Shoulder Pain Relief in Calgary
Reaching overhead for a cupboard, buckling a seatbelt, or pulling on a jacket can become difficult when shoulder pain affects everyday movement.
At Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage, Dr. Ryan Wagemakers and our team help patients identify factors that may be causing their discomfort. Rather than viewing the shoulder in isolation, we consider how the spine, posture, muscles, joints, and nervous system work together.
Why Shoulder Pain Develops
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Its muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule must work together to produce smooth, coordinated movement. When one area isn’t moving well, other parts may begin to compensate, leading to discomfort, stiffness, or clicking.
Because the shoulder works closely with the neck and upper back, changes in these areas may also play a role in shoulder symptoms.
Shoulder pain may be associated with:
- Repetitive work, sports, or hobbies
- Prolonged computer or phone use
- Lifting, carrying, or repetitive training
- Falls, sporting injuries, or minor auto accidents
- Reduced mobility in the neck or upper back
How Shoulder Pain May Affect You
Shoulder pain can feel different from one person to another. Some people notice a sharp pinch when reaching overhead, while others experience a dull ache around the shoulder blade or stiffness when rotating the arm.
Everyday activities such as carrying groceries, sleeping on one side, fastening clothing, or reaching behind the back may become more difficult. Tension may also develop through the neck and upper back as the body adjusts its movement to protect the uncomfortable area.
Our Approach to Shoulder Pain
During your first visit, Dr. Wagemakers will discuss your health history, daily activities, symptoms, and goals. An assessment may include posture, spinal movement, joint function, and areas of muscle tension to better understand how your body is moving.
Care is based on each patient’s assessment and may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments aimed at improving joint movement
- Active Release Techniques® (ART®), where appropriate
- Massage therapy to assist with relaxation and mobility
- Posture and ergonomic recommendations for work and daily activities
Because shoulder symptoms may involve more than the shoulder itself, the neck and upper back may also be assessed.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ryan Wagemakers
Dr. Wagemakers earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2008. His background in biological sciences informs his approach to the relationship between the nervous system, joints, and muscles.
He has completed advanced training in Active Release Techniques® and is a registered member of the Alberta Chiropractic Association.
Patient Success Story
From Nagging Shoulder Pain to Feeling Better Than Expected
A 30-year-old plumber came into our office with a shoulder issue that had been nagging him for months. He described it as a deep, constant ache around the shoulder blade and rhomboid area that just never seemed to fully go away.
He had tried stretching, massage, and different exercises, but nothing seemed to make a lasting difference. Like many people, he also assumed chiropractic care was mainly for back pain and wasn’t really sure what, if anything, we could do for his shoulder.
What surprised him most was how detailed the examination was. Rather than looking only at the area that hurt, we assessed how his shoulder, upper back, posture, spinal movement, muscular tension, and nervous system were all working together. We explained how the rhomboid area doesn’t function in isolation and how dysfunction through the spine and surrounding tissues can influence the way the shoulder girdle moves and feels.
After his very first adjustment, he noticed an immediate change in the deep ache he had been feeling. But the unexpected bonus was how good he felt overall afterward, and he told us he had one of the best sleeps he’d had in a long time.
Over the next few visits, his shoulder continued to improve until it was feeling back to normal.
What started as a visit for a stubborn shoulder problem changed the way he looked at chiropractic care. He now chooses to come in regularly, not because he is always in pain, but because he likes staying ahead of problems, keeping his body functioning well, and simply feeling his best.
Sometimes chiropractic care starts with the place that hurts and becomes about much more than that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help with shoulder pain?
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?
Should I see a chiropractor for shoulder pain?
Can shoulder pain come from my neck?
Move More Comfortably Again
If shoulder pain is affecting your daily activities, book an assessment with Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage or call (403) 273-0203 to discuss your care options.
