A stiff shoulder, also called frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, involves shoulder pain and stiffness, specifically in the joint. Signs and symptoms usually begin slowly and then worsen. However, it’s important to remember that over time, symptoms improve, usually within 1-3 years. So, while the journey may be long, there is hope for improvement.

The need to keep the shoulder immobile for long periods of time increases the risk of developing a stiff shoulder. This may occur after surgery or a fracture of the arm.

Treatment for a stiff shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises. Sometimes, treatment includes a corticosteroid and anesthetic medications injected into the joint. Chiropractic treatment is also recommended. Rarely, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to loosen the capsule in the joint so it can move more freely.

This injury is common in accidents such as car crashes, slips and falls, and even sports injuries. Injury Assistance Network provides health care professionals, including the best chiropractor for shoulder pain in Florida, who can guide and support you through your recovery.

What Is Shoulder Capsulitis?

Capsulitis is characterized by inflammation of the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. This inflammation causes the tissues around the joint to thicken and tighten, severely limiting movement and causing considerable pain.

Frozen shoulder is a condition distinguished by a functional restriction of passive and active shoulder movements. Radiographic images of the glenohumeral joint are practically normal, except for the possibility of osteopenia or calcific tendinopathy.

Although this condition can afflict individuals at any age, it is most commonly detected in women between the ages of 40 and 70 years old, affecting  2 to 5% of the population overall.

This condition affects the shoulder joints and generally involves a gradual development of pain and stiffness, limiting movement in all directions. However, with the help of a chiropractor for shoulder pain in Florida, the evolutionary process can be stopped and even reversed, leading to a faster healing process. This should give you hope and optimism about your recovery journey.

Stages of Shoulder Capsulitis

In general, stiff shoulder develops slowly and in three stages.

Motor blockage stage. Movement of the shoulder is painful, and the ability to move that part of the body becomes limited. This stage lasts between 2 and 9 months.

Stiffness stage. The pain may decrease during this stage. However, the shoulder becomes stiffer, and it is increasingly difficult to use it. This stage lasts between 4 and 12 months.

Relief stage: The shoulder’s ability to move starts to improve. This stage could last between 5 and 24 months.

For some people, the pain is worse at night and can disrupt sleep.

Causes

The shoulder joint is in a capsule of connective tissue. A stiff shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, limiting movement.

It is not known for sure why this happens to some people. However, it is more likely to occur after keeping the shoulder still for an extended period of time, such as after surgery or an arm fracture caused by an accident.

In these cases, it is best to regain mobility as quickly as possible. For this, it is best to see a chiropractor after an accident or surgery in Florida who can help you restore shoulder mobility and flexibility.

Treatment for shoulder capsulitis with chiropractic

Recent studies have shown that many patients with shoulder capsulitis have improved thanks to chiropractic treatments. In some cases, chiropractic treatment can ultimately relieve symptoms, helping patients recover from all types of pain and stiffness and regain their quality of life.

Step-by-step treatment

The mission of the chiropractor for shoulder pain in Florida is to detect and correct cervical or shoulder joint subluxations, as well as to treat the root of the problem. When a chiropractic doctor restores the vertebrae to their natural position, it eliminates interferences on the shoulder muscles, capsule tissues, and the entire joint. As a result, the nervous system regains its optimal control and proper functioning.

With a chiropractic treatment tailored to your case, pain and disorders disappear, restoring joint mobility and health. Unlike traditional medicine, chiropractics locate and treat the source and cause of the problem in a natural way instead of only treating a symptom, such as pain. It realigns the entire spine to avoid future spinal issues without resorting to drugs or surgery and their side effects. It also releases nerve interferences, leaving the body in an optimal condition and state of control.

Sitting is not recommended in the first 10-15 minutes after the visit.

During this time, it is necessary to walk to mobilize the joints that we have just released and thus also facilitate good nutrition of the intervertebral discs and joint lubrication that the sitting position makes impossible.

Avoid excessive effort during the 24 minutes following the first sessions. This will affect the effectiveness of the adjustment received, decreasing it.

Before and after each visit, avoid all types of tension, both mental and physical. The more relaxed you are, the more benefit you will get from your treatment.

You must respect the scheduled appointments. These have been established to achieve the best results.

Recommendation After a Chiropractic Adjustment for Shoulder Pain

Each person may experience different sensations after an adjustment, but this does not affect the result of the treatment in the medium and long term. 

After an adjustment, you may experience a feeling of relaxation, a lot of energy, general well-being, and the disappearance or relief of symptoms, muscle aches, or pain.

Sometimes, you may even experience discomfort as the body has to adapt to the new posture and position.

Chiropractors will always try to treat shoulder pain with the gentlest methods possible and without drugs. The goal of chiropractic treatment for shoulder pain is to restore full function to the patient’s shoulder while reducing and eliminating the pain caused by the injury.

An injury received in a car accident or a long-term issue like arthritis are just two of the numerous possible causes of shoulder pain. Individuals experiencing shoulder pain could be surprised by how severe and persistent the pain is. It makes sense to treat a shoulder injury promptly to keep the condition from growing worse because the shoulder area is so important for carrying out daily tasks.

Injury Assistance Network connects you with the health care professionals you need. Personal injury chiropractors, orthopedists, physical therapists, and, if necessary, attorneys to help you receive compensation if you have suffered an accident due to someone else’s negligence.

Contact us and let us help you with your shoulder pain or any other health problem you may have.