CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP A FROZEN SHOULDER?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness, pain and limited range of motion. Scar tissue develops due to chronic inflammation processes which are continually stimulated when you have painful movement. There are many things that can cause frozen shoulder, including diabetes and repetitive motion injuries. A thorough exam is necessary to help determine the underlying cause which will increase the speed of recovery. If the problem is faulty mechanics, a chiropractor, physical therapist or other movement specialist can help retrain these movements.
The prognosis for frozen shoulder to regain normal function can be a few months to as long as a year and a half. The importance of the proper treatment can reduce this time significantly. A chiropractic exam will not only evaluate the shoulder joint where the adhesive capsulitis is taking place but also check all the joints of the surrounding areas which are very much interconnected. By creating proper biomechanics throughout the region, your shoulder will move as it should, which will lead to less inflammation and less scar tissue buildup as you progress through treatment.
“I’m into about 4-5 visits and beginning to see noticeable progress with Dr. Word”
- Dan, Seattle
HOW WE APPROACH FROZEN SHOULDER
There are many different modalities we use to treat frozen shoulder, along with many other shoulder injuries. Chiropractic adjustments, kinesiology taping, rehabilitative exercise, and myofascial therapies such as Graston Technique. The important part of treatment is to gain progress WITHOUT creating additional inflammation. Adhesive capsulitis is not one that you should push through. If you do, you can stimulate the inflammation cascade prolonging the recovery time. It can often be difficult for those of us that are used to being active. I like to give my patients 4-6 visits. If they are not seeing progress, we need to tag in another type of provider. That doesn't mean you have to stop treatment with us but we’ll want to see if another treatment modality can speed up your recovery! The goal is to get you better as quickly as your body will allow, not get you locked into a treatment plan.
Shout out to Dan who is an avid paddle boarder and windsurfer. He started treatment with us and was back at it within a month! Dedication to in-office and at-home exercise is key to achieving quick progress. He will be ready for a great paddle season and has the tools to make sure it stays that way!
See Dan in action: https://www.facebook.com/dttravel/videos/1256045427759482/
“I've been dealing with a frozen shoulder since June and began with a high priced PT chain with a great view of Ballard. I didn't see much progress so I changed direction and began working with Dr. Word. I'm into about 4-5 visits and beginning to see noticeable progress. I'll write back when I'm back into paddles races.”
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