Frozen shoulder can disrupt your daily activities with persistent pain and limited mobility. While the condition can resolve over time, chiropractic care offers a faster, more targeted solution to help you regain function and comfort. In this blog, we’ll delve into what this condition is, the benefits of chiropractic care for frozen shoulder, effective treatment techniques, and additional steps you can take to support recovery.
What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, leading to pain and limited range of motion. The condition typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage: Pain gradually increases, and shoulder mobility begins to decrease.
- Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but stiffness becomes more pronounced, significantly limiting movement.
- Thawing Stage: Mobility slowly improves as the inflammation subsides.
Frozen shoulder can develop due to factors such as prolonged immobility (e.g., after surgery or injury), underlying medical conditions like diabetes, or inflammation from repetitive strain. While it can resolve on its own over months or years, targeted treatment can significantly speed up recovery.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder
Chiropractic care offers several advantages for individuals dealing with frozen shoulder:
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue techniques help alleviate pain by reducing tension and improving circulation.
- Improved Mobility: By addressing stiffness in the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles, chiropractors help restore movement and flexibility.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractic care avoids the use of medications or invasive procedures, making it a safe option for managing frozen shoulder.
- Holistic Approach: Chiropractors assess the entire musculoskeletal system, addressing imbalances or compensatory movements that may contribute to the condition.
- Faster Recovery: Combining chiropractic care with exercises and lifestyle adjustments can accelerate recovery and reduce the duration of frozen shoulder.
These benefits make chiropractic care a valuable tool in managing the pain and limitations associated with frozen shoulder.
Chiropractic Techniques Used to Relieve Frozen Shoulder Pain
Chiropractors use a variety of evidence-based techniques to treat frozen shoulder. These include:
- Joint Mobilizations: Gentle techniques to improve shoulder joint movement and reduce stiffness.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy target tight muscles and fascia, reducing pain and improving flexibility.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises to improve range of motion and rebuild strength in the affected area.
- Postural Correction: Improving posture can alleviate stress on the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles, preventing further complications.
A personalized treatment plan ensures that these techniques are applied based on the client’s unique needs and stage of recovery.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Treating Frozen Shoulder?
Yes, chiropractic care is considered safe for treating frozen shoulder when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor. Chiropractors use non-invasive, gentle techniques tailored to the individual’s condition and comfort level. They conduct a thorough assessment before starting treatment to rule out any contraindications and ensure the approach is appropriate. Chiropractic care avoids reliance on medication or surgery, making it an excellent option for individuals seeking a natural path to recovery.
Safety is further enhanced by the chiropractor’s ability to adjust treatment intensity based on the individual’s tolerance, particularly in the initial stages when the shoulder may be highly sensitive.
Managing Frozen Shoulder: Recommended Exercises and Stretches
Chiropractors often recommend exercises and stretches to complement in-office treatments, promoting faster recovery and improved mobility. These may include:
- Pendulum Swings: Gently swing the arm forward, backward, and side-to-side while leaning slightly forward to loosen the shoulder joint.
- Wall Walks: Using the fingers, “walk” your hand up a wall to stretch the shoulder gradually.
- Cross-Body Stretch: Pull one arm across the chest using the opposite hand to stretch the shoulder muscles.
- Towel Stretch: Hold a towel behind your back with one hand and pull upward with the other to stretch the affected shoulder.
These exercises are typically performed slowly and within a pain-free range of motion. Chiropractors provide guidance on the frequency and intensity of each stretch to ensure effectiveness without causing further discomfort.
Chiropractic Sessions for Frozen Shoulder: What to Expect
Your first chiropractic visit for frozen shoulder will focus on understanding your condition and creating a customized treatment plan. Here’s what to expect:
- Comprehensive Assessment: The chiropractor will review your medical history, discuss symptoms, and perform a physical examination to assess the range of motion, pain levels, and any contributing factors.
- Treatment Plan Discussion: The chiropractor will explain the findings, outline the recommended course of treatment, and set realistic recovery goals.
- Initial Treatment: Depending on your condition, the first session may involve gentle joint mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, or other techniques to start relieving pain and stiffness.
- Education and Guidance: You’ll receive advice on exercises, stretches, and any lifestyle modifications to support recovery between visits.
The first visit is an opportunity to establish a clear path to recovery while addressing any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
How Long Does It Take for Chiropractic Care to Show Results for Frozen Shoulder?
The timeline for chiropractic care results varies based on factors such as the severity of the frozen shoulder, its stage, and the individual’s unique response to treatment. Many people begin to experience relief, including reduced pain and improved mobility, within just a few sessions. Over the following weeks, consistent progress often becomes evident, with notable improvements in flexibility and overall function typically occurring within six to eight weeks of regular chiropractic visits. However, for cases where the frozen shoulder has been present for an extended period, achieving full recovery may take several months.
Consistency plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results. Chiropractors may also recommend complementary at-home exercises and lifestyle adjustments, which can accelerate progress and enhance the effectiveness of in-office treatments. These combined efforts ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing frozen shoulder and restoring mobility.
Lifestyle Changes to Enhance Frozen Shoulder Recovery
Lifestyle adjustments can play a crucial role in supporting frozen shoulder recovery and preventing future issues. Chiropractors may suggest:
- Posture Improvements: Maintaining proper posture reduces strain on the shoulder and prevents additional tension in surrounding muscles.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Making changes to your workspace, such as adjusting chair height or using an ergonomic keyboard, can minimize repetitive stress on the shoulder.
- Regular Movement: Avoiding prolonged immobility is essential. Gentle movements and stretches throughout the day help keep the shoulder from stiffening further.
- Heat and Ice Therapy: Alternating between heat to relax tight muscles and ice to reduce inflammation can aid in managing symptoms.
- Balanced Diet: Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts may help reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint.
These changes, combined with chiropractic treatments and recommended exercises, form a comprehensive approach to recovering from frozen shoulder effectively.
Don’t Let Pain Intrude On Your Day
Chiropractic care provides a safe, non-invasive pathway to relief from frozen shoulder, addressing pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges. With personalized treatment plans and guidance, you can take control of your recovery and restore your quality of life. At Synergy Health Centre in Victoria, our skilled chiropractors are here to help you every step of the way. Book your session today and start your journey toward lasting relief and improved mobility.
