Shoulder pain can sneak up on you—from a dull ache that makes it hard to sleep to a sharp twinge when you reach for something on a high shelf. No matter how it shows up, this kind of discomfort can interfere with your ability to work, exercise, or simply go about your daily life. For many people, the root of shoulder pain isn’t always straightforward. It can stem from joint misalignment, muscular imbalances, inflammation, or even poor posture that starts in the neck and upper spine.
That’s why many people turn to chiropractors for help. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate how the spine, muscles, and joints work together—and how imbalances in one area can lead to pain elsewhere, like the shoulder. Using a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and corrective exercises, chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive way to ease pain and restore function.
When approached holistically, chiropractic treatment goes beyond just temporary relief. It focuses on improving range of motion, increasing blood flow to tight muscles, and supporting your body’s natural healing process. Whether your shoulder discomfort is new or something you’ve been dealing with for years, a chiropractor may be able to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface—and help you feel more like yourself again.
8 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is an incredibly mobile and complex joint, which makes it prone to a wide range of issues. Below are some of the most common causes of shoulder pain:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries – The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. These injuries—ranging from inflammation to partial or full tears—are often caused by repetitive overhead motions, aging, or trauma. They can result in weakness, reduced range of motion, and persistent pain.
- Shoulder Impingement – This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched under the shoulder blade during arm movement. It often leads to sharp pain when lifting or reaching, and if left untreated, it can develop into more serious damage.
- Shoulder Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa—a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint—can cause swelling, tenderness, and aching that worsens with motion or pressure. It’s often linked to overuse or repetitive strain.
- Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) – This condition is marked by stiffness, pain, and a progressive loss of mobility. It develops slowly, often after periods of inactivity or injury, and can take months or even years to fully resolve without intervention.
- Pinched Nerves – Nerve compression in the neck or upper spine can cause radiating pain, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder and down the arm. Though the pain is felt in the shoulder, the source is often spinal misalignment or inflammation.
- Poor Posture and Muscle Imbalances – Slouching or rounding the shoulders for prolonged periods—especially at a desk or computer—can strain muscles and lead to chronic discomfort. Over time, these habits contribute to muscle tightness, spasms, and joint dysfunction.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – As an autoimmune condition that attacks joint tissues, rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation, stiffness, and shoulder pain—especially in older adults.
- Sports Injuries and Overuse – Repetitive overhead activities, such as swimming, tennis, or weightlifting, can lead to wear-and-tear injuries. Even everyday activities like lifting heavy objects or poor movement mechanics can contribute to shoulder dysfunction over time.
Understanding the underlying cause of your shoulder pain is essential for effective treatment. A skilled chiropractor can help uncover the root issue and develop a plan that restores balance, mobility, and comfort—naturally and holistically.
How Chiropractic Care Addresses Shoulder Pain
When shoulder pain interferes with daily life, chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive path to relief. Rather than masking symptoms with medication, chiropractors work to correct the root causes of discomfort—helping your body heal and function the way it was meant to.
Here are some of the ways chiropractic care can help:
Chiropractic Adjustments and Spinal Manipulation
Many cases of shoulder pain are linked to dysfunction in the spine—especially the cervical and thoracic regions. A chiropractic adjustment can restore proper alignment to these areas, relieving pressure on nerves that may be contributing to pain, stiffness, or muscle spasms in the shoulder.
Soft Tissue Therapy and Myofascial Release
Tight muscles, adhesions, and trigger points often build up around the shoulder blade, neck, and upper back. Chiropractors use soft tissue therapy, including myofascial release, to reduce tension, improve blood flow, and promote the healing process. This can be especially effective for shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder bursitis.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Hands-on therapies like manipulative therapy and manual stretching help restore range of motion, reduce inflammation, and break up scar tissue. These techniques are often used alongside other modalities to treat conditions like frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and pinched nerves.
Targeted Therapeutic Exercise
Chiropractors may design custom exercise routines to improve joint function, strengthen supporting muscles, and increase shoulder stability. These are especially beneficial for sports injuries or those recovering from a rotator cuff injury.
Postural and Lifestyle Guidance
Sometimes, small changes in posture or everyday activities can make a big difference. Chiropractors often help patients recognize harmful patterns—like poor posture or repetitive motions—and suggest practical lifestyle changes to support long-term healing and prevent reinjury.
By taking a holistic approach that integrates multiple techniques and tailors care to the individual needs of each patient, chiropractors help address not just the pain itself, but the factors that caused it. This leads to longer-lasting relief and better overall function—without relying on invasive procedures or medications.
When to See a Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can be easy to dismiss—especially when it starts off mild or intermittent. But ignoring early signs can lead to worsening discomfort and longer recovery times. Knowing when to seek help from a chiropractor can make a big difference in both short-term relief and long-term shoulder health.
Consider visiting a chiropractor if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent or worsening shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with rest or home care
- Limited range of motion, especially if you struggle to lift your arm overhead or behind your back
- Stiffness or tightness in the shoulder, upper back, or around the shoulder blade
- Pain that radiates into the neck, arm, or upper back, which may indicate a pinched nerve
- Popping, clicking, or grinding sensations in the joint
- Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder joint
- Pain following a sports injury or repetitive overuse
Chiropractors are trained to assess whether your pain stems from a structural imbalance, nerve compression, or soft tissue strain. By identifying the root cause, they can create a personalized treatment plan to support healing and prevent future flare-ups.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies, your chiropractor may also recommend:
- Massage therapy to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow
- Spinal adjustments to improve posture and reduce strain on the shoulder
- Corrective exercises to rebuild strength and promote joint stability
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce repetitive stress and support healing
Early intervention is key—especially for conditions like shoulder impingement, rotator cuff injuries, or adhesive capsulitis. Seeking chiropractic care when symptoms first appear can help you avoid chronic pain or the need for more aggressive treatments down the road.
Finding Lasting Relief for Shoulder Pain Through Chiropractic Care
If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, seeking the right care is crucial to finding lasting relief. BodyWise Chiropractic care in Redmond, Oregon offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach that addresses the root causes of your discomfort, rather than just masking the symptoms. By restoring proper alignment, reducing tension, and guiding you through personalized exercises, our treatment helps not only alleviate pain but also promote long-term healing and mobility.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a pain-free shoulder, contact us today. Our dedicated team is here to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, helping you get back to doing the things you love with ease.