Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement and causing persistent stiffness and pain. It typically develops gradually, moving through a freezing stage, a frozen stage, and a thawing stage that can last anywhere from several months to a few years if left untreated. Common symptoms include a dull, aching pain in the outer shoulder, significant loss of range of motion, and difficulty with everyday tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back.
How We Treat Frozen Shoulder at Club West Chiropractic
Our Blaine chiropractors begin with a full orthopedic exam to determine how far the shoulder’s range of motion has been restricted and whether misalignment in the shoulder or upper spine is contributing to the problem. Chiropractic adjustments are used to restore proper joint mechanics and improve mobility in the shoulder and surrounding structures.
Because frozen shoulder is largely a soft-tissue and capsular problem, we place heavy emphasis on acupuncture as part of your treatment plan. Acupuncture can help reduce the inflammation and muscle guarding that keep the joint capsule tight, improving your response to each adjustment and helping restore motion faster. We pair this with a progressive therapeutic exercise program designed to gently stretch and strengthen the shoulder as range of motion returns, and therapeutic ultrasound to warm the tissue and improve circulation before mobilization work.
If you’re dealing with shoulder stiffness that isn’t improving on its own, schedule an appointment with our Blaine team.
