Understanding Shoulder Mobility: Overcoming Inability to Abduct Shoulder Beyond 90 Degrees

Welcome to IAOM-US, your trusted source for health and medical solutions, including chiropractic care and physical therapy. In this article, we will dive deep into the subject of shoulder mobility and provide you with comprehensive information on how to overcome the inability to abduct your shoulder beyond 90 degrees.

What is Shoulder Abduction?

Shoulder abduction refers to the movement of raising your arm sideways away from your body. It is an essential range of motion required for various activities and functions, such as reaching overhead, lifting objects, and participating in sports activities that involve throwing or hitting.

Understanding the Limitation

If you find yourself unable to abduct your shoulder past 90 degrees, you may be experiencing a restriction in mobility that can impact your daily life and overall shoulder function. This limitation can have several underlying causes, including:

• Shoulder joint inflammation
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• Shoulder impingement
• Muscle imbalances

It is important to understand the root cause of your specific condition in order to pursue appropriate treatment options. Consulting with a certified chiropractor or physical therapist specializing in shoulder mobility can provide valuable insights and a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment Approaches

Overcoming the inability to abduct your shoulder past 90 degrees requires a multidimensional approach that aims to address the underlying causes, reduce pain, and restore full range of motion. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment modalities:

1. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment and movement of the musculoskeletal system, which can significantly affect shoulder mobility. Through gentle adjustments and manual therapy techniques, chiropractors aim to reduce joint restrictions, restore proper alignment, and optimize overall function.

2. Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will assess your condition and develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and increase shoulder range of motion. Manual therapy, such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue work, may also be incorporated into your treatment plan.

3. Rehabilitation Exercises

Specific exercises targeting shoulder abduction can help gradually improve your range of motion. Your physical therapist or chiropractor will guide you through exercises such as pendulum swings, wall crawls, and resistance band training to gradually increase your shoulder mobility without causing further discomfort.

4. Modalities for Pain Relief

In addition to manual therapies and exercises, your healthcare provider may use modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tightness. These modalities can complement your treatment plan and accelerate the healing process.

Preventing Future Issues

Once you regain full shoulder mobility, it is essential to maintain and prevent future limitations. Here are some tips to protect your shoulder health:

• Regularly perform shoulder-strengthening exercises
• Maintain good posture and ergonomics
• Avoid repetitive overhead activities without proper rest
• Warm up adequately before engaging in physical activities
• Listen to your body and seek professional help if you experience pain or discomfort

Conclusion

Remember, overcoming the inability to abduct your shoulder beyond 90 degrees is possible with the right treatment approach and guidance from qualified professionals. At IAOM-US, we are committed to providing you with the best healthcare solutions, including chiropractic care and physical therapy, to help you achieve optimal shoulder mobility and improve your overall quality of life.