Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain in Petaluma, CA
Shoulder pain can limit your ability to lift, reach, or even sleep comfortably. Whether it’s related to rotator cuff strain, poor posture, frozen shoulder, or overuse, the result is often stiffness, aching, and reduced motion. At Titan Chiropractic in Petaluma, CA, we use gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment, reduce nerve interference, and improve mobility—drug-free and without surgery.
The shoulder depends on healthy coordination between the neck, upper back, ribs, and shoulder blade. When spinal misalignments (subluxations) irritate nerves, muscles tighten and movement patterns break down—leading to irritation and pain. By improving alignment and communication, we help your shoulder move the way it’s designed to.
- Gentle, specific adjustments for the neck, upper back, and ribs.
- Improved range of motion for lifting, reaching, and daily tasks.
- Drug-free approach that supports natural healing.
Why Do Some People Struggle with Shoulder Pain?
The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint—great for movement, but susceptible to strain. Postural stress, repetitive overhead work, sports, and prior injuries can all create tension and compensations. Subluxations in the cervical and thoracic spine may alter nerve input to the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, amplifying pain and stiffness.
- Rotator cuff strain/tears from overuse or sports.
- Poor posture (rounded shoulders, forward head) overloading the joint.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) with pain and restricted motion.
- Repetitive strain and workplace overhead activity.
- Spinal subluxations altering nerve communication to the shoulder.
Think of Your Shoulder Like a Hinge on a Door
If the hinge is rusty or misaligned, the door sticks and squeaks. Similarly, when the spine and shoulder aren’t aligned, movement is stiff and painful. Chiropractic adjustments “realign and lubricate the hinge,” helping your shoulder glide smoothly again and reducing strain on muscles and tendons.
- Restores smoother gliding and rotation.
- Reduces muscle guarding and inflammation.
- Supports lasting changes in posture and mechanics.
Potential Benefits Patients Often Report
- Less pain with reaching, lifting, and sleeping.
- Improved range of motion and flexibility.
- Decreased numbness/tingling from nerve irritation.
- Better posture and shoulder mechanics.
- Drug-free approach that supports natural healing.
Scientific Evidence Related to Chiropractic & Shoulder Conditions
These peer-reviewed articles discuss manual/manipulative care for common shoulder presentations, including adhesive capsulitis and rotator cuff–related pain.
JMPT (2011): Manual/manipulative therapy for shoulder conditions
Review describing effectiveness of manual approaches for shoulder pain (e.g., rotator cuff–related conditions, adhesive capsulitis) with functional improvements reported.
JMPT (2010): Manipulative therapy & shoulder pain — systematic review
Systematic review indicating manipulative therapy can reduce shoulder pain and improve motion; authors encourage additional high-quality trials.
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (2012): SMT for adhesive capsulitis
Observed significant gains in range of motion and pain reduction following spinal manipulation therapy in frozen shoulder cases.
Our Approach at Titan Chiropractic
We review your history, posture, work/sport demands, and goals.
Evaluate cervical/thoracic/rib motion, scapular control, and shoulder range of motion; check for subluxations.
Gentle, specific spinal and rib adjustments to reduce tension and improve mechanics; mobility drills as appropriate.
Track pain, range of motion, sleep, and activity tolerance; refine care as you recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care really help with frozen shoulder?
Yes! By restoring spinal and rib alignment, easing muscle guarding, and improving shoulder mechanics, many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved motion.
How does chiropractic help shoulder pain?
Adjustments reduce subluxations that irritate nerves supplying the shoulder and scapular stabilizers. This calms tension, improves joint motion, and supports healing.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Absolutely. We use gentle, specific techniques tailored to your presentation and goals—non-invasive and drug-free.
How long until I feel relief?
Timeframes vary by severity and duration. Some feel changes within a few visits; longer-standing cases improve with consistent care over several weeks.
Will I need ongoing care once pain is gone?
Many patients choose periodic check-ins to maintain posture and mechanics, especially if work or sport loads the shoulder.
Ready to move your shoulder freely again?
Schedule your visit in Petaluma to explore gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic care for shoulder pain relief and better mobility.
Schedule nowDisclaimer: We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.