Frozen Shoulder: What Is It, Do You Need Surgery, and Can Chiropractic Help?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, can be one of the most painful and frustrating shoulder problems a person can experience. Patients often tell me they “woke up one day” and suddenly couldn’t lift their arm. Simple things like getting dressed, reaching into the back seat, or even sleeping become nearly impossible. Many people worry that surgery is the only solution.

The good news! Most cases do not require surgery, and chiropractic care can play a meaningful role in recovery.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

The condition occurs when inflammation causes your shoulder joint capsule to thicken and tighten. Thick bands of scar tissue called adhesions develop over time, and you have less synovial fluid to keep your shoulder joint lubricated. This makes it more difficult for your shoulder to move and rotate properly.

Frozen shoulder typically follows three classic stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Pain gradually increases, range of motion decreases. This is usually the most painful phase.

2. Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, stiffness becomes severe, and movement is very limited.

3. Thawing Stage: Mobility slowly returns, and pain continues to decrease.

Do You Need Surgery?

The good news is that most people do NOT need surgery!

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. It has a capsule of thin, flexible, stretchy connective tissue that surrounds this entire ball-and-socket joint. Sometimes this capsule becomes inflamed, and the tissue becomes thick and tight. Once this inflammation calms down, the capsule slowly stretches and returns

to normal motion. This process can take months, so patience is the key.

Typically, frozen shoulder surgery is manipulation under anesthesia. During this procedure, the surgeon is basically forcibly moving your arm through its full range of motion to intentionally stretch and tear the tight, thickened joint capsule.

What Causes Frozen Shoulder?

Researchers don’t know exactly why frozen shoulder develops. Some common triggers include:

• Shoulder injury that restricts normal movement (after fractures, using a sling, post-surgery)

• Diabetes

• Thyroid disorders

• Hormonal changes

Frozen shoulder is most common between the ages of 40–60, and women are affected more often than men.

Can Chiropractic Help Frozen Shoulder?

Yes — chiropractic care can be an effective part of the recovery process. Because frozen shoulder affects not only the shoulder itself but also the upper back, neck, and rib mechanics, chiropractic care can help restore the movement your body is losing.

How chiropractic helps:

✔️ Reducing inflammation and muscle guarding

Addressing the surrounding joints and soft tissue helps decrease pain and restore function.

✔️ Improving nervous system function

When the nervous system is under stress, muscles protect, tighten, and limit movement. Adjustments help calm this protective response.

✔️ Guided stretching and mobility work

Specific, gentle exercises during the right phase of frozen shoulder help prevent further loss of movement and speed the “thawing” process.

Are There Supplements That Can Help?

Supplements won’t “fix” frozen shoulder, but they can support inflammation control, tissue healing, and muscle relaxation:

• Omega-3 fish oil – supports healthy inflammation

• Magnesium (glycinate or citrate) – helps relax tight muscles

• Turmeric/Curcumin – promotes joint comfort

• Vitamin D – important for muscle and joint health

• Collagen peptides – support connective tissue

• Glucosamine/Chondroitin – supports joint mobility

Final Thoughts

Frozen shoulder is incredibly frustrating —remember, patience is the key. Most people recover without surgery, and chiropractic care is a safe, effective way to reduce pain, restore motion, and help your shoulder move through each phase more smoothly.

If you’re experiencing shoulder stiffness or pain that seems to be getting worse, don’t wait. Early care can make a big difference in your recovery.