Frozen Shoulder: How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Have you ever experienced pain or stiffness in your shoulder that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with a condition called frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there’s hope for relief through chiropractic care.

Let’s delve into what frozen shoulder is and how chiropractic treatment can make a difference, with a few examples to illustrate.

What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can be quite debilitating. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it often occurs following prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, injury, surgery, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system, which can be beneficial for conditions like frozen shoulder. Here’s how chiropractic treatment can help, with examples to illustrate each point:

1. Manual Manipulation: Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to manipulate the joints and soft tissues of the shoulder, helping to improve mobility and reduce pain. For example, gentle adjustments may be applied to the shoulder joint to restore proper alignment and range of motion.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy: Soft tissue therapy techniques, such as massage and myofascial release, can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility in the shoulder area. Imagine a deep tissue massage targeting the muscles and connective tissues around the shoulder joint, helping to release tightness and restore mobility.
3. Therapeutic Exercises: Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improve stability. These exercises can be tailored to your individual needs and gradually progress as your shoulder improves. For instance, you might be instructed to perform shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises at home to complement your chiropractic adjustments.

Real-Life Examples

Let’s consider a couple of scenarios to see how chiropractic care can make a difference:

• Case 1: John’s Shoulder Struggle: John, a construction worker, developed frozen shoulder after a fall at work. He experienced severe pain and stiffness in his shoulder, making it difficult to perform his job duties. With regular chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises, John gradually regained mobility in his shoulder and was able to return to work without pain.
• Case 2: Sarah’s Post-Surgery Recovery: Sarah underwent shoulder surgery and developed frozen shoulder during her recovery period. She struggled with stiffness and limited range of motion, which affected her daily activities. Through chiropractic care, including manual manipulation and soft tissue therapy, Sarah experienced significant improvement in her shoulder mobility and was able to resume her normal activities more quickly.

Frozen shoulder can be a frustrating and painful condition, but chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and effective approach to treatment. By addressing underlying joint dysfunction and muscle imbalances, chiropractors can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the shoulder joint.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder, consider consulting with a chiropractor, like Dr. Lauchlin McKeigan at Eastside Medical Group, to explore your treatment options and get back to enjoying life without shoulder pain holding you back.