both use manual therapy as their approach to treatment, but depending on your specific needs and circumstances, you might benefit more from seeing one profession over the other.
For example, if your sciatica is mild and you are looking for ways to relieve the pain and improve range of motion, you should see a physiotherapist. If you have a moderate case of sciatica and want to speed up your recovery, you might want to see a physiotherapist first and then see a chiropractor.
Which profession should you see first?
If you are suffering from a mild case of sciatica, visit a physiotherapist in Calgary first. He or she will help you to identify the cause of your pain, which will help you avoid it in the future. You can then visit a chiropractor for treatment, if necessary. If you have a more serious case of sciatica, it’s best to visit a doctor first. Your doctor can administer a diagnostic test, prescribe medication (if necessary), and recommend exercises that you can do at home. Once your pain has subsided, you can visit a physiotherapist or Chiropractor in Calgary South for advice on how to prevent a recurrence of sciatica in the future. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might want to visit both professions.
Bottom line
Physiotherapists and chiropractors are both trained professionals who can help you recover from sciatica. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might want to see one or both professions for treatment.Peak Health and Performance has caring, professional physiotherapists that can relieve your sciatica symptoms. Give us a call today to learn how we can best help you!
