There are many possible sources of shoulder pain. Common contributors include:
- Rotator cuff strain, tendinopathy, or tear
- Bursitis or inflammation of the subacromial bursa
- Impingement syndrome or shoulder impingement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Labral tears or joint stabilizer injury
- Glenohumeral joint misalignment or instability
- Referred pain from neck or scapular dysfunction
- Overuse, repetitive motions, or poor biomechanics
- Postural habits, scapular dyskinesis, or muscular imbalance
Because the shoulder is a highly mobile joint with complex interactions, pain often reflects multiple contributing elements.
Symptoms & Signs to Watch For
Potential indicators your shoulder pain may benefit from chiropractic care include:
- Dull ache, sharp pain, or catching when lifting, reaching, or rotating
- Pain with overhead movement or behind the back motion
- Weakness or loss of strength in the arm or shoulder
- Limited range of motion (difficulty raising arm, rotating)
- Pain or stiffness after inactivity
- Tenderness around shoulder joint, rotator cuff, or biceps
- Radiating pain into the neck, upper back, or down the arm
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the joint
Early assessment allows us to identify whether the problem originates locally in the shoulder or is influenced by neighboring structures such as the neck, scapula, or spine.
How MG Chiropractic Treats Shoulder Pain
We employ a multi-layered, structural and functional strategy to address shoulder pain effectively:
We assess shoulder joint mechanics, scapular motion, posture, neck alignment, and compensatory movement patterns to understand the full picture.
Where appropriate, we apply manual or instrument-assisted techniques to the shoulder joint, scapula, and adjacent spinal segments to restore alignment and improve motion.
We treat muscle imbalances, trigger points, adhesions, and fascial restrictions in muscles like the rotator cuff, deltoids, pectorals, and scapular stabilizers.
Laser therapy or other modalities help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and support recovery in shoulder structures.
We design personalized programs to strengthen rotator cuff muscles, scapular stabilizers, and supporting chains from the core to the arm, promoting balanced, efficient movement.
Coaching includes posture correction, ergonomic modifications, movement retraining, and adjustments to daily activities to reduce recurrent stress.
As you respond, we adapt techniques, progression, and intensity to support continued improvement and prevent relapse.
Benefits You Can Expect
With consistent, integrative care, many patients experience:
- Reduced pain, stiffness, and discomfort
- Improved shoulder mobility, flexibility, and range of motion
- Increased strength and function for daily tasks
- Better scapulohumeral mechanics and movement coordination
- Decreased compensation stress on neck, back, and other joints
- Reduced dependence on medication, injections, or surgery
While not every structural damage can be fully reversed, many patients regain significant functional improvement and comfort.
Begin Shoulder Pain Recovery at MG Chiropractic
If shoulder discomfort is limiting your mobility or interfering with your daily activities, MG Chiropractic offers a comprehensive, integrative plan designed to restore strength, reduce pain, and optimize function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help shoulder pain?
Yes. By correcting joint misalignments, reducing nerve irritation, releasing soft-tissue restrictions, and restoring movement patterns, chiropractic care can play a key role in shoulder pain recovery.
Is adjusting the shoulder safe?
When performed by a trained professional and matched to your condition, shoulder and adjacent joint adjustments are generally safe. Techniques and force levels are customized to your anatomy and tolerance.
Will treatment hurt?
Most therapies are gentle. You may feel pressure, motion, or mild soreness, but discomfort is minimized and monitored closely.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment frequency depends on severity, duration, and individual response. Many patients begin to see improvement within a few visits; full recovery may take several weeks or months depending on the condition.
Can chiropractic care prevent future shoulder injuries?
Yes. With posture training, strengthening routines, movement correction, and periodic check-ins, many people maintain healthier shoulder function and reduce recurrence risk.