Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder—Does it Help?
- Gillis Family Chiropractic
- Mar 23
- 3 min read

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can make even the simplest tasks feel
impossible. Reaching for a cup, getting dressed, or even brushing your hair can send sharp pain
through your shoulder. The stiffness, the limited range of motion, the frustration—it all builds up over time, making daily life a struggle.
If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder, you might be wondering:
Will this ever go away on its own?
Do I need surgery, or is there a natural way to recover?
Can a chiropractor actually help, or will it make things worse?
Here’s the truth: Chiropractic care is one of the safest and most effective treatments for frozen
shoulder. It not only helps restore mobility but also provides pain relief, without the need for
injections, medications, or surgery.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Frozen Shoulder?
It’s understandable to be cautious. After all, frozen shoulder is already painful, so the idea of
someone adjusting your spine and shoulder might seem intimidating. But don’t worry, chiropractic care for frozen shoulder is gentle, targeted, and focused on improving function without increasing discomfort.
Unlike painkillers or steroid injections, which only mask symptoms, chiropractic care works to
address the root cause of frozen shoulder: restricted joint movement and inflammation.
Why Chiropractic Care Works for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become
inflamed and stiff. Over time, this leads to a loss of movement and persistent pain.
Here’s how chiropractic care helps break the cycle:
1. Improving Joint Mobility
Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal joint movement in the shoulder, reducing stiffness
and improving flexibility. Gentle techniques are used to gradually break up adhesions and scar
tissue, allowing the shoulder to move more freely.
2. Reducing Pain and Inflammation
By improving spinal and shoulder alignment, chiropractic care reduces nerve irritation and
inflammation, leading to less pain and faster healing.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy & Muscle Relaxation
Frozen shoulder often causes surrounding muscles to tighten up in response to pain. Chiropractors use soft tissue techniques, massage, and targeted stretching exercises to relax these muscles, restoring balance and improving movement.
4. Posture and Movement Coaching
Poor posture and repetitive movements can contribute to frozen shoulder. Chiropractors provide
personalized movement strategies to help prevent future flare-ups and maintain long-term
shoulder health.
What Does the Research Say?
If you’re still on the fence, consider this:
Patients who receive chiropractic care for frozen shoulder often regain full mobility in as little as 4-6 months—compared to 1-2 years without treatment.
Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce pain and stiffness faster than traditional physical therapy alone.
The science is clear. Chiropractic care works for frozen shoulder.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Frozen Shoulder?
If you’re experiencing any of the following, chiropractic care could be the right choice:
Persistent shoulder pain that won’t go away.
Limited mobility, making it difficult to lift or rotate your arm.
Discomfort that worsens at night or disrupts sleep.
You want to avoid surgery or steroid injections.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Movement
Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to control your life. With chiropractic care, you can restore movement, reduce pain, and get back to doing the things you love.
Click the button below to schedule an appointment today with Gillis Family Chiropractic in Wyoming, Michigan, and let’s work together to get you moving again—pain-free.
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