Shoulder Pain and Chiropractic Care

A Natural Solution for Relief and Recovery

Shoulder pain is a common issue affecting people of all ages, from athletes and manual laborers to office workers and seniors. Whether caused by injury, poor posture, overuse, or joint degeneration, shoulder pain can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to lift objects, reach overhead, or even sleep comfortably.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic in Wexford, PA, we specialize in natural, non-invasive treatments for shoulder pain. Through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and advanced therapeutic modalities, we help patients find long-lasting relief and restore proper function to the shoulder joint.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a highly mobile and complex joint, making it prone to injuries and dysfunction. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include:

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Overuse, repetitive movements, or trauma can lead to strains, tears, or inflammation, causing pain and weakness.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

When the tendons of the rotator cuff get pinched between the bones of the shoulder, it leads to pain and restricted movement, especially when reaching overhead.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

This condition causes severe stiffness and pain, often developing after an injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility. It can take months to years to resolve if left untreated.

Bursitis and Tendonitis

Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) or tendons in the shoulder can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain, typically from overuse or repetitive activities.

Shoulder Dislocations and Instability

A traumatic injury, such as a fall or sports impact, can cause the shoulder to dislocate, leading to ligament damage, instability, and recurrent dislocations.

Arthritis and Degeneration

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to cartilage breakdown, stiffness, and chronic pain, especially in older adults.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Shoulder Pain

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to shoulder pain, addressing joint misalignment, muscle imbalances, and inflammation to promote healing and restore function.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Shoulder Alignment

Misalignments in the shoulder, neck, or upper back can contribute to pain and restricted movement. Chiropractic adjustments help by:

Restoring proper joint motion
Reducing nerve irritation
Improving biomechanics to prevent further injury

We use techniques such as Diversified and Gonstead to gently adjust the spine and extremities for optimal function.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy for Muscular Tension and Scar Tissue

Shoulder pain often involves muscle tightness, trigger points, and scar tissue buildup from past injuries. We utilize:

Myofascial release and deep tissue techniques to break up adhesions
Instrument-assisted therapy to stimulate blood flow and promote muscle repair
Stretching and rehabilitation exercises to restore flexibility and strength

3. High Volt Electrical Muscle Stimulation (HVES) for Pain and Inflammation

For acute injuries, tendonitis, and rotator cuff strains, we use high volt electrical stimulation (HVES) to:

Reduce muscle spasms and inflammation
Enhance blood flow for faster healing
Improve nerve function and range of motion

4. Ultrasound Therapy for Deep Tissue Healing

Ultrasound therapy delivers gentle sound waves deep into the shoulder tissues to:

Reduce swelling and inflammation
Promote collagen production for tissue repair
Enhance flexibility and mobility in the joint

This is especially beneficial for chronic conditions like frozen shoulder, tendonitis, and bursitis.

Scientific Research Supporting Chiropractic for Shoulder Pain

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments combined with soft tissue therapy significantly improved shoulder range of motion and reduced pain in patients with rotator cuff injuries (McHardy et al., 2019).
Research in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders showed that spinal adjustments positively affected shoulder function by improving nerve communication and reducing inflammation (Rubinstein et al., 2020).
A systematic review in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine concluded that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for shoulder pain, particularly in cases of impingement syndrome and muscle imbalances (Hidalgo et al., 2021).

Preventing Shoulder Pain: Tips for Long-Term Joint Health

To keep your shoulders healthy and pain-free, consider the following:

Maintain good posture – Avoid slouching, as it places stress on the shoulders.
Strengthen the rotator cuff – Include resistance exercises to support the joint.
Stretch regularly – Keep the shoulders mobile with daily stretching.
Modify activities – Avoid repetitive overhead motions that can cause strain.
Seek chiropractic care – Regular adjustments and soft tissue therapy can prevent injuries before they start.

Get Relief from Shoulder Pain at Grieb Chiropractic Clinic

If shoulder pain is limiting your movement, affecting your daily activities, or keeping you from doing what you love, don’t wait for it to get worse. At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic in Wexford, PA, we offer safe, non-invasive, and highly effective treatments to help you heal naturally.

References

McHardy, A., Goss, D. A., & Yung, M. (2019). Chiropractic care for rotator cuff injuries: A case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 42(3), 230-238.
Rubinstein, S. M., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2020). The effects of spinal manipulation therapy on shoulder pain and function: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 21(1), 99.
Hidalgo, B., Hall, T., Tuttle, N., & Flynn, T. (2021). Effectiveness of manual therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 20(2), 150-162.

Let’s get your shoulders moving freely and pain-free again!