Chiropractic adjustment is an important part of many people’s wellness routines. We meet with so many people at our Temecula, CA chiropractic office who are dealing with pain, limited range of motion, and other health issues. Time and time again, chiropractic adjustments help them feel better and more able to face the conditions they’re dealing with.

Chiropractic care is an effective pain relief option, and can supplement other methods of treatment. For people who suffer from frozen shoulder, it may be a crucial part of restoring strength and mobility to the shoulder joint.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that causes stiffness, discomfort, and reduced range of motion in a person’s shoulder. It’s the result of scar tissue forming around the shoulder joint, impacting the use of the shoulder over time.

An estimated 2 to 3 percent of the population experiences a frozen shoulder. It’s most common in people between 40 and 70 years old, affecting women more than men. Frozen shoulder may come on slowly and fade away slowly over the course of a year.

The Causes of Frozen Shoulder

There are many different causes of frozen shoulder. Many times it’s associated with injuries to the shoulder or health problems such as diabetes or a stroke. If you undergo shoulder surgery, the limited use of your shoulder as you recover can lead to frozen shoulder.

In essence, any condition that causes a person to stop fully using their shoulder joint for a prolonged period of time can lead to frozen shoulder.

The Stages of Frozen Shoulder

There are usually three stages of frozen shoulder, each with its own set of symptoms:

• Freezing Stage: During the freezing stage, all movements of the shoulder result in some sort of pain or discomfort. People also notice a slowly reduced range of motion in the shoulder during this stage.
• Frozen Stage: During the frozen stage, the shoulder is stiff and difficult to move. It’s not uncommon for the shoulder pain to diminish at this stage.
• Thawing Stage: During the thawing stage, patients experience improved range of motion in their shoulder.

Common Treatments for Frozen Shoulder

The most common treatments for frozen shoulder include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with stretching exercises, physical therapy, and the application of heat to the shoulder. Pain and swelling in the shoulder might be treated using cold compresses, corticosteroid injections, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Surgery and other more advanced therapies may be recommended if the above treatments do not alleviate symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic adjustments can help patients with frozen shoulder in innumerable ways. A chiropractor can evaluate your discomfort and your shoulder’s range of motion and develop a treatment plan just for you.

A series of chiropractic visits can help relieve pain and reduce stiffness in the shoulder. Many patients find that chiropractic adjustments are a great way to achieve or regain a sense of balance as they deal with this condition.

Discussing Wellness Outside of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care should be considered part of a multi-faceted approach to treating a frozen shoulder. During your adjustments, we can discuss your stretching routine and other therapies you’re undergoing. From this, we can alter your chiropractic adjustments and also offer insight into lifestyle changes that can promote wellness.

Contact Horst Chiropractic

For more information about frozen shoulder treatments and how we can help you achieve wellness, be sure to schedule a consultation with an experienced chiropractor today. We look forward to your visit and discussing all of these matters in much greater detail.