Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain limits your ability to perform daily activities — from reaching overhead to sleeping comfortably. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, with a complex system of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that allow its wide range of motion. This mobility comes at the cost of stability, making the shoulder vulnerable to injury.
Common Shoulder Conditions
- Rotator cuff injuries — Tears or strains in the four muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — Progressive stiffness and loss of range of motion in the shoulder capsule
- Shoulder impingement — Compression of rotator cuff tendons between the humerus and acromion during overhead movement
- Cervicogenic shoulder pain — Shoulder pain originating from cervical spine dysfunction
- Bursitis — Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint
Our Approach to Shoulder Treatment
Dr. Amy Kerr performs a comprehensive shoulder evaluation that includes the cervical spine, because many shoulder conditions have a cervical component. Treatment combines shoulder joint mobilization, cervical adjustments when indicated, and physical therapy rehabilitation to restore full range of motion and strength. For patients with chronic shoulder stiffness, a structured program of progressive stretching and strengthening typically produces significant improvement over 6-8 weeks.
Shoulder Pain FAQ
Can a chiropractor help with a rotator cuff injury?
Yes. Chiropractic care is effective for rotator cuff strains and partial tears. Treatment includes shoulder joint mobilization, cervical and thoracic adjustments (the rotator cuff receives nerve supply from the cervical spine), and physical therapy to rebuild rotator cuff strength. Complete rotator cuff tears may require surgical evaluation.
Why does my shoulder hurt when nothing happened to it?
Shoulder pain without a specific injury often indicates cervical spine involvement, shoulder impingement from repetitive overhead activity, or the early stages of frozen shoulder. A thorough evaluation identifies the source so treatment can target the actual cause rather than just the symptom.
How long does frozen shoulder treatment take?
Frozen shoulder typically progresses through three stages over 12-18 months without treatment. Chiropractic care with physical therapy can significantly accelerate recovery. Most patients see meaningful improvement in range of motion within 4-8 weeks of treatment, with full recovery in 3-6 months.
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