Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a medical condition. It is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It usually develops slowly. It gets worse over time. As frozen shoulder begins to improve then the shoulder becomes easier to move.
Chiropractic care for frozen shoulder is non-invasive and conservative. It helps manage this condition by restoring mobility, easing pain, and improving function.
An essential aspect of chiropractic care for frozen shoulder involves understanding the role of myofascial trigger points and neck pain. In relation to frozen shoulder and accurate diagnosis, and the implementation of treatments such as manual therapy, massage, electrical muscle stimulation, shockwave therapy, chiropractic adjustments, exercise and laser therapy can be important.
Myofascial trigger points are irritable spots. They are found in a tight band of muscle. They can cause pain in one spot or in a referred pattern. They are often linked to chronic muscle disorders.
In frozen shoulder trigger points, the points in the muscles around the shoulder and neck can cause the pain. They also cause the limited motion felt by sufferers.
Chiropractic care aims to relieve these trigger points. It uses techniques like manual therapy. This can reduce the tightness and pain in the shoulder and neck.
There is a significant link between neck pain and frozen shoulder.
The neck and shoulder share muscle and nerve connections. Trouble in one can easily affect the other.
For example, long-lasting neck pain or strain can change how the shoulder works. This change can cause or worsen a frozen shoulder.
Chiropractic care addresses both areas. It ensures a full treatment approach, focusing on reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing more issues.
Diagnosing frozen shoulder requires a thorough exam of the patient's medical history. It also requires a physical exam and sometimes imaging tests. During the physical exam, a chiropractor will examine the shoulder. They will check its range of motion, strength and pain level.
Frozen shoulder has a key feature: a major limit in both active and passive shoulder movements. This sets it apart from other conditions.
Advanced imaging tests like MRI or X-rays may also be needed. These advanced tests if necessary can be used to rule out other causes of shoulder pain and stiffness.
When seeking chiropractic care for frozen shoulder it’s important to remember there can be different phases. Frozen shoulder is a condition that progresses through three distinct phases, each affecting movement and pain levels differently.
Generally the three phases of frozen shoulder are:
For each phase of frozen shoulder specific treatment approaches can be beneficial in aiding your recovery and alleviating shoulder pain.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in musculoskeletal conditions. For patients seeking chiropractic care for frozen shoulder shockwave therapy can help break down the adhesions/scar tissue within the shoulder joint, enhance blood circulation, and stimulate cell regeneration and healing processes.
In 2022 research showed that Shockwave therapy shows promise for individuals with frozen shoulder, offering shoulder pain relief and functional improvement. It can complement standard treatments effectively.
This therapy can greatly reduce pain and boost motion. It is a key tool in chiropractic for frozen shoulder. More research is needed to fully understand its long term effectiveness.
When seeking chiropractic care for frozen shoulder, the needed therapy depends on your phase of frozen shoulder. Your provider should discuss which options are right with your individual needs.
Laser therapy uses light energy to trigger biological processes in the body. This reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and speeds up tissue healing.
For frozen shoulder, laser therapy can reduce inflammation around the shoulder joint. It also helps damaged tissues heal and makes movement easier and more effective.
When added to other chiropractic treatments, laser therapy can speed up recovery. It helps people get back to normal activities.
Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to managing frozen shoulder. Proper care focuses on relieving pain, restoring function, and improving quality of life. Chiropractors can help with neck pain also.
They do this by treating myofascial trigger points and properly diagnosing the condition. They may use advanced treatments like shockwave, adjustments, manual therapy, exercise, massage, electric muscle stimulation and laser therapy. These treatments can greatly aid those suffering from this condition.
As with any healthcare decision, consult a professional. They will determine the best plan for your needs.
Chiropractic care for frozen shoulder aims to alleviate symptoms and address the root causes of the condition. This thorough and patient-centered approach ensures long-term health and mobility for the patient.
If you're considering chiropractic care for frozen shoulder or seeking a chiropractor in Charleston, SC, and have inquiries about insurance, coverage, or scheduling, please reach out.
We're here to assist you with all your questions.
