Conditions

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body — and one of the most commonly problematic.

Rotator cuff strains, frozen shoulder, impingement — shoulder problems can develop from trauma, repetitive movements, or postural patterns that gradually overload the joint. Chiropractic care addresses the shoulder, cervical spine and thoracic spine together, as dysfunction in any of these areas can contribute to shoulder symptoms.

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At a glance

Onset

Can be sudden (trauma) or develop gradually from repetitive use or postural strain


Location

Shoulder joint, rotator cuff muscles, or referred from cervical/thoracic spine


Impact

Significant impact on work, sport and daily activities requiring arm movement


Prevalence

Up to 26% of adults experience shoulder pain at any given time

symptoms

Patient experiences

Pain when reaching overhead, behind your back or across your body

A painful arc of movement — pain at a specific point in shoulder elevation

Shoulder stiffness that makes dressing or daily tasks difficult


Aching that is worse at night or after prolonged use

Weakness, clicking or catching in the shoulder joint


Frequently Asked Questions

How chiropractic care may help

Chiropractic management of shoulder conditions involves a full assessment of the shoulder complex and cervical and thoracic spine. Treatment aims to restore joint mobility, address muscular imbalances and reduce pain, using a combination of adjustments, soft tissue therapy and progressive rehabilitation exercises guided by your presentation and goals.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only. Chiropractic care may assist patients experiencing these conditions — it does not constitute a cure. Individual results vary. Always seek appropriate medical advice if you are unsure whether chiropractic care is right for you.

References:
Pribicevic M (2012). The epidemiology of shoulder pain — a narrative review of the literature. Pain in Perspective. InTech Open.
Brantingham JW et al. (2011). Manipulative therapy for shoulder pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.