Shoulder / Rotator Cuff Injuries

Understanding the Condition

Rotator cuff injuries commonly develop from repetitive overhead activities such as painting, lifting, swimming, or throwing. They may also result from acute trauma like falling on an outstretched hand or lifting a heavy object awkwardly. Over time, poor posture and prolonged desk work can create tension and weakness in the shoulder stabilizers, leading to impingement or tendinopathy.

​

Mechanism of Injury (MOI)

Shoulder / Rotator Cuff Injuries is a common issue we treat at Gulf Islands Chiropractic. Whether it's caused by poor posture, repetitive strain, athletic injury, or long-standing dysfunction, our approach is designed to treat not just the pain, but the underlying cause.

​

Common Symptoms

• A deep, aching pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm

• Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back (e.g. putting on a jacket)

• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

• Clicking or catching with certain movements

• Weakness with lifting or holding objects at shoulder height

​​

Clinical Insight

Clinically, shoulder impingement or rotator cuff dysfunction may present with:

• Painful arc between 60–120° of arm elevation

• Weakness during resisted external rotation or abduction

• Positive Hawkins-Kennedy or Neer test

• Tenderness over the lateral shoulder or acromion​

​

How We Treat It

At Gulf Islands Chiropractic, we use a tailored combination of evidence-informed therapies to treat shoulder / rotator cuff injuries:

• Active Release to release tension in the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles

• Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote tendon healing

• Shockwave Therapy to stimulate recovery in chronic rotator cuff injuries

• TENS Therapy for pain relief and muscle re-education

These therapies are selected based on your specific presentation, comfort level, and goals. We always begin with a detailed assessment to determine the best path forward.

​​

Why Choose Local, Integrated Care

Living on Salt Spring Island, you don’t have to travel far for high-quality care. Our Neuro-Release Therapy™ system integrates chiropractic, soft tissue, and rehabilitation techniques for long-term relief — not just symptom management/.