Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition severely limiting shoulder mobility. People with this condition often find it difficult to move their shoulders without experiencing discomfort, which can disrupt daily life. At Heckard Chiropractic, we understand how frustrating this condition can be. That’s why we offer specialized chiropractic care for frozen shoulders to help restore your shoulder’s mobility and reduce pain naturally.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

A frozen shoulder typically develops when the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become stiff and inflamed, leading to limited movement. It often begins gradually and worsens over time, with the shoulder eventually "freezing" into place. The exact cause isn't always clear, but it's more common in people recovering from surgeries, injuries, or prolonged immobility.

Most people experience three phases of a frozen shoulder:

1. Freezing: Gradual increase in pain and stiffness.
2. Frozen: Reduced pain but significant loss of mobility.
3. Thawing: Slow return of shoulder movement.

This cycle can last several months to a few years, but chiropractic techniques can help shorten recovery time and reduce discomfort.

Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractic treatment offers a non-invasive approach to managing a frozen shoulder, focusing on improving joint movement and reducing inflammation. Dr. Bruce Heckard at Heckard Chiropractic uses a combination of hands-on adjustments and holistic techniques to target the underlying issues causing shoulder stiffness. Below are some of our most effective chiropractic care for frozen shoulder techniques.

1. Directional Non-Force Technique® (D.N.F.T.®)

At Heckard Chiropractic, we primarily use the Directional Non-Force Technique® (D.N.F.T.®), a gentle method designed to realign the body without forceful movements. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, D.N.F.T.® involves precise, soft touches that stimulate your body’s own healing response. This technique is especially effective for frozen shoulders because it focuses on the body as a whole, helping to reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint and promote healing.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

In addition to adjustments, soft tissue therapy is another cornerstone of chiropractic care for frozen shoulders. This technique targets the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the shoulder joint to break up scar tissue and reduce muscle tension. By gently massaging and stretching these areas, the chiropractor can help improve blood flow, reduce pain, and increase the range of motion.

3. Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is another tool often used to treat frozen shoulders. This non-invasive treatment involves using low-level lasers to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder. The laser’s energy promotes cellular healing, enhancing tissue repair and overall mobility.

At Heckard Chiropractic, we often use cold laser therapy and other treatments to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself, especially in patients with chronic shoulder stiffness.

4. Postural Adjustments

Posture plays a significant role in managing a frozen shoulder. Poor posture, particularly rounded shoulders or slouched backs, can worsen shoulder alignment and limit mobility. Correcting your posture through chiropractic adjustments and lifestyle changes can relieve pressure on the shoulder joint and prevent further damage. Dr. Heckard may also suggest specific exercises and stretches.

5. Stretching and Exercise Guidance

While chiropractic care addresses the root cause of frozen shoulder, patients also play an active role in their recovery. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises are essential for improving shoulder mobility. Gentle movements, such as shoulder rolls and pendulum swings, help to improve flexibility and keep the shoulder from becoming stiff.

We work closely with patients at Heckard Chiropractic to ensure they perform exercises correctly and consistently to get the best results.

Conclusion

Living with a frozen shoulder can be painful and frustrating, but you don’t have to endure it forever. You can regain mobility and reduce discomfort with the right combination of chiropractic techniques, including Directional Non-Force Technique®, soft tissue therapy, and cold laser therapy. Dr. Bruce Heckard and the team at Heckard Chiropractic are committed to offering personalized, holistic care to help you get back to your normal routine.

Schedule your consultation today