Shoulder is loose in socket

[Winter Glory]

To begin - I am not an A&P buff, in my 200 hour reflexology course I was not required to learn the muscles outside of the feet and hands. So bear with me if I'm totally off on my description here, I'm looking at my Gray's Anatomy Coloring Book and googled the shoulder muscle groups so I'd at least have an idea of what we're looking at.   Now I'm not asking for a diagnosis, not by a long shot, but maybe some tips or suggestions? Okay - I have always had a loose left shoulder joint, for as long as I can remember. I have had some chiro work on my shoulder, about 8 months ago was my last appt with shoulder work in it. The shoulder was never a "focus" of my chiro treatments. Well, lately my shoulder has been bothering me more - it used to just be a nuisance, and now it is slightly affecting my arm and shoulder mobility. I find myself constantly pulling my shoulder back in line as it wants to go forward with my hand when I am reaching for or working on something (or someone). I get a nice ball of knots running from my neck down towards the joint. It's more the Trapezius muscle than the SCM though I'm probably also feeling it in those other deeper muscles (I had to look these up: supraspinatus & infraspinatus). I'm guessing this is from the constant shoulder re-alignment I'm doing?I am going to contact a chiropractor that networks with my clinic often, and am thinking of contacting an MT that specializes in some deep-tissue more specific work, they both have excellent reviews from everyone I've asked. Does this sound like a good plan? Should I focus on one practitioner or the other or attacking the problem with both modalities is a good idea? Also, can stretching improve my loose shoulder or should I wait until I start seeing one or both of the aforementioned practitioners? If stretching helps can you refer me to a site, book or explain some stretches that might help? My acupuncturist (also an RN), said to not imobilize the shoulder, which I know I've been doing, a little subconsciously too. It feels like it falls out of socket, so I just pull it back up and in.Okay, sorry for the book. And thanks for any ideas and suggestions ahead of time!

 

[sandybars]

Dragonflies,I am trying with all my might to imagine what is happening, but without the hands on and seeing it in action I can't give good advice.  You might need to stretch some muscles but also strengthen the opposing muscles in order to keep your shoulder in line.  I would recommend a MT simply because they work with soft tissue, DC works with bones, and it seems as though it's a soft tissue problem.

 

[LGM]

Shoulder is loose in socket

Please see a medical doctor for a diagnosis. You may have a tear in the tendon of supraspinatus muscle.  An MRI is necessary to image a  tendon tear.

Thanks, that will probably be my next step after the MT.

 

[theresad]

I am going to contact a chiropractor that networks with my clinic often, and am thinking of contacting an MT that specializes in some deep-tissue more specific work, they both have excellent reviews from everyone I've asked. Does this sound like a good plan? Should I focus on one practitioner or the other or attacking the problem with both modalities is a good idea?

Though this response is a little late, I'd lean toward checking with the MT as the first level, chiro as the second if he/she is good with muscle and rehab work, and an acupuncturist.... I'd also seriously consider hunting up an orthopedic, if the joint is sloppy, a torn region would be something you'd want to get repaired rather rapidly.  How is it doing currently?  

 

[PastorTom]

Shoulder is loose in socket

How is it doing currently?  

Well, after an incredibly busy summer I've only had one massage since I posted this. I have also had some reflexology, which has helped to an extent. I'm squeezing in a chiropractic appointment next week before my trip to Amsterdam, could use some general alignment stuff so I'll be mentioning the shoulder when I see her.

Overall it isn't bothering me nearly as much as it was when I first posted. The MT I saw found multiple adhesions under my shoulder blade and I'm sure she must have considered bringing in the jackhammer to get into those muscles.  ;D I knotted up within 24 hours so I guess this is a combo stress and shoulder issue. Hopefully after the trip I'll be able to get a professional to take a look at it.

 

[Ggg]

Shoulder is loose in socket

I saw the chiro today and she made some adjustments from my armpit and pretty much all sides going into my shoulder (front, back, top, armpit, side). With some stretches to see my ROM she feels my TMJ is at least partially linked with the shoulder (stiffness when laying right ear on shoulder vs. left ear on shoulder). So we'll see how things go. She is going to use the "Graston technique" on me on Friday. The link is here: http://grastontechnique.com/grastontechnique/default.htmI'll update again if I have a chance at the week's end.