Common Causes of Shoulder Pain We Treat

Shoulder pain can come from many different structures. Some of the most common conditions we treat in our West Chester sports chiropractic office include:

• Biceps Tendinitis – Front-of-the-shoulder pain often aggravated by pressing, pulling, or overhead activity

• Rotator Cuff Strains or Tendinopathy – Pain with lifting the arm or controlling overhead motion

• Shoulder Impingement – Pinching or sharp pain during overhead movements

• Labral Irritation or Instability – Deep shoulder pain, clicking, or feelings of weakness

• AC Joint Irritation – Pain at the top of the shoulder, often aggravated by bench press or contact sports

• Postural or Mobility-Related Shoulder Pain – Symptoms driven by stiffness in the upper back or rib cage

Many of these conditions overlap—and treating just the painful area often isn’t enough.

Why Shoulder Pain Keeps Coming Back

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that relies on coordination between multiple systems, including:

• The shoulder joint itself

• The rotator cuff

• The scapula (shoulder blade)

• The thoracic spine (upper back)

• The rib cage

When one part isn’t moving or stabilizing well, other tissues are forced to compensate. Over time, this compensation leads to irritation, inflammation, and pain.

That’s why shoulder pain often returns if care only focuses on the site of pain instead of the full movement system.

Our Sports Chiropractic Approach to Shoulder Pain

At Performance Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we take a movement-based, conservative approach to shoulder pain treatment. Care is customized to the individual and may include:

• Chiropractic care to restore mobility to the shoulder, upper back, and rib cage

• Dry needling and acupuncture to reduce pain, muscle tension, and tissue irritation

• Cupping therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to improve tissue quality and circulation

• Therapeutic ultrasound to support healing in irritated soft tissues and tendons

• Movement and rehab guidance to address strength, control, and loading tolerance

Our goal is not just pain relief, but restoring confidence and capacity so you can return to training safely.

Can You Still Train With Shoulder Pain?

In many cases, yes. Complete rest is rarely the best long-term solution.

With proper guidance, many patients are able to:

• Modify aggravating movements

• Continue training around pain

• Improve mobility and stability

• Gradually reload the shoulder safely

Early care often leads to faster recovery and fewer setbacks.

When to Get Shoulder Pain Evaluated

You should consider an evaluation if:

• Shoulder pain lasts longer than 1–2 weeks

• Pain is limiting workouts or daily activities

• You notice weakness, instability, or loss of range of motion

• Symptoms keep returning despite rest or stretching

Addressing shoulder pain early helps prevent chronic issues and more complex injuries.

Related Shoulder Conditions

Learn more about specific shoulder injuries we commonly treat:

• Biceps Tendinitis

• Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Shoulder Impingement

• AC Joint Pain

• Overhead Athlete Shoulder Pain

(Each condition links out to its own in-depth blog or page.)

Shoulder Pain Treatment in West Chester, OH

If shoulder pain is holding you back, our team at Performance Health Chiropractic & Acupuncture in West Chester, Ohio is here to help.

We specialize in working with active adults and athletes who want effective, conservative care that supports long-term performance.

Train smart. Recover better.