Understanding Frozen Shoulder: How Chiropractic Can Help

If you’ve ever tried to lift your arm and realized it just wouldn’t go, or worse, that it was downright painful, you may have been dealing with a condition called frozen shoulder. It’s more common than people think — especially in adults between the ages of 40 and 60 — and it’s one of those conditions that tends to hang around unless you address it properly.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. The symptoms usually develop gradually and can last for months — even years — if left untreated.

Now, what triggers it? Often, it’s after a period of immobilization — like recovering from surgery or an injury — but it can also show up in people with diabetes or thyroid issues. The key symptoms are pain and stiffness, and they tend to worsen at night, making sleep difficult.

So where does chiropractic come in?

At Rodgers Stein Chiropractic Center, we help patients with frozen shoulder by focusing on restoring proper joint motion and addressing the surrounding muscles and connective tissue. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine and shoulder region can help relieve pressure and improve mobility. We also incorporate rehabilitative exercises and soft tissue therapy to break down adhesions and improve range of motion.

One thing that surprises many people is how much the spine and nervous system play into shoulder function. When spinal misalignments are present — especially in the cervical and upper thoracic spine — they can affect nerve signals that control shoulder movement.

The earlier you seek care for frozen shoulder, the better your outcome. If you’re starting to notice reduced mobility or shoulder pain that’s not going away, don’t wait. A personalized care plan can make a huge difference in speeding up your recovery.

At Rodgers Stein, we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the things you love.