When the area between your shoulders becomes painful, your entire life can be difficult. It may be hard to pull groceries out of your car or your child out of their car seat. You may have troubles sleeping or working. No matter how you’re experiencing pain between your shoulder blades, there is help. This article breaks down pain between shoulder blades, explaining what it is, what causes it, and how you can treat it.

What is shoulder blade pain?

Your shoulder blades are the big flat bones in your upper back. Their official name is scapulae, and when you feel pain between them in the upper back, it’s called intrascapular pain.

Each scapula is attached to your clavicle, or collarbone. Combined with various upper back muscles and ligaments, the scapulae enable you to move your arms and shoulders.

Shoulder blade pain may feel very different depending on the cause. For some, it can feel like stabbing, burning, or shooting pain, a combination of those, or something else entirely. In some cases, the pain might radiate down your arms, affecting your ability to move and use those limbs. You may feel it in your neck and jaw. And sometimes you might feel tingling or numbness rather than pain.

What are common causes of pain between shoulder blades? 6 causes

Pain can be especially nerve-wracking when you’re not sure what’s causing it.

These are some of the possible reasons why you may be experiencing shoulder blade pain. However, this information can’t replace an official diagnosis from a physician. If your pain between shoulder blades won’t go away after a few days or it’s severe, see your doctor as soon as possible.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition. The CDC reports that 54.4 million people in the United States have received an official arthritis diagnosis. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis.

Common risk factors for arthritis include:

• Age (older people are more likely to develop arthritis than younger people)
• Being female
• Obesity

Osteoarthritis in the shoulder can lead to stiffness, decreased range of motion, and nighttime shoulder pain.

2. Bursitis

Also called subacromial bursitis, shoulder bursitis occurs when the protective sacs, or bursae, in your joints become irritated or inflamed.

This can lead to shoulder pain when you perform specific movements, such as raising your arm to the side or pressing down on the affected shoulder. Common causes of bursitis include injury, arthritis, and repetitive movements.

3. Mental stress

Not all pain has a direct physical cause. A 2004 study published in The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that mental or emotional distress can result in physical aches and pains.

Although illnesses like depression are classified as mental health issues, they do have physical components, including pain. Even after you receive treatment for your mental illness, the physical symptoms may not go away if they are not specifically treated.

None of this means that your pain is “all in your head.” It is very real and should be treated as such.

4. Physical stress

People in the United States spend far too much time sitting down. Worse, a lot of that time involves hunching over a computer without changing positions. In addition to causing dangerous conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease, too much sitting and hunching can wreak havoc on your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

But you don’t have to be sitting down to put extra stress on your upper back. Text neck is a relatively new medical condition caused by leaning over to look at gadgets like smartphones and tablets. If you spend several hours a day texting or performing other activities on your phone, and if your upper back pain is accompanied by neck pain, you may have text neck.

5. Fibromyalgia

This is a chronic condition that can affect many parts of the body. Although the symptoms most often associated with fibromyalgia are pain and tenderness, it can also disrupt sleep and cause depression and anxiety.

Fibromyalgia is another cause of pain that may be brought on by psychological factors. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder is a known risk factor for fibromyalgia. You may also be at greater risk of developing fibromyalgia if you’ve suffered a previous injury or infection.

6. Injuries

You probably already know whether or not you’ve injured your upper back lately. Perhaps your job requires a lot of strenuous, repetitive arm movements. Or perhaps you felt a sudden flash of pain while exercising. In the latter case, your pain may resolve on its own within a few days. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you feel that a bone has shifted out of place, or if your pain gets worse or does not improve after a few days. If the pain is severe and interfering with your daily life, you should also speak to a doctor immediately.

In other cases, an injury can result in something more serious, such as a tear. Tears are muscle injuries that accumulate over time. The most common tear that affects the shoulders is a rotator cuff tear. Aside from pain, symptoms include weakness, decreased range of motion, and tenderness.

What to do for pain between shoulder blades: 8 treatments

There are numerous ways to treat pain between shoulder blades. These range from inexpensive at-home solutions to invasive treatments that require professional intervention. You should always talk with a doctor before starting any kind of treatment plan.

These are some of the more common treatments for upper back pain and shoulder blade pain that your doctor may recommend, or that you may wish to bring up to your doctor at your next appointment.

