CONDITION
Dealing with chronic shoulder pain with no clear progression plan, causing repeated flare-ups & keeping him out of jiu jitsu every time he tried to return
34
Male
3 mth
| CHALLENGES | ROOT CAUSES |
|---|---|
| Any overhead movement | Painful right shoulder arc in flexion |
| Sleeping on the right side | Moderate tenderness into supraspinatus notch |
| Jiu jitsu | Weakness in right shoulder external rotators |
| Lower traps and rear deltoid | |
| Upper cross syndrome |
PREVIOUS TREATMENTS
Physical therapy through workers compensation
GOALS
Be able to compete in jiu-jitsu again since it was his main hobby that kept him in shape
TREATMENT PHASES
1
Pain Relief & Early Management
- Isometrics (reduce pain & stimulate collagen
- synthesis in the supraspinatus muscle)
- Ribcage & thoracic mobility
2
Restore Movement & Function
- Scapular strength
- Heavy Eccentrics - supraspinatus
3
Load, Performance & Strength
- Retrained horizontal and vertical pushing and pulling emotions
- Progressively overloaded
- Upper body plyometrics - medball-based
Treatment Obstacles & Adjustments
- Patient had a very hectic schedule as a police officer often skipped weeks, yet we had a treatment plan, and I would checkup confirming his progress and proper exercises on the agreed upon days.
Measurable wins
- Pain 8/10 to 2/10
- His shoulder pain went away after about 2 weeks of starting the program!
Outcome
- He can finally lift pain free and signed up for a jiu-jitsu competition mid-way through the treatment plan.
Shoulder Results
Client Feedback
“Dr. Alex’s method literally gave me a new life. I am able to bend at the waist, have fun with my son doing activities running around, even sleeping through the night. I can work a lot more comfortably and even sit longer periods of time with much less pain.”
Dr. Alex Mak, DC, CCSP, CSCS, QME
Your FREE First Visit
60minYour first step is a low-pressure visit to understand your body mechanics, what will resolve it, and explain our approach.
- Quick intake: what’s hurting, what triggers it, training goals
- Movement: mobility, strength, control, and sport-specific patterns
- Clear plan: observations, why it’s happening, best path forward
What You’ll Receive
- A clear clinical direction and root-cause hypothesis
- Recommended next steps, including a plan and projected timeline
- Practical guidance on what to do, and what to avoid, in training right now
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