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Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen Shoulder 2

What is Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, restricting movement. The condition typically develops slowly and can result in a progressive loss of motion due to inflammation and scarring of the shoulder’s connective tissues. Frozen shoulder is often characterized by three phases: the freezing phase (pain and limited movement), the frozen phase (stiffness), and the thawing phase (gradual recovery).

At Peak Performance Family Chiropractic, we specialize in treating frozen shoulder with non-invasive methods that aim to reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence.

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Common Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder can occur for a variety of reasons, with some people being more predisposed due to underlying conditions. The most common causes include:
  • Prolonged Immobility: After an injury, surgery, or illness that limits shoulder movement (e.g., a rotator cuff injury), the shoulder can become stiff, leading to frozen shoulder.
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
  • Age: Frozen shoulder typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, with a higher incidence in women.
  • Previous Shoulder Injury: If you’ve experienced shoulder trauma or surgery, such as a rotator cuff repair, you may be more likely to develop frozen shoulder.
  • Systemic Conditions: Certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder due to associated changes in collagen and tissue healing.
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Frozen shoulder treatment illustration for shoulder pain relief and chiropractic care
Frozen Shoulder

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is characterized by progressive pain and stiffness, and symptoms can vary in severity depending on the phase of the condition. Common symptoms include:
  • Pain in the Shoulder: The pain typically starts gradually and may worsen at night or with certain movements, especially during the freezing phase.
  • Limited Range of Motion: A hallmark symptom of frozen shoulder is the inability to move the shoulder in certain directions, making activities like reaching or lifting difficult.
  • Stiffness: During the frozen phase, the shoulder joint becomes very stiff, and even simple movements like brushing your hair or putting on a coat can be challenging.
  • Pain Radiating to the Upper Arm: The pain may also extend down the upper arm, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
  • Night Pain: Many individuals with frozen shoulder experience worsening pain during the night, which can interfere with sleep.
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How Chiropractic Care Helps Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective approach to treating frozen shoulder. Rather than relying on invasive treatments or medications, chiropractic care focuses on improving shoulder mobility, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing through targeted adjustments and therapies.How Chiropractic Can Help:
  • Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors perform gentle adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure on the shoulder joint. Proper spinal alignment helps alleviate pain and improve movement.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release, massage, and trigger point therapy can help relax the muscles around the shoulder, reduce tension, and improve flexibility.
  • Shoulder Mobilization: Chiropractors use joint mobilization techniques to gently stretch and realign the shoulder joint, helping restore mobility and reduce stiffness.
  • Therapeutic Exercises: Chiropractic care includes customized exercises that strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, improve flexibility, and prevent the recurrence of frozen shoulder.
  • Posture Correction: Proper posture is essential for shoulder health. Chiropractors work with patients to correct posture, reducing strain on the shoulder joint and supporting recovery.
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Rotator Cuff Injury 2
Rotator cuff injury treatment for shoulder pain and mobility restoration

Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder. These include:
  • Age: Frozen shoulder is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, particularly after the age of 40.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk due to changes in collagen and tissue healing, which can affect the shoulder joint.
  • Injury or Surgery: Shoulder trauma, surgery, or prolonged immobility following an injury can contribute to the development of frozen shoulder.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as thyroid disease, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of frozen shoulder.
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Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder at Peak Performance Chiropractic

At Peak Performance Family Chiropractic, we offer personalized, non-invasive treatments designed to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients with frozen shoulder. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and help you regain full range of motion.Our Treatment Options Include:
  • Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments: Realigning the spine can help reduce shoulder pain and improve mobility by ensuring that the nervous system functions optimally.
  • Joint Mobilization and Manipulation: Gentle mobilization techniques are used to restore movement and flexibility to the shoulder joint, reducing stiffness and promoting recovery.
  • Therapeutic Exercises: We provide exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion, which is crucial in the rehabilitation of frozen shoulder.
  • Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release help reduce muscle tightness around the shoulder joint, improving flexibility and easing pain.
  • Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy can stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery for frozen shoulder.
  • Posture Correction: We address any postural imbalances that may be contributing to the condition, ensuring proper alignment and reducing strain on the shoulder.
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Rotator Cuff Injury

Start Your Path to Recovery from Frozen Shoulder Today

Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to limit your life. At Peak Performance Family Chiropractic, we offer holistic, non-invasive treatments designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you get back to normal activities. Our experienced chiropractors are here to guide you through every step of your recovery journey.

Call us today at (810)652-6434 to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward long-lasting relief from frozen shoulder.

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