The 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder: How Chiropractic Care Adapts to Each Phase



Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, isn’t just a little stiffness—it can seriously affect your daily routine. From brushing your hair to reaching for a glass, simple tasks suddenly feel impossible. The condition doesn’t happen overnight, though. It develops in three key stages, and the right treatment—like chiropractic care for frozen shoulder—can adapt to each one.

Let’s break it down and look at how chiropractors help ease pain and restore mobility, step by step.

Stage 1: The Freezing Stage

This is where it all begins. You start to notice stiffness and pain in your shoulder. At first, it may feel like a mild strain. But over time, it worsens, especially at night. Range of motion starts to shrink, and everything just feels locked up.

During the freezing phase, chiropractors focus on reducing inflammation and easing pain. Gentle adjustments and soft tissue work help relieve pressure around the joint. You might also get some stretching exercises to keep things from tightening up even more.

While this stage can be tough, consistent chiropractic care for frozen shoulder can slow the progression. It’s all about supporting your shoulder without overdoing it. Less pain means better sleep and a little more ease in your daily life.

Stage 2: The Frozen Stage

At this point, the pain often starts to ease up, but the stiffness sticks around. Your shoulder may feel like it’s locked in place. This stage can last a few months, and even though the pain isn’t as sharp, mobility takes a hit.

Chiropractors switch gears here. The focus moves to restoring movement. Techniques like joint mobilization and myofascial release can help loosen the surrounding tissue. Some practitioners may use tools like ultrasound or electric stimulation to warm up the area before doing targeted exercises.

Chiropractic care for frozen shoulder in this stage is all about helping you regain function. It’s a steady process, and it requires patience—but every little bit of movement matters.

Stage 3: The Thawing Stage

This is the final stretch. Range of motion starts to improve, and the stiffness begins to fade. You’re not totally back to normal yet, but you’re definitely getting there.

In this phase, chiropractors help fine-tune your shoulder function. They may add more advanced rehab exercises, focus on posture, and even look at how your spine and neck are affecting your shoulder mechanics. It’s a whole-body approach that sets you up for long-term recovery.

Chiropractic care for frozen shoulder during the thawing stage works to speed up the return of natural movement and strength. Plus, it helps prevent future issues by addressing any underlying imbalances.

Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse

Frozen shoulder can take a long time to heal—sometimes up to two years. But early support can make a world of difference. Whether you’re just starting to notice symptoms or you're deep into the frozen phase, a chiropractor can tailor treatment to where you are in the process.

So if your shoulder’s been acting up and you're feeling stuck—literally—don’t tough it out. With the right care and consistency, you can move from frozen to free again.

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