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Frozen Shoulder: How Chiropractic Can Help

In this episode, Dr. Jae ho Roh from Revive Chiropractic in Sunnyvale discusses frozen shoulder, a condition that can be both frustrating and frightening for those experiencing it. Learn what frozen shoulder is, how it develops, and why your shoulder suddenly stops moving the way it used to.

Dr. Roh explains the various treatment options available through chiropractic care and how they can help restore mobility and reduce pain. Whether you’re currently dealing with frozen shoulder or want to understand this condition better, this episode provides valuable insights into effective treatment approaches.

Hey there, this is Doctor Jae ho Roh from Revive Chiropractic here in Sunnyvale. Thanks for tuning in today. I want to talk about something that can be incredibly frustrating and frankly… pretty scary when it happens to you. It’s called frozen shoulder, and if you’ve ever experienced it or you’re dealing with it right now, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

So what is frozen shoulder? Well, imagine waking up one day and your shoulder just doesn’t want to move the way it used to. At first, maybe it’s just a little stiff. Then it gets worse. Pretty soon, you can’t reach behind your back to tuck in your shirt. You can’t lift your arm to grab something off a high shelf. And here’s what really gets people… you can’t sleep on that side anymore because the pain wakes you up.

The medical term is adhesive capsulitis. What happens is the capsule around your shoulder joint… think of it like a bag that holds everything together… that capsule gets tight and inflamed. Scar tissue starts forming. And your shoulder literally freezes up. It usually happens in three stages. First, the freezing stage where pain increases and movement decreases. Then the frozen stage where it’s stiff but maybe hurts a little less. And finally, the thawing stage where movement slowly comes back.

Now here’s the thing. This condition loves people between forty and sixty years old. And if you’ve had an injury, if you’ve had your arm in a sling for a while, or if you have diabetes or thyroid issues… you’re at higher risk.

So how can chiropractic help? Well, we focus on restoring proper movement and function. I use gentle joint mobilization techniques to get that shoulder moving again without forcing it. We work on the surrounding areas too… your neck, your upper back, your ribs. Everything’s connected, right? If your spine isn’t moving well, your shoulder compensates. We also incorporate soft tissue work to break up adhesions and reduce inflammation.

The key is starting early and being consistent. I won’t lie to you… frozen shoulder takes time to heal. But with the right care, we can speed up your recovery and make you much more comfortable along the way.

Here’s what you can do at home. Keep moving gently. Don’t stop using your arm completely. Do pendulum exercises… just let your arm hang and swing it gently in small circles. Apply heat before you move and ice after if it’s sore. And please, don’t try to force it. Aggressive stretching can actually make things worse.

If your shoulder has been getting stiffer, if you’re losing range of motion, or if the pain is affecting your daily life… don’t wait. The earlier we catch this, the better your outcome. Come see us at Revive Chiropractic. We’ll do a thorough evaluation and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you have questions or you want to schedule an appointment, give us a call or visit our website. We’re here in Sunnyvale and we’re here to help. Take care of those shoulders, everyone. See you next time.