Above all, remember to be patient with yourself. Depending on the severity of your pain, it can take weeks or months for you to fully heal. Dealing with pain is tough, so don’t push yourself too hard, and ask for help and support when you need it.

Alter your routine

If you’re suffering from persistent or chronic pain between shoulder blades, you may need to alter your daily routine.

Repetitive movements are responsible for many cases of shoulder blade pain. If you engage in a hobby (e.g. tennis or violin playing) that involves a lot of repetitive shoulder movements, you might consider diversifying your leisure activities to give your shoulders a rest.

Further, if your job requires you to perform repetitive movements or put a lot of pressure on your shoulders, see if it’s possible to take some time off from work to recover. If your shoulder pain is particularly chronic and severe, talk to your boss about modifying your job duties.

In any event, your afterwork routine should definitely involve some TLC for your shoulder. The rest of this article contains several suggestions on how you can care for shoulder pain at home.

Change how you sleep

A good night’s rest is critical to maintaining good health. But shoulder blade pain can make it impossible to get any real sleep. In fact, lying on your injured shoulder can make pain worse.

To remedy this, find a sleeping position that feels good and stick with it. Moving around too much at night could further strain your shoulder.

Try heat and cold therapy

Heat and/or cold therapy is a common, relatively cheap, and often effective method of pain relief. Typically cold therapy is best after an acute injury. Hot therapy may help with types of chronic pain, like arthritis. Always talk to your doctor to see what would work best for you.

Something as simple as a hot shower may alleviate pain. Ice wraps and packs can also help. Regardless of which method you use, be careful not to allow the temperature to get too hot or too cold, and don’t keep the treatment on your skin for too long. You could end up burning yourself. If you use a store-bought product, be sure to follow all instructions.

Perform shoulder stretches and exercises

Stretching and exercising not only feel good, they can also reduce your shoulder pain in some cases. The cause of your pain between shoulder blades will dictate what kind of exercises you should do. For example, Heathline recommends a specific set of exercises to relieve text neck pain.

Speaking more generally, yoga is a gentle form of exercise that can increase flexibility and strength. Stronger muscles are better able to cope with everyday stressors and heal faster from injuries.

Whatever sort of exercise you choose to do, take it slow at first, especially if you aren’t used to regular exercise. The minute you feel sharp pain or discomfort, stop. You can either set a specific time to exercise every day, perform your exercises when your pain is at its lowest, or both.

Look into medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help you get through high-pain days, but don’t take more than the recommended dose and always take them under your doctor’s care.

If depression or another mental illness is the source of your shoulder pain, an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine may also help. Again, talk with your doctor or psychiatrist if this sounds like an option you wish to pursue.

Learn more about chiropractic care

Be sure to talk with your doctor before making an appointment with a chiropractor. Once you get the okay, you can begin researching chiropractors in your area. Your doctor may even refer you to someone.

A chiropractor can manipulate the joints that are bothering you, potentially providing much-needed pain relief. While there is not yet strong evidence to show chiropractic is effective in cases of shoulder pain, it is considered safe so long as the chiropractor has the proper training and experience. For some types of pain, this can be a helpful and noninvasive therapy to relieve pain.

Practice physical therapy

Physical therapists are specially trained to help you reduce and manage your pain. During your first visit with a physical therapist, they will examine you and determine which course of treatment will work best for you. Their recommendations may include any combination of the therapies mentioned previously in this post, in addition to any other treatments they deem necessary.

Regular appointments with a physical therapist can have many benefits, including pain reduction, increased strength, and increased range of motion in the affected area. Not only is physical therapy a common treatment in its own right, it is also helpful for patients recovering from surgery.

Consider shoulder injections and surgery for severe or chronic pain

The prospect of both of these treatments may sound scary, but the vast majority of cases involving pain between shoulder blades can be effectively treated with less drastic options. In the unlikely event that you do end up needing these treatments, here is what you can expect.

Cortisone injections are used to reduce inflammation in an affected area, such as the shoulder joint. They therefore tend to be recommended in cases of arthritis or bursitis, since these conditions both involve inflammation of the joints. Steroids can also be taken orally.

