Why Shoulder Pain Peaks in the Summer

Summer brings popular outdoor activities like pickleball, kayaking, swimming, and gardening—all involving repetitive arm and shoulder movement. Pickleball players, in particular, frequently report rotator cuff irritation, impingement, tendonitis, and overuse injuries. In fact, about 15–20% of pickleball-related injuries affect the shoulder each year.

These activities can stress shoulder joints and soft tissue—so it’s no surprise many people experience strains or discomfort by mid-summer.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

1. Improves joint alignment and range of motion, easing discomfort from rotator cuff strains or impingement. Chiropractors target both the shoulder and related spine/neck areas.
2. Reduces inflammation and nerve irritation via targeted adjustments.
3. Balances muscle tension in surrounding areas, including upper back and neck, to support shoulder function.

Chiropractic combined with manual therapy is part of a multidisciplinary approach proven effective for shoulder pain.

How Physical Therapy Speeds Recovery

Physical therapy focuses on evidence‑based exercise, strengthening, and movement training:

1. A 2024 network meta-analysis in Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Research found that combining exercise with manual therapy produced the greatest improvements in shoulder pain and function among chronic shoulder conditions.
2. Global consensus supports physiotherapy—especially active exercise therapy—as the first-line treatment for shoulder disorders, often equaling surgical outcomes for subacromial pain.
3. Supervised PT significantly outperformed home exercise in improving pain, strength, and motion for subacromial impingement.

In short: Chiropractic restores joint function, PT rebuilds strength and mechanics—together, they offer lasting relief.

Role of Massage Therapy

Add-on massage therapy helps by:

1. Releasing tightness in the pecs, neck, shoulders, and upper back
2. Enhancing blood flow to injured tissues
3. Lowering stress-induced muscle guarding, helping with movement quality

In our integrated approach, massage helps reduce pain and supports functional PT and chiropractic treatments.

 

When to Seek Care

We recommend booking an evaluation if you experience:

1. Persistent pain with overhead motion
2. Weakness lifting items or reaching behind
3. Tingling or numbness down the arm
4. Stiffness lasting more than 3–5 days after activity

Early care prevents small strains from becoming chronic issues.

Get Shoulder Relief in Everett, WA

Our clinic offers chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage therapy tailored to your summer activity level. We serve Everett and neighboring communities (Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lynnwood) with compassionate, evidence-based shoulder care.

🎾 Whether you’re on a court, in the yard, or on the water, don’t let shoulder pain sideline your fun—contact us today to get moving pain-free!