Shoulder Pain? It Could Be a Rotator Cuff Strain – Here’s How a Downtown San Diego Chiropractor Can Help

‍

Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Team Elite Chiropractic, and many times, the culprit is a rotator cuff strain. Whether you're an athlete, an office worker, or someone simply trying to stay active, this type of injury can sneak up on you and seriously limit your daily movement. The good news? Chiropractic care offers a powerful, natural solution to help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent future injuries. At Team Elite Chiropractic, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, movement-focused care that gets to the source of the problem—not just the symptoms.

What Is the Rotator Cuff—and Why Does It Matter?

The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles that help stabilize and move your shoulder. They attach from your shoulder blade (scapula) to the upper arm (humerus), allowing you to lift, rotate, and reach with your arm.

When these muscles become strained or torn—either from repetitive use, trauma, or age-related wear and tear—pain, weakness, and limited mobility often follow. You don’t have to be an athlete to injure your rotator cuff. Something as simple as repetitive mouse use or lifting a bag awkwardly can trigger a strain.

Strain or Tear? What You Should Know

Many people assume a “strain” isn’t serious—but in medical terms, a strain is actually a tear. Rotator cuff strains are typically classified into three grades:

• Grade I: Mild strain with microscopic tearing and manageable pain
• Grade II: Moderate strain involving partial tearing of the muscle
• Grade III: Severe tear or full rupture, often requiring surgical evaluation

At Team Elite Chiropractic, we most commonly see grade I and II strains, which respond well to conservative, non-invasive care. We work closely with orthopedists and physical therapists when needed for more complex cases.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Strains

Whether you're throwing a baseball, typing all day, or lifting overhead at the gym, repetitive use and poor mechanics can overload the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries typically fall into three categories:

• Repetitive Overuse: Common in athletes (baseball, tennis, volleyball) and desk workers using poor ergonomics
• Trauma: Falls, yanked arms, or lifting something heavy the wrong way
• Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear, especially common in adults over 60

How a San Diego Chiropractor Diagnoses Shoulder Pain

Most patients don’t walk in saying, “I tore my rotator cuff.” They just know their shoulder hurts. That’s why a thorough functional movement assessment is so important.

At Team Elite Chiropractic, we start by asking about your health history, activities, job, and symptoms. Then we use orthopedic tests to determine if your pain is coming from the rotator cuff, the labrum, the cervical spine, or another source.

What makes our approach unique? We don’t just treat the shoulder—we assess the entire kinetic chain. That includes your shoulder blade (scapula), thoracic spine, and even your neck. Often, shoulder dysfunction is a result of poor scapular mobility or posture-related issues, and missing that can delay recovery.

Chiropractic Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries

As a Downtown San Diego chiropractor, we focus on holistic, non-invasive care that accelerates healing and restores full function. A typical treatment plan for a rotator cuff strain includes:

1. Pain and Inflammation Reduction

• Laser Therapy: Promotes circulation and reduces inflammation
• Cupping & Soft Tissue Work: Relieves muscle guarding and tension
• Chiropractic Adjustments: Restore motion to the thoracic spine and improve shoulder mechanics

2. Mobility and Muscle Activation

• Rehab Exercises: Light band work to re-engage the rotator cuff
• Manual Therapy: Reduce tightness without overstretching injured tissue
• Scapular Training: Improve movement and stability of the shoulder blade

3. Functional Strengthening and Injury Prevention

• Progressive Loading: Strengthen surrounding muscles for long-term support
• Postural Correction: Address workplace ergonomics and daily movement patterns
• Return-to-Activity Guidance: Whether it’s sports or daily tasks, we guide you safely back

How Long Does It Take to Heal?

Every patient heals differently, but most grade I rotator cuff strains show significant improvement within a few weeks. Pain relief often comes early, but we emphasize continued care to restore proper movement and prevent re-injury. Grade II injuries may take a few months of progressive rehab, and grade III tears typically require surgical consultation.

Pain going away is only step one—true recovery means restoring strength, function, and mobility so the problem doesn’t come back.

Why Choose Team Elite Chiropractic?

If you’re searching for the best chiropractor in San Diego, you want someone who looks beyond symptoms to solve the root of the problem. At Team Elite Chiropractic, we combine cutting-edge therapies, functional assessments, and personalized rehab to deliver results.

Our Downtown San Diego chiropractic clinic is a trusted destination for athletes, professionals, and anyone who values lasting health and mobility. 

Book Your Shoulder Evaluation Today

Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life. At Team Elite Chiropractic, we help San Diegans move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free. 

Schedule your appointment today and discover how expert chiropractic care can help you recover from rotator cuff strain—naturally.

‍