Introduction:
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often severely restricting its range of motion. For those who are active and engaged in regular fitness routines, frozen shoulder can quickly become a roadblock, making everyday movements such as lifting weights, performing overhead exercises, or even reaching for an object difficult and painful.
While traditional treatments such as medications and physical therapy are often recommended for managing frozen shoulder, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective approach to both relieve pain and restore shoulder function. At Dr. Palmes Chiropractic, we specialize in providing personalized care for patients dealing with frozen shoulder, helping them return to their fitness routine without the need for invasive treatments or lengthy recovery periods.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed and thickened, leading to restricted movement and significant discomfort. The condition typically develops in three stages:
- Freezing: Pain gradually increases, and the shoulder becomes stiff.
- Frozen: The pain may diminish, but stiffness remains, limiting mobility.
- Thawing: The range of motion gradually improves as the inflammation subsides.
Frozen shoulder can affect one or both shoulders, though it most commonly occurs in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, especially those with diabetes or other systemic conditions. While this condition can resolve on its own, the process can take months to years, severely impacting daily activities and fitness routines.
The Impact of Frozen Shoulder on Fitness
Frozen shoulder can significantly hinder your ability to engage in various exercises and fitness activities, especially those that require overhead movements, lifting weights, or rotation of the arm. Some of the most common fitness activities affected by frozen shoulder include:
- Weightlifting: Exercises such as overhead press, lateral raises, or bench press can be extremely painful due to shoulder immobility.
- Swimming: Freestyle and butterfly strokes that require full arm extension and rotation become difficult or impossible.
- Yoga and Pilates: Movements such as overhead stretches or poses that require shoulder flexibility, like downward dog or plank, may be limited or painful.
- Cardio Workouts: Even activities like running or cycling can be affected, as frozen shoulder can cause discomfort when moving the arms.
If left untreated, frozen shoulder can lead to muscle imbalances, postural issues, and compensation in other areas of the body, which may result in further discomfort or injuries down the road.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Frozen Shoulder
Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive option that targets the root causes of frozen shoulder and works to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve function. Here’s how chiropractic care can help:
1. Spinal Adjustments for Better Shoulder Mobility
A misaligned spine can contribute to poor nerve function and limited joint mobility, including the shoulder. Chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment and improve nervous system function, which in turn helps the shoulder joint move more freely. By improving spinal health, chiropractic adjustments can also relieve tension in the surrounding muscles, helping to reduce pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
➡️ Learn more about chiropractic care for frozen shoulder
2. Joint Mobilizations for Range of Motion
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often use joint mobilization techniques to gently move the shoulder joint and increase its range of motion. By manually manipulating the joint, chiropractors can reduce stiffness and encourage fluid movement in the shoulder, helping to reverse the effects of frozen shoulder.
These techniques help to:
- Improve shoulder mobility
- Relieve pain by reducing pressure on the shoulder joint
- Restore functional movement for daily activities and fitness routines
3. Soft Tissue Therapy and Myofascial Release
Frozen shoulder can cause muscle tightness and scar tissue formation around the shoulder joint, further restricting movement. Chiropractors use soft tissue therapy techniques such as myofascial release, which targets the connective tissues surrounding the joint, to reduce muscle tension, alleviate tightness, and break down any scar tissue. These techniques help relax the muscles around the shoulder, restoring flexibility and improving circulation to the affected area.
4. Exercise and Rehabilitation Guidance
Chiropractors also provide exercise and rehabilitation programs designed to improve shoulder strength and flexibility. This includes targeted stretches and exercises that help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improve its range of motion. A customized exercise program is crucial to:
- Prevent further loss of mobility
- Increase shoulder stability
- Promote healing in the affected area
Chiropractors can guide you through specific exercises that are safe for frozen shoulder, helping you gradually regain full range of motion without aggravating the condition.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Frozen Shoulder?
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain or limited movement that doesn’t seem to improve with rest, it’s time to seek help. Chiropractic care can be an effective, non-invasive option to address frozen shoulder and improve your quality of life. You should consider seeing a chiropractor if:
- You have persistent shoulder pain or stiffness
- You are unable to perform daily tasks or fitness activities due to shoulder immobility
- You want a drug-free, surgery-free approach to recovery
- You’ve already tried other treatments without success
Chiropractors will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that targets your specific needs and helps you return to your active lifestyle.
Get Back to Fitness with Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can put a serious damper on your fitness routine and daily activities. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution to restore shoulder function, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. At Dr. Palmes Chiropractic, we specialize in helping patients with frozen shoulder regain their mobility and return to a pain-free life.
Don’t Let Frozen Shoulder Hold You Back!
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain or limited range of motion, chiropractic care can help. Contact Dr. Palmes Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you overcome frozen shoulder and get back to the activities you enjoy!
