Ryan A.
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Shoulder Pain
SYMPTOM
Shoulder Pain
SITUATION
Ryan, a 19-year-old apprentice electrician, came to KIRO with persistent shoulder pain and stiffness after spending several weeks installing overhead lighting for a new office building. The repetitive overhead lifting, reaching, and holding heavy tools caused aching in both shoulders, sharp pain when raising his arms, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Even after brief rest periods, the pain returned once Ryan resumed work, making it hard to lift equipment, reach for materials, or maintain proper posture on the job. He also noticed nighttime discomfort, which interfered with sleep, and mild weakness in his shoulders during overhead movements. Concerned that continued work could worsen the problem, and worried to be experiencing issues at such a young age, Ryan sought chiropractic care to reduce pain, restore shoulder mobility, and prevent long-term issues.
TREATMENT
Care began with a total-body assessment by KIRO’s team of doctors. The examination revealed decreased shoulder range of motion, especially when reaching overhead, along with muscle tightness in the upper back, neck, and rotator cuff region. Mild postural changes, including forward-rounded shoulders from lifting and overhead work, were also noted.
To further assess function, our doctors performed a baseline nervous system scan, which showed elevated tension throughout the shoulders and upper spine, confirming the effect of repetitive overhead work and supporting Ryan’s reported symptoms.
Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized three-month care plan focused on reducing shoulder pain, improving joint mobility, and strengthening the muscles that support overhead work. Care began with twice-weekly chiropractic adjustments targeting the shoulders, cervical and thoracic spine, paired with soft tissue therapy to release tight muscles and improve shoulder mechanics. Gentle, pain-free mobilization exercises were introduced to restore movement without aggravating inflamed tissues.
After a month of care, our doctors repeated the nervous system scan and re-evaluated range of motion, strength, and pain levels. The scan demonstrated decreased tension across the shoulders and upper back, and Ryan reported less pain during overhead lifting and improved functional use of his arms. He stated he no longer was experiencing shoulder discomfort while trying to sleep at night. Based on these improvements, care transitioned from twice-weekly visits to once per week, with a greater focus on strengthening and postural correction.
Over the following eight weeks, our doctors provided an at-home mobility and exercise routine, including rotator cuff work with exercise bands, scapular stabilization exercises, and strengthening of postural muscles. Ergonomic guidance and activity modifications were also provided to help Ryan perform his work safely without overloading his shoulders.
RESULT
By the end of his three-month care plan, Ryan experienced large improvements in shoulder mobility, strength, and comfort. He could lift tools, reach overhead, and perform daily tasks without pain, and nighttime discomfort had resolved. A final nervous system scan confirmed tension levels had returned to normal throughout the shoulders and upper back, reinforcing the effectiveness of care.
Ryan has since returned to his apprenticeship with confidence, maintaining a home exercise routine and posture strategies to prevent future shoulder strain and support long-term musculoskeletal health. He now understands that maintaining a pain-free future means committing to healthy habits now while he’s young.
DURATION
3 months
