The lifetime risk of developing frozen shoulder is about 5%, but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. Most cases begin around age 55, and it’s significantly more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 1.4 to 1.
The nondominant arm is more often affected, likely due to subtle compensation patterns we don’t even notice in day-to-day movement.
Patients often come to The Disc Chiropractic in Wheat Ridge after weeks of stiffness that suddenly makes basic movements, like putting on a shirt or reaching overhead, difficult.
That’s why we focus on restoring joint motion, reducing tension, and getting the shoulder functioning the way it should again.
What Is a Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder also known as adhesive capsulitis happens when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff. This capsule is a thin layer of connective tissue that helps stabilize the joint.
Over time, calcified adhesions form inside the capsule, making it harder and more painful to move your arm. What makes frozen shoulder unique is that it limits both active motion (what you move) and passive motion (what someone else moves for you).
It develops in three phases:
Freezing phase
Pain gradually increases, and movement becomes more restricted.
Frozen phase
Pain may plateau, but stiffness becomes the main problem.
Thawing phase
Motion begins to return, but without treatment, this process can take over a year.
Why Does Frozen Shoulder Happen? (And Who’s Most at Risk)
Frozen shoulder often starts slowly and gets worse over time—especially after a period of limited use. These are the patterns I commonly see in the clinic:
Postoperative Physical Inactivity
After surgery or injury, patients often reduce shoulder movement sometimes out of necessity. But prolonged immobility can slow synovial fluid production, which normally keeps the joint lubricated and moving smoothly. Without that motion, the joint capsule, a protective sleeve of connective tissue, begins to stiffen.
Cervical or Thoracic Joint Dysfunction
When the cervical (neck) or thoracic (mid-back) aren’t moving well, they disrupt the way your shoulder blade is supposed to glide across the rib cage. This movement, called scapulothoracic rhythm, is essential for full, pain-free arm motion. When it breaks down, the shoulder joint has to overcompensate eventually leading to inflammation, tension, and capsular tightening.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Chronic tendinopathy or partial tears in muscles like the supraspinatus and infraspinatus—often lead patients to guard the joint and use it less. That reduced movement can trigger the early stages of frozen shoulder. Inflammation builds up around the capsule, and the joint begins to freeze from lack of use.
Poor Posture
Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and muscle imbalance between the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and serratus anterior lead to chronic anterior compression at the shoulder. Over time, this stress limits external rotation and contributes to capsular adhesion.
Systemic Disorders
Patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune conditions are at much higher risk for developing frozen shoulders. These conditions affect the body’s ability to regulate inflammation and heal connective tissue.
How We Treat Frozen Shoulder at The Disc Chiropractic
Depending on the stage you’re in freezing, frozen, or thawing these are the treatments I may recommend:
Chiropractic adjustments
I perform targeted chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and shoulder joints like the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular. Using either my hands or with the help of an instrument, I deliver controlled thrusts to the affected bones and joints, to relieve pressure points and help improve overall shoulder mechanics
Shockwave Therapy
For deep stiffness or thickened tissue in the joint capsule, we use shockwave therapy with the Intelect RPW 2. This treatment sends acoustic waves into the shoulder to help break up calcified adhesions. It’s especially helpful during the frozen and thawing stages.
Soft tissue therapy
When your shoulder loses motion, certain muscles tighten up to compensate, especially the subscapularis, teres major, and pectoralis minor. Using the Rapid Release™ Pro 3+, we apply high-frequency vibration to loosen these muscles, relieve tension around the capsule, and help restore rotation in the joint.
Stretching and Postural Rehab
Regaining motion takes more than stretching. We focus on safe, progressive exercises that target external rotation, abduction, and overhead reach—while also working on posture and shoulder stability. I’ll guide you through mobility drills and strengthening exercises that help restore function without forcing the joint or aggravating inflammation.
FAQs About Frozen Shoulder
Can a chiropractor really help with frozen shoulders?
Yes. While frozen shoulder is a capsular issue, it often involves joint restrictions in the neck, upper back, and shoulder girdle. Chiropractic care can help improve those related mechanics, reduce irritation, and support the joint’s ability to regain motion.
How is frozen shoulder different from a rotator cuff tear?
Frozen shoulder affects the joint capsule, limiting both active and passive motion. A rotator cuff tear affects the muscles and tendons around the shoulder and typically limits active motion more than passive.
How long does frozen shoulder last?
Without treatment, it can take 12 to 24 months to fully resolve. With proper care including chiropractic adjustments or shockwave therapy—we aim to significantly shorten that timeline.
Is it safe to move the shoulder during treatment?
Yes, as long as it’s done with control and at the right phase of healing. We guide motion gradually based on your current range, never forcing the joint. Controlled movement is key to breaking down adhesions and regaining function safely.
Is frozen shoulder more common after surgery?
Yes. Frozen shoulder is common after shoulder or chest surgery especially if the shoulder is immobilized for a period. Lack of movement reduces synovial fluid production, leading to stiffening and eventual adhesion of the joint capsule.
Thaw Your Frozen Shoulder for Only $97
Still can’t reach overhead or put on a jacket without pain? Don’t wait for it to “unfreeze” on its own. Your first visit is just $97 and includes a full consultation, spinal and shoulder exam, and my detailed report of findings.
Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910 to get started.