Frozen Shoulder: What You Need to Know
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and worsens over time, often affecting people between the ages of 40 and 60, especially women. The condition can make daily tasks like getting dressed or reaching overhead feel impossible.
Common Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or fingers
- Muscle weakness in the shoulders or arms
- Headaches that originate at the base of the skull
- Decreased range of motion or pain when turning your head
How Is Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?
Frozen shoulder is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation, including a patient history and physical examination. At Simply Move Chiropractic, I assess your active and passive shoulder range of motion, palpate for soft tissue tension, and perform orthopedic tests to rule out other causes like rotator cuff tears or impingement. If symptoms are severe or unresponsive to care, I may refer for imaging such as an MRI to assess joint capsule involvement.
Conventional Treatment Options
Typical medical treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy. While these may provide temporary relief, they often do not address the root causes of mobility restriction and muscular compensation. In severe cases, surgery or manipulation under anesthesia may be suggested.
Chiropractic and Conservative Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Chiropractic care offers a functional approach to restoring mobility and reducing pain without medication or surgery. By addressing joint restriction, muscular tightness, and postural imbalances, chiropractic treatment helps the shoulder move more freely. A combination of soft tissue work and mobilization techniques can be highly effective.
My Treatment Approach at Simply Move Chiropractic
At my clinic in Charlotte, NC, I use a hands-on, one-on-one approach to treat frozen shoulder, including:
Chiropractic Manual Therapy
Joint mobilization and guided stretching are used to improve passive range of motion.
Active Release Technique (ART)
I use ART to release soft tissue adhesions around the shoulder capsule and rotator cuff.
Infrared Laser Therapy
My Class IV dual-wavelength laser (810nm and 980nm) penetrates deep into tissue toreduce inflammation and accelerate healing of the joint capsule.
Dry Needling
I use dry needle therapy to reduce trigger points and muscle guarding in the deltoid, subscapularis, and infraspinatus.
A 2020 study in *Clinical Rehabilitation* found that dry needling significantly improved pain and mobility in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Another study in *Lasers in Medical Science* (2021) supported the use of high-power laser therapy for reducing pain and disability in shoulder conditions.
When to Seek Help in Charlotte, NC
If your shoulder stiffness is worsening and limiting your daily life, it’s time to take action. At Simply Move Chiropractic in Charlotte, NC, I specialize in restoring function and reducing pain through customized, evidence-informed care. Whether you’re an athlete, active parent, or working professional, I’m here to help you move better and live pain-free.