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Shoulders, arm, elbow or hand pain

Joint and muscle problems in the upper extremities – from the shoulder girdle to the fingers – often occur in conjunction with neck pain. It’s often difficult for patients to pinpoint the cause themselves, which is why we first conduct a detailed medical history and clinical examination to determine whether your condition originates from the spine, the shoulder, elbow or wrist joints, or the muscles. If necessary, we will arrange additional diagnostic tests.

 

[Translate to Englisch:] Chiropraktische Behandlung von Schultern, Armen, Ellbogen und Händen

In addition to neck pain and pain radiating to other parts of the body, we also assess isolated joint and muscle symptoms. The pain does not originate directly from spinal problems in only about 15 percent of our patients [1]. In these cases, we often work together with other departments at Balgrist University Hospital to find the most promising treatment.

Causes of pain in the upper extremity

The causes of pain in your arms, shoulders, elbows or hands are many and varied. The pain is often not only local but also radiates from another area, such as the spine. For example, pain can radiate from the neck to the shoulder or arms, or trigger points in the muscles can cause discomfort in distant parts of the body.

 

Joint-related causes 

  • Verschleisserscheinungen wie Arthrose
  • Angeborene Veränderungen

Muscle-realted causes

  • Fehlbelastungen der Muskulatur
  • Überbelastungen durch Sport oder im Alltag  
  • Sehnenprobleme (Tendinopathien)

Particularly common symptoms in our clinic are::

  • Osteoarthritis, especially in the shoulder, hand or finger joint
  • Tendon disorders such as supraspinatus tendinopathy, calcareous tendinitis (calcific shoulder), tennis or golfer’s elbow, or trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis
  • Muscular imbalances leading, for example, to shoulder dyskinesia
  • Neurological problems, e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome 

Typical and secondary symptoms

The main symptoms are pain or functional limitations directly at the affected part of the body. However, the place where you perceive the pain can vary and does not necessarily coincide with the source of the pain. The following symptoms are frequently reported; they often occur in combination with neck pain and indicate the pain originates from the spinal area:

Common symptoms:

  • Muscle tension or cramps
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling or numbness in arms

Chiropractic treatment options

During the initial consultation, we identify the cause of your symptoms by taking a detailed medical history and in-depth clinical examination. Based on this, we develop a prognosis and work with you to decide whether chiropractic treatment is sensible and likely to be effective for you. Our treatment approach includes the following measures:

 

Manual therapies

  • Manipulation and mobilization of joints to treat dysfunction
  • Muscle-relaxing measures, such as manual trigger point therapy, dry-needling or therapeutic local anesthesia

Instruction and advice

  • Ergonomic adjustments in everyday life
  • Strengthening and/or stretching exercises

Additional measures, if required

  • Prescribing physiotherapy or medical exercise therapy
  • Accompanying pain management, including painkillers or referral for cortisone injections
  • Prescribing orthopedic aids

If the symptoms cannot be eliminated through chiropractic treatment, or if other specialist evaluations are required, we will organize the assessment and treatment on an interdisciplinary basis with other specialist departments at Balgrist University Hospital.

The next step—when should I see a chiropractor?

[Translate to Englisch:] Chiropraktische Behandllung von oberen Extremität

If you’re experiencing musculoskeletal problems, a chiropractor can be your first point of contact. Chiropractic services in Switzerland are covered by basic insurance and you can make an appointment directly with us. If you’re insured under the general practitioner model of your health insurer, please contact your GP practice for a referral.

 

How to contact us: +41 44 386 57 06  e-mail

References

  1. Hofstetter L, Häusler M, Mühlemann M, Nyirö L, Mühlemann D, Hincapié CA. Musculoskeletal healthcare at a Swiss university hospital chiropractic medicine outpatient clinic in 2019: a health services research study. Chiropr Man Therap. 2022;30(1):7.