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Shoulder Pain Care in Denver

Shoulder pain can limit everything from reaching overhead to sleeping on your side comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with a nagging ache that won’t go away, sharp pain when you lift your arm, or stiffness that’s gradually gotten worse, shoulder problems deserve proper attention.

At Denver Chiropractic Center, we take the time to understand what’s causing your shoulder pain and develop a treatment plan that gets you back to the activities that matter to you.

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What Causes Shoulder Pain

Common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff irritation, muscle tightness, joint mobility restrictions, and posture strain that overworks the shoulder complex. Sometimes the problem isn’t actually in the shoulder itself but stems from restricted movement in the upper back or tension in the muscles around your shoulder blade.

  • Rotator cuff irritation or tendon strain
  • Posture-related stress from sitting or computer work
  • Joint restrictions in the spine or shoulder
  • Muscle tightness and scar tissue near the shoulder blade
  • Old injuries or overuse from repetitive activity

Through movement testing, muscle strength checks, and hands-on palpation, we pinpoint which specific structures are involved. This targeted approach means we address what’s actually wrong rather than applying generic treatment and hoping it helps.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Adjustments to both the spine and shoulder improve joint mechanics and restore proper movement patterns. Active Release Technique (ART) releases scar tissue and muscle tightness around the shoulder blade, rotator cuff, and upper back that often develops from compensation and overuse.

For conditions like frozen shoulder, improving mobility early can significantly reduce stiffness and pain before it becomes more limiting. This combination of joint work and soft tissue treatment addresses the mechanical restrictions that keep shoulder pain persisting.

What to Expect During Treatment

Dr. Glenn Hyman creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and the tasks your shoulder needs to perform. Most people notice changes within three to six visits, though chronic issues or frozen shoulder cases may take longer depending on how restricted the tissues have become.

A typical treatment plan includes:

  • Adjustments to the spine and shoulder joints
  • Active Release Technique for muscle and soft tissue tension
  • Specific mobility drills to restore movement
  • Progressive strengthening exercises tailored to your activity goals

You’ll know exactly what we’re working on and why at every step.

Supporting Long-Term Shoulder Health

Keeping your shoulder healthy in the long term involves more than just treating acute pain. Preventive strategies that promote lasting shoulder health include:

  • Scapular strengthening exercises
  • Posture awareness and correction
  • Mobility work for the upper back and thoracic spine
  • Avoiding repetitive overload during early recovery

We’ll teach you which movements and exercises support your shoulder based on what you do every day—whether that’s working at a desk, playing sports, or managing physical job demands. Prevention is always easier than fixing problems after they’ve gotten worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain, and how do chiropractors diagnose it?

Common causes include rotator cuff irritation, muscle tightness, joint mobility issues, and posture strain. Diagnosis involves movement testing, muscle strength checks, and palpation to pinpoint the involved structures so we know exactly what needs to be addressed.

Can chiropractic adjustments help with shoulder pain, rotator cuff issues, or frozen shoulder?

Yes. Adjustments improve joint mechanics, and Active Release Technique helps release scar tissue and muscle tightness around the shoulder blade, rotator cuff, and upper back. For frozen shoulder, improving mobility early can reduce stiffness and pain before it becomes more limiting.

What types of therapies do chiropractors use for shoulder pain?

Treatment includes joint adjustments to the spine and shoulder, ART for soft-tissue tension, specific mobility drills, and progressive strengthening based on your activity goals. Everything is tailored to your condition and what you need your shoulder to do.

How long does it take to see improvement in shoulder mobility and pain?

Most people notice changes within three to six visits, although chronic or frozen shoulder cases may take longer depending on how restricted the tissues have become. You’ll have a clear sense of progress early in care.

What exercises or lifestyle changes can support healing and prevent shoulder pain?

Scapular strengthening, posture awareness, mobility work for the upper back, and avoiding repetitive overload early in recovery all help long-term shoulder health. We’ll teach you which movements support your shoulder based on what you do every day.

Get Your Shoulder Working Again

Ready to reach, lift, and move without pain? Schedule your appointment today, and let’s determine what’s wrong with your shoulder and how to get it working properly again.

CONTACT US

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Shoulder Pain Care Denver CO | (303) 300-0424