Please raise your hand if you’ve ever left your doctor’s office with more questions than answers and a referral note for “Six weeks of PT”? Does this sound eerily familiar?
The Physical Therapy Pitfall
While attending Western Oregon University I developed constant shoulder pain due in large part to years of abuse playing competitive rugby. At its worst I experienced difficulty dressing myself, trouble sleeping, and pain with simple tasks such as opening the refrigerator door. After X-rays and MRI’s I was told there was nothing broken or torn and I that I should “strengthen” my shoulders. I was referred to physical therapy for shoulder strengthening and followed my rehabilitation exercises to the letter. Yet at the completion of my time little had changed and all I had to show for it was a colorful collection of tubes and bands. I thought I would just have to live with “bad shoulders”.
So what was it? Why wasn’t I getting any better?
A vague diagnosis, and cookie cutter treatments are never the road to a speedy recovery. Nevertheless, this all too common occurrence leads to delays in receiving appropriate care.
I would later learn while studying rehabilitation that it is very difficult to rehabilitate any injury without first identifying the underlying cause(s) of the injury. If you have a rock in your shoe causing you to limp, stepping harder will not remedy the situation. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments attaching to the shoulder, arm, collar bone, and spine all work together to achieve complex coordinated movements. This symphony of movement allows great mobility while at the same time maintaining a stable pain-free joint. When any part is not functioning the symphony cannot perform correctly which commonly leads to pain. With the wrong treatment approach at the wrong time I was only giving fuel to the fire with the rehabilitation exercises. I was under the mistaken belief that the “no pain no gain” mantra would help my recovery.
Different Results Require a Different Perspective
Having failed to respond to traditional physical therapy, I was referred to a chiropractor for a second opinion. I was given a comprehensive exam, specific diagnosis, logical explanation of my case, and an individual treatment plan. To my pleasant surprise by the end of my first treatment I was able to put my seat belt on without shoulder pain for the first time in years. Over the next few weeks of care I made more progress than the previous years combined. What an amazing feeling to be on the right track.
Breaking the Cycle
At BCA we recognize the vital importance of an accurate diagnosis to ensure optimal results. Our focus is to identify the underlying cause of dysfunction. This allows our clinicians to formulate the best treatment plan to not only resolve your complaint quickly, but also prevent future events from happening. We assess the entire person utilizing an integrated treatment strategy including Active Release Technique, gentle chiropractic adjustments, and functional movement assessments to help break the cycle so you can return to enjoying life.
For more information regarding what sets BCA apart please proceed to:
- Difference in Diagnosis Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Difference in Treatment Active Release
- Difference in Performance Titleist Performance Institute
Already tried Physical Therapy? Looking for non-surgical shoulder pain solutions? See how we can help.
Some examples of other common injuries we have had success treating include:
- Marathoners for shin splints
- CrossFit athletes for knee pain
- Triathletes improving times
- Rock climbers for shoulder pain
- Power lifting champions for neck issues
- Football players for hip issues
- Weight lifters for flexibility and power issues
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