While generally safe, cortisone can have serious side effects if administered improperly. You’ll want to discuss this option thoroughly with your doctor before deciding whether or not cortisone injections are right for you.

Surgery may be necessary if your shoulder blade pain does not abate, gets worse over an extended period of time, or occurs due to a severe injury. For example, in extreme cases of bursitis, your doctor may recommend removing the bursa all together.

Again, surgery and injections are both last resorts. Your doctor will typically suggest less radical, noninvasive treatments before considering either of them. If you do undergo shoulder injections or surgery, you’ll likely complement the procedures with other less-invasive options like physical therapy, heat/cold therapy, and exercise. And, by using surgeries or injections, some patients can truly get their lives back after suffering in pain for years.

Get help

If you are in Arizona and want a life with less pain, click below to contact our team. We’re dedicated to helping our patients through a combination of minimally-invasive therapies and cutting-edge treatments to help them reduce pain and get back to their life.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Shoulder pain is an issue that affects between four and 26% of people in the U.S. every year. This highly mobile part of the body consists of multiple joints that are responsible for everything from lifting our arms over our heads to hugging our loved ones. If you are considering visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain, here’s what you need to know (and how it can help!).

The most common shoulder pain causes

Your shoulder joint – also referred to as the shoulder girdle – is a highly complex, incredibly mobile structure. It consists of two main joints (four joints total):

1. Acromioclavicular joint: The place where the clavicle (collarbone) and the shoulder blade (scapula) meet in the back of the body
2. Glenohumeral joint: What most people consider the shoulder, the area where the humerus (the upper arm bone) inserts into the socket of the shoulder (the glenoid cavity)

These two joints are surrounded by a complex configuration of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, including the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff includes four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and the subscapularis. These muscles not only help keep the humerus nestled into the glenoid cavity, but also help you to raise your arms above your head.

Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments connect muscles to each other, allowing for smooth movement. The shoulder joint capsule itself is lined with labrum, a soft tissue that molds to fit the head of the humerus. The glenohumeral joint also has bursa, a fluid-filled sack that eases movement and absorbs shock.

Finally, the nerves of your shoulder all pass through the armpit in a large complex called the brachial plexus. These nerves are responsible for all movement and pain signaling in the arms, hands, and shoulder.

Shoulder pain can occur at any time, sometimes worsening at night as the joint stiffens. Pain may feel like a dull ache or burning inside of the shoulder joint. Others may feel a sharp pain when moving in several different areas that could include the shoulder, the middle back between the shoulder blades, the neck, and the arm.

What causes shoulder pain?

Because of the complexity of the shoulder joint, there are a variety of shoulder pain causes. Here are eight of the most common. Understanding these major causes can help you understand which ones are most effectively treated by a chiropractor for shoulder pain.

1. Frozen shoulder

Also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition when the connective tissue in the shoulder becomes thick and tightens around the shoulder joint.

This condition is most common after an injury that restricts shoulder movement for a period of time.

2. Dislocated shoulder

Dislocated shoulder is an unfortunately common contact sports injury. The humerus pops out of the glenoid cavity. This can cause initial pain, but it can also be accompanied by numbness if nerves are affected.

Unfortunately, a shoulder that dislocates once is at risk for repeated dislocations.

3. Pinched nerve

If there are mechanical issues in your neck or in the shoulder joint itself, these may result in pinched or impinged nerves.

This pressure on any nerve, either the main branching one or smaller nerves that emanate from it, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, arms, and shoulder.

4. Rotator cuff injury

Ranging from minor irritation to a full-on tear, a rotator cuff injury can be caused by a slow deterioration of the muscles due to mechanical use, or it can occur with sudden trauma (e.g., as a result of a car accident).

Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common types of shoulder pain.

5. Arthritis

A conservative estimate of those affected by arthritis in the U.S. is 54 million adults. This can be a wear-and-tear condition like osteoarthritis, or it may be related to an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.

Regardless of the cause, arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in your shoulder that restricts movement and decreases your shoulder’s range of motion.

6. Shoulder bursitis

When the fluid-filled shoulder capsule becomes irritated or inflamed, you may develop shoulder bursitis. This condition occurs most frequently where the humerus connects in the glenoid cavity.

