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Treating Frozen Shoulder with Chiropractic Care

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Over time, the shoulder becomes very hard to move. While this condition can be frustrating, chiropractic care offers a promising treatment that can help restore mobility and relieve pain.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder usually develops in three stages: the freezing stage, the frozen stage, and the thawing stage. In the freezing stage, any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and the range of motion starts to become limited. In the frozen stage, pain might begin to diminish, but the shoulder becomes stiffer and harder to use. Finally, during the thawing stage, the range of motion begins to improve.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. For frozen shoulder, chiropractors use various techniques to help reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility. Here are some key benefits:

Pain Relief

Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the pain associated with frozen shoulder by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the affected area. This can provide immediate relief and make daily activities more manageable.

Improved Mobility

Through specific adjustments and stretching exercises, chiropractors can help increase the range of motion in your shoulder. This is particularly beneficial during the thawing stage of frozen shoulder, where regaining mobility is crucial.

Chiropractic Techniques for Frozen Shoulder

Chiropractors use a combination of techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. Some common methods include:

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments help to realign the spine, which can have a positive effect on the nervous system and overall body function. Proper spinal alignment can reduce the strain on the shoulder, promoting faster recovery.

Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization involves gently moving the shoulder joint to improve its range of motion. This technique can help break up adhesions and scar tissue that contribute to stiffness.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy, such as massage or myofascial release, targets the muscles and connective tissues around the shoulder. This can help relieve tension and improve flexibility, making it easier to move the shoulder.

Preventing Frozen Shoulder

While chiropractic care can effectively treat frozen shoulder, taking preventive measures is equally important. Regular exercise, maintaining good posture, and avoiding repetitive shoulder movements can help reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Conclusion

Frozen shoulder can be a debilitating condition, but chiropractic care offers a range of treatments that can help alleviate pain and restore mobility. By incorporating spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, and soft tissue therapy, chiropractors provide a comprehensive approach to treating this condition. If you are suffering from frozen shoulder, consider consulting a chiropractor to explore these treatment options.

 Have you tried chiropractic care for frozen shoulder? Share your experiences in the comments below.

  • Chiropractor

Dr. Annmarie King

Dr. King has been helping patients improve their health and mobility through chiropractic care since graduating from University of Western States in 2009. With more than 13 years of experience, she is dedicated to providing advanced spinal correction using safe, comfortable, and effective techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. King combines years of training with a patient-centered approach to care. She specializes in chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression, helping patients find relief from pain, restore movement, and support long-term spinal health.

Dr. King earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from University of Western States and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Management and Nutrition from Oregon State University. She is licensed through the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the Oregon Health Authority.

Dr. King utilizes a variety of proven chiropractic techniques, including Diversified Technique, Drop Table Adjustments, Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique, and Activator Method. These modern methods allow her to deliver precise spinal corrections that are safer, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before.

Education

  • Western States University Portland OR – Doctor of Chiropractic
  • Graduated 2009, 13 years of experience
  • Oregon State University, Corvallis Oregon – Bachelor of Science (Food Management and Nutrition)

Licensure

  • Oregon Stated Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
  • Oregon Department of Radiology
  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Spinal Decompression

Techniques Used

  • Diversified (most common and its hand on)
  • Drop Table Adjustments
  • Cox Flexion – Distraction
  • Activator Method
  • Chiropractor

Dr. Mark Betsill

Dr. Mark Betsill is a dedicated chiropractor serving patients in Gresham with more than a decade of experience helping individuals move better, feel better, and return to the activities they enjoy most. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Health from Boise State University, where his interest in health and human performance first began to take shape.

After experiencing firsthand how chiropractic care helped him recover from an upper back injury that was affecting his golf game, Dr. Betsill discovered the path he wanted to pursue. He went on to attend Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2007.

Dr. Betsill focuses on helping patients recover from neck and back pain, sports injuries, postural stress, auto accident injuries, and workplace-related conditions. He uses gentle, effective techniques including manual adjustments, the Activator Method, and drop-table adjustments to address spinal misalignment and extremity dysfunction. He also has a special clinical interest in neck and lower back disc herniations, often combining chiropractic adjustments with computerized mechanical traction to improve pain relief, mobility, and function.

While many patients first visit because of pain, Dr. Betsill is passionate about helping them move beyond symptom relief. His goal is to help people improve functional movement, maintain spinal health, and support long-term wellness. He treats patients of all ages—including infants, children, teens, athletes, and pregnant women—and believes chiropractic care can play an important role in addressing not only spinal concerns, but also shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot discomfort.

Shortly before graduating in 2007, Dr. Betsill faced a personal health challenge that deeply shaped his philosophy of care. After multiple emergency room visits for dizziness, syncope, and chest pain, he began looking beyond symptoms alone. Through that experience, he came to better understand the effects of physical, chemical, and emotional stress on the body. By combining chiropractic care, massage, exercise, and proper nutrition, he restored his own health—an experience that continues to influence the way he cares for patients today.

Originally from northern Nevada and southern Idaho, Dr. Betsill grew up playing sports, with golf becoming a lifelong favorite. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Today, he and his wife and two sons enjoy life in the Pacific Northwest. When he’s not in the office, you’ll often find him on the course with the men’s club at Gresham Golf Course or staying active and fit with his family.