Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most functionally limiting musculoskeletal conditions, affecting approximately 26% of adults at some point in their lives. The shoulder's remarkable range of motion — the greatest of any joint in the body — makes it uniquely vulnerable to injury and degeneration. Chiropractic assessment and treatment addresses shoulder pain by evaluating the full mechanical chain: the shoulder joint itself, the acromioclavicular joint, the cervical and thoracic spine, and the surrounding musculature.

Common Shoulder Conditions Treated with Chiropractic

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy: Degeneration or inflammation of the four rotator cuff muscles and their tendons
• Shoulder impingement syndrome: Compression of rotator cuff tendons under the acromion during arm elevation
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Progressive stiffening and pain from joint capsule contracture
• Acromioclavicular joint sprain: Common in contact sports and falls
• Bicipital tendinitis: Inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon
• Shoulder pain referred from the cervical spine: Cervical nerve root irritation can produce pain felt entirely in the shoulder

Our Assessment Approach

Because cervical spine dysfunction frequently contributes to shoulder pain — and vice versa — our doctors assess both regions when evaluating shoulder complaints. Treating only the shoulder while missing a cervical component consistently produces inferior outcomes. Our comprehensive approach ensures the full mechanical picture is addressed.

Treatment

Shoulder treatment combines glenohumeral and acromioclavicular manipulation or mobilization, soft-tissue therapy for the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles, cervical and thoracic adjustment where indicated, and graduated rehabilitative exercises for rotator cuff strength and scapular stability.