Bursitis pain can increase to the point where movement of your shoulder becomes nearly impossible. This restricted range of motion may also lead to frozen shoulder.

7. Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is a specific type of inflammation and irritation in either the biceps or rotator cuff tendons. This is often experienced by people who have occupations with repetitive motions, or in professional athletes who repeat the same motion in the course of practice or play.

Tendon injuries are notoriously painful and slow-healing.

8. Injury (strains and sprains)

Injury to the shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain. Working hard in the garden, playing too enthusiastically in your weekend pick-up basketball game, or lifting something heavy during a move can all cause shoulder pain.

How can a chiropractor for shoulder pain help?

Fortunately, chiropractic care for shoulder pain can be an effective, side-effect-free way to address many of the above conditions. Consider the following.

• A 2012 study of frozen shoulder saw 82% of cases either completely resolved or at least 75% resolved with care
• Chiropractic adjustment for shoulder impingement can be effective to relieve pain, weakness, and numbness in the extremities
• In cases where a shoulder dislocation becomes recurring shoulder instability, seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain can help reduce the chance of recurring shoulder dislocation
• Chiropractic for rotator cuff pain is a conservative pain management and rehabilitation strategy that has some good evidence of effectiveness

Seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain is an excellent way to explore conservative treatment options to improve range of motion and treat pain.

How does chiropractic care work?

Your chiropractor focuses on the skeleton and the way it aligns to help move the body through its daily tasks. By performing a variety of specific adjustments, both for overall alignment and to treat an acute condition, your chiropractor can help relieve pain caused by imbalance or injury to your skeleton.

In addition to being an effective alternative to more invasive treatments of shoulder pain, chiropractic care has few to no side effects and does not interact negatively with other treatments. Most chiropractors work with your other healthcare providers to coordinate their care for the best possible outcomes.

Chiropractic techniques

When treating shoulder pain, your chiropractor will design a treatment that may consist of hands-on adjustments or adjustments using specials tools or tables. The most common types of chiropractic adjustments for shoulder injuries in particular include the following.

• Articulatory: This type of chiropractic technique focuses on improving the range of motion in a specific joint – in this case, the shoulder joint. During your session, your chiropractor will move the joint through its existing range of motion while applying force to gradually increase it and improve shoulder mobility.
• Myofascial release: Myofascial release focuses on releasing tight connective tissues around the shoulder. These could be causing or contributing to frozen shoulder and other painful conditions that decrease your shoulder’s range of motion.
• Cervical spinal manipulation: The cervical spine can cause referred shoulder pain. Cervical spinal manipulation focuses on balancing the cervical vertebrae to decrease pain from pinched nerves.
• Functional technique: Functional technique is also used to improve a joint’s range of motion and decrease stiffness. Your chiropractor moves the shoulder to the end of its range of motion and then holds it there until they feel a release. Over time, this gentle pressure can loosen the joint capsule and relieve your stiffness.

In addition to the above techniques, your chiropractor may also use the direct thrust technique. While not specifically aimed at shoulder injury or other conditions, this technique uses a short, swift movement to bring the spine back into alignment. As chiropractors consider the whole skeletal system when designing a treatment plan, this type of chiropractic adjustment may be necessary to fully balance your body.

You can learn a bit more about different techniques in the following video.

What can I expect when visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain?

Your first visit to the chiropractor starts by them taking a complete medical history and conducting a physical exam. If you are visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain, they will move the joint through its range of motion and try to determine the area that is out of alignment.

To help with this, your chiropractor may order X-rays to determine if there are any other underlying issues before proceeding with treatment.

Your comfort is important during this whole process. There will be ample time to get all of your questions answered in your initial consultation. If you have never received chiropractic care before, your doctor will take the time to make sure you understand the techniques they plan to use before they begin.

Does chiropractic care hurt?

Many first-time patients are most concerned about pain when receiving an adjustment. After all, they may have only heard rumors about “back cracking,” a misnomer that nevertheless does not sound pleasant!

The truth is that patients rarely, if ever, experience discomfort when receiving chiropractic care. You may feel pressure when your doctor is using articulatory or functional techniques, but the goal is not to cause pain but to relieve it.

