Have you been experiencing pain and range of motion issues in your shoulder? You may have frozen shoulder, which is a condition that involves thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule.
If you are wondering, “Can a chiropractor help my frozen shoulder?” explore the treatments and techniques a chiropractor might use to address this condition.
Frozen shoulder, officially known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder thickens and tightens, limiting its movement.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is more common in certain people, including women who are 40 and older. Frozen shoulder may also be more prevalent among people who have previously had a shoulder or arm injury that required them to keep their shoulder still for an extended period.
The symptoms of frozen shoulder begin gradually, then worsen over time. The condition usually develops in three stages:
This condition can take between one and three years to resolve, but chiropractic care could help patients find relief. If your shoulder hurts consistently and has become stiffer in recent months, seeking a diagnostic exam from a physician can help you determine whether frozen shoulder is the cause.
Can a chiropractor help your frozen shoulder? Often, chiropractic care is an effective non-invasive option for addressing this condition.
Frozen shoulder is among the more frustrating musculoskeletal conditions because it can develop for seemingly no reason and take years to heal. But many patients have found relief through targeted treatments from a trained chiropractor.
The stiffness associated with frozen shoulder can be exacerbated by small bits of scar tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. A chiropractor can help improve shoulder mobility and range of motion through manual manipulation of the shoulder, which involves carefully moving the shoulder joint to break down scar tissue and promote freer movement.
Many people experience misalignment of the spine and joints, whether due to poor posture, improper movements, or just regular daily motions. Chiropractic adjustments can restore alignment to these areas, often improving symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body.
For example, if your spine is misaligned, pain may radiate out to the shoulders, causing your frozen shoulder pain to feel worse. Spinal adjustments may include techniques like the activator method, which involves using a handheld impulse device, having you lie on a specialized table like the Thompson Drop-Table, or manually manipulating the spine to alleviate pressure.
Along with manually adjusting your shoulder and surrounding joints to improve range of motion and alignment, effective chiropractic care for frozen shoulder may involve massage-like techniques. Chiropractors use the active release technique (ART) to apply targeted pressure to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments of the shoulder as you move your arm. Applying pressure in this way can help break down scar tissue and alleviate pain.
Many musculoskeletal conditions can develop suddenly throughout a person’s lifetime, causing significant pain, stiffness, and mobility limitations. Whether a person is experiencing pain from frozen shoulder or a simple muscle strain, working with a trained chiropractor is often an effective treatment for finding relief.
Chiropractic care involves targeted therapies that improve range of motion and flexibility, alleviate pain, and address posture and alignment issues that could be exacerbating discomfort. Many patients experience fast relief after one session, while long-term benefits can come with repeat appointments. Those who deal with daily pain could benefit from researching a chiropractor in Coral Springs, FL, and setting up an initial consultation.
Frozen shoulder can develop out of nowhere and cause significant joint stiffness and pain. In some cases, this condition can be made worse by poor spinal coordination or misalignment.
A chiropractor can perform a full-body assessment to understand the source of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. Can a chiropractor help your frozen shoulder? Our trained professionals at ChiroCare of Florida have experience treating this condition and want to help you find relief.
Schedule an initial appointment in Coral Springs today by calling 954-225-9543.