Care began with a full-body examination performed by KIRO’s team of doctors. The evaluation revealed severe and significantly restricted shoulder range of motion in multiple directions, particularly with overhead lifting and internal rotation. Movement was limited both actively and passively. Pain was noted deep within the joint rather than along a specific muscle or tendon.

To further assess how the restriction was affecting overall function, our doctors performed a baseline nervous system scan. The scan showed elevated tension patterns through the shoulder and upper spine, consistent with protective guarding and reduced joint mobility. These findings supported a diagnosis of frozen shoulder, a condition in which the connective tissue capsule surrounding the shoulder thickens and tightens over time, often without a clear injury.

Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized care plan focused on reducing pain, restoring safe motion, and gradually improving shoulder function without aggravating the joint. Care began with twice-weekly visits that included gentle chiropractic adjustments to the spine and ribs, paired with graded, pain-free shoulder mobilizations designed to address capsular stiffness rather than force movement.

A reassessment was performed after a month of care, and our doctors repeated the nervous system scan, as well as re-evaluated Rachel’s range of motion and pain levels. The scan demonstrated moderately reduced tension through the shoulder region, and Rachel reported improved comfort at rest and small but meaningful gains in movement. Frequency was kept at two appointments per week due to the long recovery period for this type of condition.

Over the following three months, treatment gradually shifted into a corrective phase. Our doctors introduced progressive stretching, rotator cuff strengthening, and scapular stabilization exercises, carefully matched to Rachel’s stage of recovery. Postural retraining and movement strategies were added to support the shoulder during long writing sessions and prevent future restriction.

5 months of care later, our doctors confirmed continued improvement in shoulder motion and pain levels, signaling progression into the “thawing” phase of frozen shoulder in which normal joint function returns. A final nervous system scan showed tension levels trending toward normal throughout the shoulder and upper spine, reinforcing that healing was occurring safely and steadily.