Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting, dressing, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Shoulder pain may result from injuries, overuse, tendon irritation, arthritis, joint dysfunction, or conditions affecting the neck that refer pain into the shoulder. Identifying the underlying cause is an important first step toward effective treatment.

Key Insight:

The shoulder is a complex joint that relies on the coordinated movement of the shoulder blade, collarbone, upper back, neck, and surrounding muscles. Dysfunction in any of these areas may contribute to pain, stiffness, weakness, or reduced range of motion. Chiropractic care includes a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether symptoms originate from the shoulder itself, the cervical spine, or a combination of both.

Research suggests that conservative care—including chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education—may improve pain, mobility, and function in many common shoulder conditions. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, treatment may include soft tissue therapies, therapeutic exercises, posture correction, and ergonomic recommendations to help restore healthy movement and reduce mechanical stress on the shoulder.

Every treatment plan is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, history, physical examination, and functional goals.

Whether your shoulder pain developed gradually or after an injury, early evaluation can help identify the cause and guide an effective treatment plan. Conservative care may help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and support a return to work, sports, and daily activities.

Interested in learning whether chiropractic care may help with your shoulder pain? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your personalized treatment options.

Contact Us:

Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• American Physical Therapy Association. Clinical Practice Guideline: Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. Available through PubMed.

• Jain NB, Wilcox RB, Katz JN, Higgins LD. Clinical Examination of the Rotator Cuff. JAMA. Available through PubMed.

• Bussières AE, Stewart G, Al-Zoubi F, et al. Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Other Conservative Treatments for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Available through PubMed.

• Littlewood C, Bateman M, Clark D, et al. Rehabilitation for Rotator Cuff–Related Shoulder Pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Available through PubMed.