Some patients may experience mild muscle soreness after treatment. This generally occurs when you involuntarily clench your muscles in anticipation of movement and should be minor and temporary.

The best way to ensure a pain-free adjustment is to follow your doctor’s instructions during your appointment, breathing in and out and consciously relaxing.

How quickly will I feel better after?

As a general rule, it takes between one and four weeks to see improvements in your condition. This time frame for pain relief varies widely depending on the following:

• The condition treated
• How often you come for treatment
• Other underlying health conditions
• General overall health at the start of treatment
• Compliance with other treatment (e.g., physical therapy)

All that being said, some patients experience relief from pain after just one treatment. Your doctor can answer all of your questions concerning your specific treatment timelines and expectations for relief at your initial appointment.

Are there any side effects?

The research is in: side effects of chiropractic care are described as “rare and benign.” These rare and benign side effects may include:

• Discomfort in the treatment area
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea

It’s important to note that when these side effects are present, they generally occur at the very beginning of treatment and are less common as treatments continue.

Finally, while driving yourself to and from your chiropractic treatments is generally safe, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your concerns. Still not sure? Get a ride to your first appointment and see how you feel after.

Learn more

Seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain is just one aspect of a comprehensive pain management plan. At Arizona Pain, we can develop individualized treatment options just for you.

Get in touch today!

Has putting on clothes or reaching for something on a shelf become more difficult? Do you find yourself keeping your shoulder as still as possible to avoid the pain? If so, you may have frozen shoulder syndrome, a difficult and long-lasting but very treatable condition. Read on to learn more about frozen shoulder causes and what you can do to both reduce pain and increase range of motion.

What is frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder syndrome, also called adhesive capsulitis, is in many ways a mysterious ailment; the exact reasons why it develops are unknown. What we do know is that the pain and stiffness associated with a frozen shoulder originate in the shoulder joint capsule. This is the group of ligaments, or connective tissues, that attaches your shoulder to your arm. When the capsule becomes stiff or swollen, your shoulder freezes.

Pain caused by frozen shoulder syndrome progresses much differently than shoulder pain caused by other conditions. To start, it has three stages. The first and most painful stage, the freezing stage, is characterized by increasing pain and decreasing range of motion. The freezing stage can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.

Afterward, you will move into the frozen stage. Your pain will lessen, but immobility and stiffness increases. This stage generally lasts from four weeks to six months. Finally, in the thawing stage, symptoms begin to ease; your pain recedes and range of motion gradually improves. The thawing stage can take as little as six months and as long as two years.

All told, frozen shoulder syndrome takes anywhere from one to three years to run its course. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men, and middle-aged individuals are at greater risk than younger or older individuals.

What causes frozen shoulder? 9 potential causes

Some common, and uncommon, frozen shoulder causes are listed below. But even if you don’t fit the criteria described here, your shoulder can still freeze. As mentioned previously, the science behind frozen shoulder syndrome is still very much a mystery. If you think you may be suffering from this condition, talk to your doctor.

1. Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when your body either fails to produce insulin, which helps you digest glucose, or cannot properly absorb the insulin it makes. Early symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, and more.

Diabetes can wreak havoc on your body, especially when it’s left untreated. In fact, diabetics are five times more likely to develop frozen shoulder syndrome than people without diabetes.

2. Injury

When you hurt your shoulder, your doctor will often (and correctly) tell you to immobilize it for a while. This is to ensure that you don’t reinjure your shoulder while it’s trying to heal. In some cases, however, this period of immobility can cause your shoulder to freeze.

It doesn’t matter what kind of shoulder injury you have. Any injury may leave you susceptible to frozen shoulder syndrome. This is especially true if you don’t receive proper post-injury treatment. If you have recently recovered from a shoulder injury, it’s important to go to physical therapy and to follow the exact regimen your physical therapist gives you.

3. Thyroid problems

The thyroid is a gland in the front of your neck. When your doctor feels your neck during a physical exam, one of the things they are checking for is swelling in the thyroid gland.

The thyroid’s main job is to produce hormones that give you energy and keep your organs functioning. When your thyroid ceases to function efficiently, it can affect not only your overall health but your shoulder specifically. A 2008 study found that, out of 126 new frozen shoulder patients, 13.5% suffered from a thyroid disorder.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones. