Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and limited movement in the shoulder joint. It often develops gradually and can make everyday activities difficult, like reaching for objects, getting dressed, or even brushing your hair. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, chiropractic care for frozen shoulders may be the solution you need to regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become inflamed and stiff, leading to pain and restricted movement. Over time, the shoulder joint may become “frozen,” making it difficult to move at all. There are three main stages of frozen shoulder:
- Freezing Stage: During this phase, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff and painful. This stage can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months.
- Frozen Stage: The pain may lessen, but the shoulder remains stiff, making movement difficult. This stage can last 4 to 12 months.
- Thawing Stage: Movement slowly begins to improve, and the shoulder gradually regains mobility. This stage can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Frozen shoulders can occur for a variety of reasons, including after an injury, surgery, or long periods of immobility. It is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 and tends to affect women more often than men.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Frozen Shoulder
Chiropractic care for frozen shoulders focuses on addressing the root cause of the condition by improving joint mobility, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Chiropractors use non-invasive, drug-free treatments to help restore function and relieve pain. Here are a few ways chiropractic care can help treat frozen shoulder:
1. Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, can help improve the function of the joints in and around the shoulder. By gently realigning the spine and shoulder, chiropractors can reduce stiffness, improve movement, and decrease pain. These adjustments can also help improve the communication between the nervous system and the affected area, promoting faster healing.
2. Mobilization
Joint mobilization is a gentle technique that chiropractors use to increase the range of motion in the shoulder. By moving the joint in specific ways, chiropractors can help “loosen” the stiff tissues, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy
Frozen shoulders often lead to tight muscles and inflamed tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. Chiropractors may use soft tissue therapies like massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release to relax these muscles and reduce inflammation. This can help alleviate pain and improve mobility over time.
4. Rehabilitation Exercises
Chiropractors can recommend specific stretches and exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve flexibility. These exercises are an important part of recovery because they encourage the shoulder to regain movement and prevent further stiffness.
Ready to Regain Your Shoulder Mobility?
If you’re struggling with frozen shoulders and are looking for a natural, non-invasive solution, chiropractic care may be the right choice for you. At Best Life Chiropractic in San Diego, CA, we are dedicated to helping you recover and regain control of your shoulder movement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward healing!