Shoulder pain can make even simple daily activities — like reaching for a cup, wearing a jacket, or brushing your hair — challenging. One condition that often causes persistent shoulder stiffness and discomfort is frozen shoulder. Understanding what it is and how to treat it early can help prevent long‑term mobility issues.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is when the shoulder capsule (the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint) becomes thickened and tight. This leads to pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder typically develops gradually and progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage – Increasing pain and gradual loss of shoulder movement.
- Frozen Stage – Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains, and mobility is severely reduced.
- Thawing Stage – Shoulder mobility slowly begins to return.
The entire process can last from several months to a few years.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause isn’t always known, but several factors can increase risk:
- Injury or surgery – Immobilizing the shoulder for long periods after injury or surgery can lead to stiffness.
- Inflammatory conditions – Arthritis or rotator cuff injuries.
- Systemic diseases – Diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Prolonged inactivity – Not using the shoulder joint regularly due to pain or injury.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
- Persistent pain in the shoulder joint, often worse at night.
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to lift the arm overhead or reach behind the back.
- Limited range of motion in all directions.
- Pain that can radiate into the upper arm.
How Gonstead Chiropractic Can Help
While traditional medical care often involves pain management, stretching, and physical therapy, Gonstead chiropractic care takes a structural approach to restoring function and easing pain.
1. Identify Joint and Postural Misalignments
Misalignments in the spine, shoulder joint, or surrounding structures can affect how your shoulder moves and heals. Gonstead chiropractors use detailed analysis to locate these issues.
2. Precise Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle and specific adjustments to the spine, shoulder, and surrounding joints help restore proper alignment and motion, reducing strain on the shoulder capsule.
3. Improve Nerve Communication
Correcting misalignments helps restore nerve function to the muscles that control the shoulder, supporting improved movement and reducing pain.
4. Reduce Inflammation and Support Healing
Better alignment promotes improved circulation and nutrient delivery to the injured area, helping reduce inflammation and stiffness.
5. Prevent Recurrence
Chiropractors can recommend at‑home stretches, strengthening exercises, and postural tips to help maintain shoulder mobility and prevent future flare‑ups.
The Bottom Line
Frozen shoulder can be long and frustrating, but early and targeted care can make a big difference. Gonstead chiropractic care addresses pain and underlying structural issues, helping you recover mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to your normal activities. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder stiffness and pain, don’t wait — early evaluation and care can shorten recovery time and improve long‑term outcomes.
References
- Mayo Clinic – “Frozen Shoulder” Overview of stages, symptoms, causes, and treatment options. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder
- Cleveland Clinic – “Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)” Details on risk factors, diagnosis, and recovery timelines. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-frozen-shoulder
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – “Frozen Shoulder” Explanation of joint capsule thickening, symptoms, and rehabilitation strategies. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/frozen-shoulder
- StatPearls via NCBI – “Adhesive Capsulitis” Medical review covering pathology, stages, and conservative management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532955/