Proven Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive Shoulder Tear Treatments

Shoulder tear injuries are very common, and are occurring at ever-increasing rates. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that there has been a five-fold increase in the number of shoulder and elbow injuries to young baseball and softball players since 2000.

Shoulder tears can encompass several different types of injuries to the shoulder joint area, and usually present as either partial tears or full thickness tears. These injuries can occur due to injury, or as a result of aging.

Labral and rotator cuff tears, a tearing of the connective tissues and cartilage are typically presented. However, there are a number of areas that can be affected over the entire shoulder region.

Fortunately, there are a variety of non-invasive and non-surgical treatment options for shoulder tear injuries. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective therapies.

Proven Non-Surgical Shoulder Tear Treatments

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an excellent option for either post-surgical or non-surgical patients. The practitioner will typically focus on exercises designed to promote muscle balance while working to increase the range of motion.

Physiotherapy rehabilitation will usually involve the following:

• Working to improve range of motion and mobility that relieves pain and promotes healing
• Promoting treatments designed to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Rehabilitate the shoulder to improve strength and reduce the likelihood of injury recurrence.

Shockwave Therapy

The effectiveness of shockwave therapy tends to depend on the nature of the injury. According to the National Institutes of Health, “There is evidence supporting the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff, but the best current evidence does not support its use in non-calcifying tendinopathy.”

However, many patients have reported significant improvement from shockwave therapy, and it remains a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in treating a variety of shoulder tears.

Shockwave therapy works by introducing high- and low-energy sound waves into the affected area of the body. These waves cause micro-injuries to the tissue, promoting regeneration and the formation of new blood supplies that supply much-needed nutrients. This process ultimately has the effect of helping to heal the damaged tissue faster and non-invasively.

Chiropractic Care

Toronto Chiropractor
Scarborough Chiropractor
North York Chiropractor
Thornhill Chiropractor
Etobicoke Chiropractor
Brampton Chiropractor
Oakville Chiropractor

Chiropractors can be highly effective in treating shoulder tears, especially those resulting from torn rotator cuffs. Physical manipulation by a chiropractor can help to increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint, tendons, and muscles.

During treatment, a chiropractor will typically make spinal adjustments targeting the region and use targeted exercises that both improve mobility and improve movement, as well as reduce inflammation.

As part of their series of adjustments, they will strive to improve muscle balance in the upper torso to provide improved stability to the shoulder area.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is enjoying a surge in popularity as a means to treat shoulder tears and injuries. A 2014 study of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome showed significant improvements in those over the control group, suggesting that this form of non-surgical treatment may be effective.

Low-level laser treatments use light photons to penetrate the skin and promote growth and regeneration at the cellular level. Patients find it speeds up wound healing, reduces inflammation, and provides fast pain relief.

Shoulder Braces

When a shoulder tear injury occurs, it’s important to immobilize the area as soon as possible. A shoulder brace will help ensure that the injury isn’t aggravated, allowing healing to proceed.

Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive Shoulder Tear Treatment

If you’ve suffered a shoulder tear injury, these non-surgical treatment options can help you recover quickly while helping to make sure that the injury doesn’t recur. You’ll be able to get effective treatment for your shoulder tears that won’t result in long post-operative recovery timelines and help you return to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Healthmax Physiotherapy Clinics offer effective shoulder tear treatment to patients across the Greater Toronto Area. Book an online appointment today with our friendly and experienced team, who will assess your needs and get you on the path to recovery.