Can a Chiropractor Help With Shoulder Pain?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting roughly 18-26% of adults at any given time. Whether it stems from poor posture, overuse or an underlying condition like frozen shoulder, the discomfort can significantly impact your ability to work, sleep and enjoy daily life. If you're considering alternatives to medication or surgery, you may be asking: Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?

The short answer is: yes, chiropractic care may help relieve shoulder pain, especially when it’s related to joint misalignment, muscular strain or nerve impingement. Chiropractors use a variety of non-invasive techniques that aim to restore proper alignment, reduce inflammation and support natural healing. In fact, a systematic review found that manual therapy, including chiropractic manipulation, may lead to improved outcomes in patients with shoulder impingement and rotator cuff-related conditions.

Still, chiropractic care isn't suitable for every cause of shoulder pain, and it’s essential to know when it might help and when it might not. Read on to learn what causes shoulder pain, how chiropractors treat it, what conditions they can help with and when to seek other forms of care.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Understanding the root cause of shoulder pain is key to finding the right treatment. Chiropractors are trained to assess and manage several common sources of shoulder discomfort, including:

Poor posture

One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is poor posture, especially slouching at a desk for extended periods. This can cause muscular imbalances, placing strain on the shoulders, neck and upper back. A study found a strong link between poor sitting posture and increased shoulder and neck discomfort in office workers. Over time, postural habits like forward head position and rounded shoulders may contribute to chronic pain conditions such as upper crossed syndrome.

Muscle strain or overuse

Repetitive motions, whether from work tasks, exercise or daily chores, can lead to overuse injuries. These movements may inflame the muscles or tendons around the shoulder, causing pain and stiffness. Conditions like rotator cuff tendonitis or shoulder impingement are often linked to repetitive strain. According to research, modifiable factors, such as high training load, limited or excessive range of motion, and rotator cuff weakness are key contributors to shoulder injuries, particularly in sports and activities that involve repetitive movements like overhead tasks.

Rotator cuff injury

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the leading causes of shoulder pain, especially in older adults and active individuals. These injuries can range from mild inflammation (tendonitis) to full or partial tears of the rotator cuff muscles. Common causes include overuse, falls or lifting something too heavy. Studies report that up to 30% of people over 60 may have a rotator cuff tear, even if they’re not always symptomatic at first.

Joint misalignment

Shoulder pain can also arise from misalignment in the shoulder joint itself or in nearby joints like the cervical spine or upper thoracic spine. Misalignment can disrupt normal biomechanics, leading to compensation patterns, muscular tightness and pain. Research suggests that spinal alignment, especially in the upper back, can significantly affect shoulder movement and tension, often contributing to chronic or recurring pain.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and loses its range of motion, often without a clear cause. It typically develops gradually and can last anywhere from several months to a few years. According to studies, frozen shoulders affect about 2–5% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women and people aged 55. It's also more common among those with diabetes, thyroid disorders or after prolonged immobility..

Pinched nerves in the neck or upper back

Compressed nerves due to disc issues or vertebral misalignment may cause referred pain to the shoulder. Research indicated that chiropractic interventions may help manage shoulder pain through musculoskeletal correction and nerve function optimisation.

What Techniques Does a Chiropractor Use to Address Shoulder Pain?

Chiropractors employ a range of manual and assisted techniques to address shoulder discomfort, each tailored to the specific cause and condition.

Spinal adjustments

Correcting misalignments in the cervical or thoracic spine (upper back and neck) can relieve nerve pressure and improve shoulder function. Misalignments in these areas may affect nerve signals that travel to the shoulder, contributing to pain or weakness. A [study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/spinal-manipulation#:~:text=Spinal%20manipulation%20(also%20called%20thrust,cord%20to%20gate%20out%20pain.) found that spinal adjustments may reduce musculoskeletal pain by restoring joint function and reducing neural tension, which can indirectly relieve shoulder symptoms.

Shoulder joint manipulation

Gentle mobilisation or manipulation of the shoulder joint helps increase range of motion, reduce stiffness and restore natural movement patterns. This is particularly helpful for patients with frozen shoulders or restricted mobility. A clinical review notes that joint mobilisation techniques can significantly reduce pain and improve function in cases of adhesive capsulitis and rotator cuff dysfunction.

