Between the shoulder blades, across the top of the shoulder, or deep in the joint — three different problems.
Where Exactly Does It Hurt?
Shoulder and upper back pain gets lumped together, but the location tells you a lot about the source, and the three common patterns need different treatment.
Between the shoulder blades. Usually thoracic spine and rib joint restriction, with the muscles around it guarding. Often load-related — desk work, driving, carrying. Responds well to manual treatment.
Across the top of the shoulder and into the neck. Usually cervical in origin, referring outward. Treating the shoulder itself achieves little; the neck is where the work is.
Deep in the shoulder joint, worse reaching or lifting overhead. More likely a genuine shoulder problem — rotator cuff, impingement, or the joint itself. This one usually belongs with physiotherapy rather than chiropractic, and we will tell you so.
What We Assess
Thoracic and rib movement
Rotation and extension through the mid-back, and whether the rib joints move as they should.
Cervical contribution
Whether the pain is referred from the neck rather than arising locally.
Shoulder joint testing
Range, strength and specific tests to identify a true shoulder problem needing rehabilitation.
Scapular control
How the shoulder blade moves on the ribcage, which drives a great deal of shoulder mechanics.
Neurological screening
Any numbness, tingling or weakness in the arm changes management.
Load history
What changed — a new job, new training, a house move, a long drive.
Common Questions
Coverage & Direct Billing
We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross, Great-West Life, Sun Life Financial, Cowan Insurance Group, Manulife Financial, Maximum Benefit, Desjardins, Johnson Insurance and Green Shield Canada. We also handle WCB claims and motor vehicle accident claims directly.
Book an Appointment in Camrose
Point to where it hurts and we will work out where it is coming from. Book an assessment.
Central Physiotherapy & Massage · 6028 48 Avenue, Camrose, AB · (780) 673-0573
Monday to Thursday 9:00am–7:00pm · Friday 9:00am–5:00pm