Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes painfully stiff and hard to move. It often starts with mild discomfort and gradually limits your ability to lift, reach, or rotate your arm. At KIRO, our chiropractors focus on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and guiding you through safe, progressive movement so you can get your shoulder working again and return to daily activities.
Why does a frozen shoulder occur?
Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint, called the capsule, becomes thickened and tight. This can follow an injury, surgery, or period of immobilization when the arm isn’t used much, allowing scar-like tissue to form. Inflammation inside the joint may also trigger the capsule to contract. People with diabetes, thyroid problems, or other metabolic conditions are more prone to it, and it’s more common between ages 40 and 60.
What are the common symptoms of a frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder usually begins with a dull, aching pain deep in the joint, often worse at night or when reaching overhead or behind your back. Over time, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, making simple tasks like dressing or reaching for objects difficult. Pain may lessen as stiffness peaks, but range of motion stays limited for months. Some people also feel muscle weakness and discomfort in the upper arm from disuse.
Who is most at risk of getting a frozen shoulder?
People between 40 and 60 years old, especially women, are most likely to develop frozen shoulder. The risk is higher after a shoulder injury or surgery that limits arm movement for weeks or months. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other metabolic conditions also increase susceptibility. Anyone forced to keep the arm still, due to fracture, stroke, or prolonged rest, is at greater risk because immobility can trigger the joint to stiffen and scar.
How do KIRO doctors treat a frozen shoulder?
We begin with a careful exam, rule-out testing, and a baseline Nervous System Scan to understand how the shoulder and surrounding areas are functioning. Your plan balances pain control with safe motion based on the stage of your frozen shoulder.
Early care (1–2 times per week) blends gentle adjustments to the cervical, thoracic, and rib joints to optimize mechanics with graded capsular mobilizations and pain-free range-of-motion work. We rescan monthly and rotate doctors so your care plan evolves as stiffness and pain change.
As mobility improves, we move into the corrective phase with progressive stretching, strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, and posture retraining to prevent future restriction.
Finally, the preventive phase keeps your shoulder moving well with periodic check-ins, continued exercises, and strategies to avoid flare-ups so you can return to normal activity with confidence.
How long does frozen shoulder treatment take?
Frozen shoulder recovery is usually gradual and can take several months. Many people start to see pain relief and small motion gains within the first 4–6 weeks of care. The “thawing” phase, where stiffness slowly improves and strength returns, often takes another 3–6 months depending on how long the shoulder was frozen and how consistently you follow your plan. Full recovery can take 6–12 months, but staying active with home exercises and regular care often speeds progress and prevents setbacks.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for a frozen shoulder?
Chiropractic care for a frozen shoulder provides several important benefits, including:
Faster pain relief and reduced joint irritation
Improved shoulder motion and flexibility through gentle mobilization
Better posture and spinal mechanics to support healing
Guided exercises that restore control and strength safely
A non-drug, non-surgical approach
These benefits help you move more comfortably, return to daily activities sooner, and lower the chance of long-term stiffness.
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