Rotator Cuff Pain and Chiropractic Care: Natural Relief and Recovery

Rotator Cuff Pain and Chiropractic Care: Natural Relief and Recovery

We often hear people say they’ve “torn their rotator cuff,” but few truly understand what that means. The rotator cuff refers to a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint—keeping the ball (head of the humerus) centered in the shallow socket of the shoulder blade (scapula).

If you imagine how a golf ball sits on a tee, that’s essentially how your shoulder joint functions. The shallow “tee” design allows for a wide range of motion, but it also makes the shoulder more prone to instability and injury.

Understanding the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is made up of four key muscles, each playing a unique role in shoulder movement and stability:

• Supraspinatus – Lifts your arm up and back.

• Infraspinatus – Rotates your arm outward (external rotation).

• Teres Minor – Assists the infraspinatus in outward rotation and stabilization.

• Subscapularis – Rotates your arm inward (internal rotation) and helps stabilize the shoulder when lifting or holding objects in front of you.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Pain

The supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly irritated structure of the four. It passes through a narrow tunnel beneath the acromion, alongside a cushioning structure called the subdeltoid bursa. When swelling, inflammation, or bone spurs develop in this area, it can narrow the tunnel and create pain or impingement.

Another key structure, the labrum, acts as a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket (similar to how the meniscus supports the knee). A torn labrum can cause pain, reduced range of motion, or a clicking and locking sensation—often resulting from trauma or shoulder dislocation.

Rotator cuff injuries are most commonly caused by repetitive wear and tear over time. However, athletes in sports such as baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, or archery, and those in occupations involving overhead work—like carpentry, painting, or construction—are especially at risk.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Rotator Cuff Injuries

Chiropractic care takes a non-invasive, whole-body approach to shoulder pain and function. Rather than only treating the site of pain, chiropractors look at how the spine, ribs, and shoulder mechanics all interact.

Here’s how chiropractic treatment can help:

1. Restoring Shoulder and Scapular Mobility

The shoulder can’t function properly if the scapula (shoulder blade) is restricted. Chiropractors can perform adjustments to the thoracic spine and ribs, allowing smoother movement and reducing strain on the shoulder joint.

2. Reducing Inflammation and Promoting Healing

Using modalities like low-level cold laser therapy, chiropractors can help reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair in irritated tendons and surrounding soft tissue.

3. Improving Strength and Stability

Chiropractors can prescribe specific rotator cuff exercises that strengthen stabilizing muscles, improve coordination, and help prevent future injury. These exercises are often simple but highly effective when done consistently.

4. Addressing the Root Cause

Many shoulder problems stem from postural imbalances or misalignments in the neck and upper back. By correcting these areas, chiropractic care helps improve shoulder mechanics and prevents repetitive stress injuries.

Final Thoughts

Rotator cuff injuries can be painful and frustrating, especially if they limit your ability to work, train, or enjoy your favorite activities. Fortunately, chiropractic care provides a safe, effective, and natural way to restore shoulder function and reduce pain—without surgery or medication.

At Kore Chiropractic, we assess the entire kinetic chain—from your spine to your shoulder and ribs—to ensure every component is working together properly. Whether your injury is new or chronic, chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted rehab exercises can help you recover stronger and move pain-free.

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or suspect a rotator cuff injury, schedule a consultation today and start your path toward healing and better movement.