Can Chiropractic Care Help with Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can take months or even years to fully resolve. While the exact cause is not always known, frozen shoulder often occurs after periods of immobility due to injury, surgery, or conditions like diabetes.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

Chiropractic care is commonly sought for joint and mobility-related conditions, and some studies suggest that manual therapy may help improve function and pain levels in individuals with frozen shoulder. Research published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that joint mobilisation techniques could enhance shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness in affected individuals (Vermeulen et al., 2011).

At True Health, we take an evidence-based approach to frozen shoulder management. While treatment outcomes can vary, chiropractic care may assist by:

• Improving joint movement through specific mobilisation techniques.
• Reducing muscular tension with soft tissue therapy.
• Enhancing postural alignment to minimise strain on the shoulder joint.
• Providing exercise-based recommendations to maintain mobility between sessions.

Understanding the Phases of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder progresses through three distinct stages:

1. Freezing Stage – Increasing pain and stiffness, making movement progressively harder.
2. Frozen Stage – Pain may lessen, but range of motion remains limited.
3. Thawing Stage – Gradual improvement in mobility as the shoulder recovers.

Chiropractic care may be most beneficial in the later stages when mobility can be safely restored without exacerbating inflammation.

Additional Considerations

• Some individuals with severe cases of frozen shoulder may require additional interventions such as massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrodilatation, or, in rare cases, surgery.
• Patients with underlying metabolic conditions (such as diabetes) may have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder and should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage symptoms.
• Consistency with home exercises and lifestyle modifications is essential for improving outcomes.

Conclusion

While chiropractic care is not a ‘cure’ for frozen shoulder, it may help improve joint mobility and pain management in some cases. A tailored treatment approach, combining manual therapy, movement strategies, and rehabilitation exercises, may assist in reducing symptoms and restoring function over time.

If you are experiencing shoulder stiffness or discomfort, seeking a professional assessment can help determine the best course of action for your specific condition.

Contact us today to learn more about how chiropractic care may support your recovery from frozen shoulder.