Frozen Shoulder? Ways to reduce pain and stiffness in shoulder joint.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that can severely impact daily life. Officially known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, limiting mobility and disrupting sleep for many sufferers. While it typically resolves over time, the healing process can take years. This article provides information and ways to treat and accelerate the Frozen Shoulder “thawing” process.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder develops gradually in three distinct phases:

1. Freezing Stage: Pain intensifies with movement, and the shoulder’s range of motion decreases. This phase lasts from 2 to 9 months.
2. Frozen Stage: Although the pain may reduce, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, limiting its use. This stage can last between 4 to 12 months.
3. Thawing Stage: Mobility slowly improves, and stiffness begins to subside over 5 months to two years.

While frozen shoulder may eventually resolve on its own, chiropractic treatment can significantly shorten recovery time, enabling patients to regain function more quickly without resorting to medications or surgery.

Causes and Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. It’s often triggered by prolonged shoulder immobility, such as after surgery or injury. The condition is most common in people over 40, particularly women, and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or thyroid disorders. Reduced mobility from injuries such as a rotator cuff tear or a broken arm can also increase the risk.

Chiropractic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

Dr. Chris specializes in chiropractic techniques that promote joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and ease pain, helping to restore shoulder function. One of the most effective methods used by Dr. Chris is the Niel Asher Technique, which focuses on manipulating the joint and muscle tissues to gradually increase shoulder mobility.

During treatment, Dr. Chris applies targeted pressure to specific points around the shoulder joint, stretching the connective tissue and relieving pain. This technique, combined with adjustments to the cervical and upper thoracic spine, improves the overall alignment and function of the shoulder. Since the nerves that communicate with the shoulder are located in the cervical spine, these adjustments enhance nerve function and support the body’s natural healing process.

Comprehensive Care for Frozen Shoulder

Dr. Chris’s approach to treating frozen shoulder extends beyond in-office adjustments. Patients receive personalized guidance on exercises that can be done at home to further enhance recovery. Some of these exercises include:

• Wall crawl
• Pendulum stretch
• Towel stretch
• Cross-body reach
• Finger walk
• Armpit stretch
• Inward and outward rotations

These exercises, when done regularly, help to maintain mobility and strengthen the shoulder. Dr. Chris also advises on posture correction, which plays a critical role in both preventing and managing frozen shoulder. Poor posture can exacerbate shoulder stiffness, so identifying and correcting postural imbalances is essential for long-term recovery.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Beyond treating frozen shoulder, Dr. Chris’s chiropractic care offers a range of benefits, including:

• Gentle Adjustments: Mobilizing the shoulder joint and breaking up adhesions to restore range of motion.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Using techniques like massage and trigger point therapy to relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation around the shoulder joint.
• Stretching and Strengthening: Guided exercises to improve shoulder function and mobility.
• Posture Correction: Addressing postural issues that contribute to frozen shoulder, helping to prevent recurrence.

Dr. Chris’s holistic approach also integrates joint health supplements, such as collagen, to support overall joint function and reduce the risk of future problems. Patients benefit from personalized care plans that promote faster recovery, minimize the need for surgery, and reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals.

The Road to Recovery

With four decades of experience, Dr. Chris has successfully helped countless patients regain their shoulder mobility and reclaim their lives. Chiropractic care not only addresses the symptoms of frozen shoulder but also targets the root cause, ensuring long-term relief and improved overall health. By working closely with a chiropractor, patients can enhance their recovery, avoid future joint problems, and embrace a pain-free, active lifestyle.