Shoulder stiffness can make everyday movements surprisingly difficult. Reaching overhead, putting on a jacket, lifting an object, or reaching behind the back may become uncomfortable when the shoulder does not move normally. One condition associated with significant shoulder stiffness and restricted movement is frozen shoulder.

Frozen shoulder can be frustrating because limited movement may interfere with both routine activities and overall quality of life. Understanding the condition and evaluating the source of the shoulder problem are important steps toward determining an appropriate treatment approach.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain and a progressive loss of movement in the shoulder joint. As the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, movements that once felt simple can become much more difficult.

The amount of discomfort and restriction can vary between patients. Some may notice difficulty reaching overhead, while others may struggle with movements that require reaching behind the body or rotating the shoulder.

Because other shoulder conditions can also cause pain and limited movement, an evaluation is important before deciding how the problem should be treated.

Shoulder Pain Can Have Different Causes

Not every painful or stiff shoulder is caused by frozen shoulder. The shoulder contains multiple muscles, tendons, and other structures that can contribute to discomfort and restricted movement.

Shoulder pain and stiffness can be associated with several different conditions, including rotator cuff strains and sprains, tendonitis and tendinosis, muscle spasms and stiffness, frozen shoulder, labral tears, and bursitis or joint inflammation. Because these conditions can produce similar symptoms, identifying the underlying problem is important when determining an appropriate treatment approach.

Identifying the condition involved helps determine which available therapies may be appropriate instead of treating every case of shoulder pain in exactly the same way.

A Customized Approach to Shoulder Treatment

Treatment for a stiff or painful shoulder can vary depending on what is contributing to the symptoms. NY Disc Chiropractic offers several technologies that may be incorporated into treatment plans for musculoskeletal conditions.

For example, Focused Shockwave Therapy provides a treatment option for larger and deeper muscles, as well as areas around the shoulder and knee joints. Depending on the patient’s condition, other therapies may also be incorporated to address muscle spasms, stiffness, inflammation, or related problems.

Customized Therapeutic Exercises may also be incorporated when appropriate to address strength, endurance, flexibility, or muscular imbalances.

Rather than assuming that one treatment is appropriate for every shoulder condition, the clinic can select therapies according to the patient’s individual needs.

Getting a Stiff Shoulder Evaluated

Persistent shoulder stiffness should not automatically be assumed to be frozen shoulder. Similar symptoms can occur with several different shoulder problems, making it important to determine what may be contributing to the loss of movement.

Once the condition has been evaluated, a treatment plan can be developed around the specific problem and the patient’s needs. This may include one therapy or a combination of available treatments.

Patients experiencing persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the arm can have the condition evaluated and discuss available non-surgical treatment options. To learn more about treatment for frozen shoulder and other shoulder conditions or to schedule a consultation, visit NY Disc Chiropractic.