Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Shoulder pain can make even simple daily activities difficult, from reaching overhead and lifting groceries to getting dressed or sleeping comfortably. At New Journey Chiropractic, we take an individualized approach to shoulder pain. We evaluate your symptoms, health history, shoulder function, cervical spine, movement, and nervous system function to better understand factors that may be contributing to your discomfort and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
What Is Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing you to lift, reach, throw, push, and pull. Because it has such a wide range of motion, it is also more vulnerable to injury and irritation.
Shoulder pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time due to repetitive movements, poor posture, muscle imbalance, or age-related changes. Pain may originate from the shoulder joint itself or be referred from the neck, upper back, or surrounding muscles.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Pain when lifting your arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back
- Pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm
- Clicking, popping, or catching sensations
- Pain that radiates into the upper arm
- Muscle tightness around the neck and shoulder blade
- Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing or carrying objects
Shoulder Pain Causes
Shoulder pain can have many causes, including:
- Rotator cuff strain or tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement
- Bursitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Arthritis
- Muscle strains
- Poor posture or “rounded shoulders”
- Repetitive overhead activities
- Sports injuries
- Joint dysfunction involving the shoulder, neck, or upper back
Red Flags
Because shoulder pain can sometimes be caused by conditions outside the shoulder, a thorough examination is important.
Seek immediate medical attention if your shoulder pain follows significant trauma, is associated with an obvious deformity, inability to move the arm, fever, severe swelling, loss of sensation, or chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain radiating into the jaw or left arm, as these may indicate a medical emergency.
How We Approach Shoulder Pain
At New Journey Chiropractic, we take an individualized approach to shoulder pain. Because the shoulder works together with the cervical spine, upper back, ribs, muscles, and nervous system, our examination looks beyond the location of your pain to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Your evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive health history
- Orthopedic and neurological examination
- Shoulder range of motion assessment
- Muscle strength testing
- Posture evaluation
- Assessment of cervical spine and upper thoracic mobility
- Functional movement assessment
Your individualized care plan may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine, thoracic spine, ribs, and shoulder when appropriate
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization when indicated
- Mobility and stretching exercises
- Rotator cuff and shoulder blade strengthening exercises
- Postural correction strategies
- Home exercise recommendations
- Ice or heat recommendations when appropriate
- Activity recommendations based on your symptoms and examination findings
If your examination suggests a fracture, complete tendon tear, significant instability, infection, or another condition requiring additional evaluation, we will coordinate care with your primary care provider, orthopedic specialist, or imaging center.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
If your examination suggests a fracture, significant tendon injury, joint instability, progressive weakness, or another condition requiring additional medical evaluation, we will coordinate care with the appropriate healthcare provider when needed.
Can chiropractic help shoulder pain?
Many shoulder conditions respond well to conservative care. Chiropractic treatment may help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, improve posture, and restore healthy movement patterns depending on the underlying cause.
How do I know if my shoulder pain is coming from my neck?
The nerves that supply the shoulder originate in the neck, so problems in the cervical spine can sometimes cause shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. A thorough examination helps determine the source of your symptoms.
Will I need X-rays or an MRI?
Not everyone requires imaging. If your history or examination suggests a fracture, significant tear, or another serious condition, we may recommend imaging or referral to the appropriate healthcare provider.
Should I use ice or heat?
Ice is often helpful during the first 24–72 hours after an acute injury to reduce inflammation, while heat may be beneficial for chronic muscle tightness and stiffness. We will provide recommendations based on your condition.
When should I seek immediate medical care?
Seek emergency care if your shoulder pain occurs with chest pain, difficulty breathing, pain radiating into your jaw or left arm, significant trauma, inability to move the shoulder, obvious deformity, or signs of infection such as fever and severe swelling.
Ready to Get Back to Doing What You Love?
Shoulder pain can interfere with work, sleep, exercise, and everyday activities. Our team is here to help you better understand what may be contributing to your discomfort and create an individualized care plan based on your examination findings, needs, and goals.
Or call our office to learn how New Journey Chiropractic can help you move with greater comfort and confidence.
Related Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Pain
- Shoulder Impingement
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Neck Pain
- Upper Back Pain
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently working toward her Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics. Her approach to care focuses on supporting healthy nervous system function through individualized chiropractic care for children, adults, and families.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we believe education is an important part of care. We help patients better understand the relationship between posture, the spine, the nervous system, and everyday habits so they can make informed choices that support their health and wellness.