chiropractor for sharp shoulder impingement pain and rotator cuff tightness when doing overhead presses in Monrovia CA

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Sharp pain during overhead pressing often stems from shoulder impingement syndrome, where the rotator cuff tendons or bursa become compressed under the acromion bone. A chiropractor can help by restoring proper joint mechanics in the shoulder, neck, and upper back to create more space for the tendons to move freely. Subacromial Impingement: The narrow space between the top of the humerus and the shoulder blade pinches the soft tissues during lifting. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Overuse or poor mechanics lead to irritation of the four muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. Thoracic Hyperkyphosis: Excessive rounding of the upper back limits the shoulder blade's ability to rotate upward, causing a mechanical "block" during overhead movement. Scapular Dyskinesis: The shoulder blade does not move in sync with the arm, often due to weakness in the serratus anterior or lower trapezius muscles. When you perform an overhead press, the humerus (upper arm bone) must rotate and slide downward to clear the acromion (the "roof" of the shoulder). If the rotator cuff is tight or the mid-back is stiff, the humerus shifts upward, pinching the supraspinatus tendon. According to clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, impingement is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, often resulting from repetitive overhead activity. Research published in the Cochrane Library suggests that exercise therapy combined with manual therapy is often as effective as surgery for many patients with subacromial pain. Roughly 20% to 50% of people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives, with impingement accounting for a significant portion of those cases. Thoracic Extensions: Sit in a chair with a low back, lace your fingers behind your neck, and lean back over the top of the chair. Hold for 5 seconds; repeat 10 times to improve upper back mobility. Doorway Pec Stretch: Place your forearms on a door frame with elbows at shoulder height. Lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in the chest. Hold for 30 seconds; repeat 3 times to reduce forward-pulling tension on the shoulder. Sleeper Stretch: Lie on your painful side with your arm out at a 90-degree angle. Use your other hand to gently push your wrist toward the floor. Hold for 20 seconds; repeat 3 times to improve internal rotation. Lower the Weight: If overhead pressing causes sharp pain, switch to landmine presses or incline dumbbell presses for 7–10 days to reduce the vertical load on the joint. You should seek an evaluation if the pain persists for more than two weeks despite rest, or if you experience a sudden loss of strength (unable to lift the arm). Seek immediate care for "red flags" such as shoulder pain accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, or numbness radiating down the entire arm. For standard mechanical impingement, starting conservative care early—such as visiting a chiropractor—can prevent the development of a full rotator cuff tear. A licensed chiropractor at The Joint evaluates the entire "kinetic chain" involved in an overhead press. This includes checking the alignment of the cervical spine (neck) and thoracic spine (mid-back), as stiffness in these areas prevents the shoulder blade from moving correctly. A chiropractor may use spinal adjustments to improve mid-back extension and extremity adjustments to ensure the humerus is seated properly in the socket. According to the American Chiropractic Association, manual manipulation helps restore joint glide and reduces muscular guarding. By addressing the root cause—such as poor posture or restricted rib mobility—chiropractic care helps you return to running or lifting without the sharp "catch" in the joint. Q: Can I keep lifting if I have impingement? A: You can usually continue training, but you should avoid the specific range of motion that causes sharp pain; try "neutral grip" presses with palms facing each other to open the joint space. Q: How long does it take

chiropractor for sharp shoulder impingement pain and rotator cuff tightness when doing overhead presses in Monrovia CA

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