By some estimates, shoulder complaints affect nearly half of the adult population in a
year, driving many to chiropractic offices looking for a conservative, non-surgical solution.
While back pain and neck pain are the primary reasons patients seek chiropractic care, at least
one study found that 12% of chiropractic visits in a week may involve shoulder issues. How
would a chiropractor manage a shoulder complaint?
The shoulder complex itself is made up of four separate articulations—the glenohumeral
joint, the acromioclavicular joint, the sternoclavicular joint, and the scapulothoracic joint—that
work together to support the wide range of motion available to the arm. These joints, along with
the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues involved in upper extremity movement,
are all at risk of injury. When assessing treatment, the first step would be to conduct a thorough
examination to properly diagnose which components of the shoulder are contributing to the
patient’s chief complaints.
Because examination findings will vary, the specific treatment approach for a given
patient will be unique. However, in a general sense, multiple therapies are typically combined
with the goal of restoring normal movement to the affected joint(s). This may include manual
therapies (manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue techniques), stabilization exercises,
stretches, physiotherapy modalities, and anti-inflammatory measures such as ice. Activities at the
extreme ranges of motion may be limited in the short term, with a gradual return to normal
activities within pain tolerances.
The shoulder does not exist in isolation, and several studies suggest that dysfunction in
the thoracic spine can affect movement of the scapula, which in turn can limit motion in other
aspects of the shoulder. In particular, a February 2024 study found that including mid-back
chiropractic adjustments in a treatment plan for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) improved
outcomes with respect to shoulder pain, disability, and function, and a January 2025 systematic
review and meta-analysis that included ten clinical trials found that thoracic spinal manipulative
therapy also improved outcomes for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to benefit patients with various shoulder
complaints, and the treatments used are well supported in clinical guidelines as first-line
approaches. However, it should be noted that these conditions can have a difficult recovery
process, even if the patient undergoes surgery, and it can take months or even a year to restore
normal function to the affected joints.
Brent Binder, M.S.,D.C.
4909 Louise Dr. Suite 102
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-1888
Pain Relief Chiropractic 
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