Shoulder Misalignment & Shoulder Pain in Porter Ranch and Northridge, CA
Can Poor Shoulder Mechanics Contribute to Pain?
Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Soft Touch Chiropractic
Porter Ranch & Northridge, California
Shoulder pain does not always begin inside the shoulder joint itself.
The shoulder blade (scapula), upper back, neck, muscles, posture, and shoulder joint must work together during reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and overhead movements.
When this coordinated movement becomes altered—sometimes described as scapular dyskinesis or abnormal shoulder mechanics—it may be associated with shoulder pain and reduced function.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we evaluate more than simply the painful area.
What Is Shoulder “Misalignment”?The word misalignment is commonly used to describe altered joint position, posture, or movement.
A more precise clinical concept involving the shoulder blade is scapular dyskinesis, meaning altered scapular position or movement during shoulder motion.
Research shows that scapular dyskinesis can be associated with shoulder problems, although it should not automatically be assumed to be the cause of pain.
A systematic review of scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain found an association between altered scapular movement and increased risk of future shoulder pain in athletes.
What Can Affect Shoulder Mechanics?Several factors may contribute:
- Muscle weakness or imbalance
- Tight shoulder or chest muscles
- Repetitive overhead activities
- Sports injuries
- Poor movement patterns
- Prolonged sitting and postural stress
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Reduced neck or upper-back mobility
Exercise Is ImportantExercise is one of the best-supported conservative approaches for many common shoulder problems.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of scapular exercises found that scapular-focused therapeutic exercise can improve shoulder function, particularly when programs continue for six weeks or longer.
Another review of conservative shoulder treatments strongly recommended exercise therapy as a first-line approach for subacromial shoulder pain.
You can also review our shoulder exercises and rehabilitation information.
Where Does Chiropractic Care Fit?Depending on the examination findings, conservative care may combine:
gentle joint mobilization + appropriate chiropractic techniques + muscle therapy + stretching + corrective exercise + home care.
Manual treatment should not be presented as a way to simply “put a shoulder back into alignment.” The goal is to help improve mobility, movement, comfort, and function when appropriate.
Research comparing exercise with combined manual therapy and exercise suggests that exercise remains an important foundation of treatment, while manual therapy may be considered as an additional treatment for selected patients.
Learn more about our Soft Touch Chiropractic approach.
Shoulder Pain May Also Come From the NeckShoulder and arm symptoms sometimes originate from or are influenced by the cervical spine.
Neck joint irritation, muscle tension, or nerve involvement may produce symptoms extending toward the shoulder or arm.
If numbness, tingling, burning, or radiating pain is present, a proper evaluation becomes especially important.
Learn more about neck pain and related musculoskeletal care.
Shoulder Pain After an Accident?A car accident can place sudden stress on the neck, upper back, shoulder blade, shoulder joint, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues.
If your shoulder symptoms began after a collision, read about our car accident injury care.
Shoulder Pain Treatment in Porter Ranch & NorthridgeIf you're searching for a chiropractor near me, shoulder pain treatment in Porter Ranch, shoulder pain treatment in Northridge, or conservative care for abnormal shoulder mechanics, an examination can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we look at the shoulder as part of the entire musculoskeletal system—not simply the location where you feel pain.
Schedule a Shoulder EvaluationSoft Touch Chiropractic
Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC
Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA
818-831-0100
Schedule an appointment with Soft Touch Chiropractic
Find the contributing problem—not just the painful spot.
This information is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical evaluation or treatment.
