- posted: Mar. 23, 2026
As workers in the healthcare industry, we often hear that our patients are struggling with stiff joints, most commonly in their shoulders and spine. This is such a common occurrence that many times, people will misinterpret everyday stiffness for an injury and vice versa. Being able to recognize the difference is an important skill to have, in order to pursue the proper treatment measures for the issue at hand. The appearance of stiffness in the body can result from factors like a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, tight or overworked muscles, or long days with minimal movement. Stiffness generally makes it feel like your range of motion is limited, so controlled stretching and moderate movement can make a positive difference in symptoms.
On the contrary, injury will come as a more concentrated and confined location of pain. Bruising, swelling, and restricted flexibility in the area may appear as a result of an injury. Injuries can come in multiple forms such as having a fall, overexerting a certain part of the body, abrupt impact, etc. Pain while moving is a distinct marker of injuries. Rest and relaxation are certainly crucial for recovery, but extended periods of immobilization might actually inhibit the healing process counterintuitively. Another way to identify an injury is noticing a popping sound at the time of the event, followed by a persistent unsteadiness. If you experience a continual sharp pain that rest does not seem to help, this is more than likely an injury that needs attention. Seek treatment at this point instead of ignoring it and hoping it disappears on its own!
In the case that you have stiffness that will not seem to go away with your self-care efforts (stretches, rest, hot/cold compresses, etc.), you have probably endured some type of injury. It is critical that you seek professional care so that the injury does not develop into something more serious or become more advanced. Chiropractors like Dr. Tom are able to do a thorough exam to distinguish between stiffness and injury, and subsequently diagnose what’s actually going on in your body so that optimal treatment can be carried out. Diagnostic techniques may include but are not limited to posture assessment, flexibility tests, and checking for muscular imbalances or structural complications.
At McNulty Chiropractic, it is our priority to tailor care to each individual patient to address any issues that need correction. Our philosophy is to use the holistic approach to treat pain and injury from the inside out, rather than going for the quick fix, “band-aid” approach that is not sustainable long-term. We treat both stiffness AND injury, making sure that your spine is properly aligned, your muscles are released from tightness, and your range of motion is the best it can possibly be. Whether it be stiffness or injury, don’t let either one stop you from living your life fully and freely. We are here to help with any of your musculoskeletal concerns!
- posted: Mar. 23, 2026
As workers in the healthcare industry, we often hear that our patients are struggling with stiff joints, most commonly in their shoulders and spine. This is such a common occurrence that many times, people will misinterpret everyday stiffness for an injury and vice versa. Being able to recognize the difference is an important skill to have, in order to pursue the proper treatment measures for the issue at hand. The appearance of stiffness in the body can result from factors like a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, tight or overworked muscles, or long days with minimal movement. Stiffness generally makes it feel like your range of motion is limited, so controlled stretching and moderate movement can make a positive difference in symptoms.
On the contrary, injury will come as a more concentrated and confined location of pain. Bruising, swelling, and restricted flexibility in the area may appear as a result of an injury. Injuries can come in multiple forms such as having a fall, overexerting a certain part of the body, abrupt impact, etc. Pain while moving is a distinct marker of injuries. Rest and relaxation are certainly crucial for recovery, but extended periods of immobilization might actually inhibit the healing process counterintuitively. Another way to identify an injury is noticing a popping sound at the time of the event, followed by a persistent unsteadiness. If you experience a continual sharp pain that rest does not seem to help, this is more than likely an injury that needs attention. Seek treatment at this point instead of ignoring it and hoping it disappears on its own!
In the case that you have stiffness that will not seem to go away with your self-care efforts (stretches, rest, hot/cold compresses, etc.), you have probably endured some type of injury. It is critical that you seek professional care so that the injury does not develop into something more serious or become more advanced. Chiropractors like Dr. Tom are able to do a thorough exam to distinguish between stiffness and injury, and subsequently diagnose what’s actually going on in your body so that optimal treatment can be carried out. Diagnostic techniques may include but are not limited to posture assessment, flexibility tests, and checking for muscular imbalances or structural complications.
At McNulty Chiropractic, it is our priority to tailor care to each individual patient to address any issues that need correction. Our philosophy is to use the holistic approach to treat pain and injury from the inside out, rather than going for the quick fix, “band-aid” approach that is not sustainable long-term. We treat both stiffness AND injury, making sure that your spine is properly aligned, your muscles are released from tightness, and your range of motion is the best it can possibly be. Whether it be stiffness or injury, don’t let either one stop you from living your life fully and freely. We are here to help with any of your musculoskeletal concerns!