ONE QUICK TEST FOR SHOULDER PAIN

​Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries are very common to see in clinical setting, as well as our day to day life. 70% of people at some point in life get shoulder issues!! This is huge! 40–60% of individuals with shoulder pain experience it for a duration of a year or more.(1) Increase of age, repetitive overhead movement and history of trauma has been shown to relate to damaging the rotator cuff muscles.(2)
 
The rotator cuff is composed of four different muscles that predominantly allows free movement of the arm while maintaining a certain level of stability. Shoulder supporting structures such as the scapula, shoulder muscles and neurovascular components are overlying on each other and extremely complex. Diagnosis of shoulder pain can vary from common inflammatory conditions e.g. osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis to cervical radiculopathy and even apical lung cancer.(3) Therefore, clinicians often combine a medical history and perform orthopaedic testing, ultrasound or MRI to pinpoint a diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment options.
 
Since a lot of rotator cuff injuries are asymptomatic and reportedly undiagnosed, it is vital to pick up subtle signs early to avoid further damage to the shoulder.(2) One quick test to assess one of your rotator cuff muscle is called the “empty can test”. It is very easy to do at home and you will need a friend to help.
 
“Hold your arm straight and 45 degrees away from midline. Imagine you are holding a can and trying to empty it. Ask your friend to gently apply a downward pressure from your wrist.”
 
If you are unable to hold against a gentle pressure, or feel pain in your shoulder, it is suggested that a full shoulder assessment with appropriate professionals be undertaken.
 
Chiropractic has a strong musculoskeletal base incorporating spinal and upper extremity joint management for shoulder pain. A clinical trial has shown chiropractic manipulative therapy provides short term benefits from shoulder pain sufferers.(4) Management and care plan will always be made on a case by case basis and more research is suggested for chiropractic care and shoulder pain.
 
Give our practice a call if you failed the test and have concerns! Sprouting health team are here to help and we will always redirect you if we can’t.

Reference

1.         Minkalis AL, Vining RD, Long CR, Hawk C, de Luca K. A systematic review of thrust manipulation for non-surgical shoulder conditions. Chiropractic & manual therapies. 2017;25(1):1.
2.         Yamamoto A, Takagishi K, Osawa T, Yanagawa T, Nakajima D, Shitara H, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of a rotator cuff tear in the general population. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010;19(1):116-20.
3.         Whittle S, Buchbinder R. Rotator cuff disease. Annals of internal medicine. 2015;162(1):ITC1-ITC16.
4.         Munday SL, Jones A, Brantingham JW, Globe G, Jensen M, Price JL. A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Chiropractic Shoulder Girdle Adjustment in the Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. 2007;44(6).