Soft tissue therapy

To address muscular tightness, chiropractors often use soft tissue therapies, such as myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) or massage. These methods enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation and promote healing. According to research, soft tissue work can help reduce shoulder pain by improving flexibility and releasing muscle adhesions.

Trigger point therapy

This technique targets hyperirritable spots, commonly known as ‘knots’, in the muscles that can refer pain to the shoulder. Trigger points in muscles like the upper trapezius, levator scapulae or infraspinatus are often overlooked causes of persistent shoulder discomfort. Studies have shown that trigger point therapy can decrease referred pain and improve shoulder mobility when incorporated into a broader treatment plan.

Stretching exercises

Chiropractors often prescribe tailored stretches to relieve tight muscles, improve joint mobility and support long-term recovery. Regular stretching can help prevent the recurrence of shoulder pain, especially in those with postural imbalances or repetitive strain. A study.) found that consistent stretching programs significantly improve shoulder range of motion and reduce pain in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

Postural correction

Improving posture is a key strategy for managing and preventing shoulder pain. Chiropractors may provide ergonomic advice, postural training and corrective exercises to address forward head posture, rounded shoulders and spinal misalignment. Research highlights that poor posture contributes to shoulder and neck pain, especially in sedentary workers, and that correction can lead to noticeable improvements in discomfort and function.

Ultrasound therapy

Therapeutic ultrasound may be used to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. Studies have indicated that multimodal chiropractic treatment plans may support improved function and reduced pain in cases of shoulder impingement and similar issues.

Common Shoulder Conditions Chiropractic Care Can Address

Chiropractors may assist with a range of shoulder-related conditions, especially when they involve the musculoskeletal or nervous systems.

• Rotator cuff strain
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder impingement
• Tendonitis
• Referred pain from the neck or upper back

It's important to note that chiropractic care might be more effective when used alongside other therapies such as physiotherapy or medical treatment, depending on the condition.

Benefits of Visiting a Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic care focuses on improving how your joints, muscles and nerves work together. For many people, this may help reduce shoulder pain and improve movement without the need for medication or surgery. It also aims to correct posture and relieve tension, which might prevent the pain from coming back. Below are some common benefits people may notice with chiropractic treatment:

Natural pain relief

Chiropractic care offers a drug-free alternative that may ease shoulder discomfort through natural body adjustments.

Improved joint movement

Techniques like manipulation and stretching can help increase your shoulder's range of motion.

Better posture

Regular adjustments and posture education may correct imbalances that strain the shoulders.

Reduced muscle tension

Soft tissue therapies help release built-up tension in overworked or stressed muscles.

Help in preventing future injury

Chiropractors often address underlying causes such as poor posture or spinal misalignments to reduce the risk of recurring issues.

When to See a Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain

Consider visiting a chiropractor if:

• Your shoulder pain lasts more than a few days
• The pain keeps coming back
• You’re struggling to lift or rotate your arm
• Pain spreads to the neck or upper back
• You want to avoid medication or surgery

When Not to See a Chiropractor

In certain cases, chiropractic care may not be appropriate, such as:

• Severe injury or fracture
• Signs of infection or visible swelling
• Unexplained weight loss with shoulder pain
• If surgery or emergency care is requiredAlways consult your GP or specialist if you're unsure whether your shoulder pain stems from a more serious condition.

Wrapping Up

Can a chiropractor help with shoulder pain?

In many cases, yes, they might be able to ease discomfort, restore function and support long-term shoulder health through a personalised treatment plan. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free path to relief, especially for issues linked to posture, overuse or joint alignment.

If your shoulder pain is persistent and musculoskeletal in nature, seeing a chiropractor may be worth exploring. As always, speak with a qualified healthcare provider to make sure it’s the right option for your specific case.

Dealing with nagging shoulder pain that just won’t go away? A chiropractor might be able to help. Find a qualified practitioner near you at Goto Health and take the first step toward lasting relief.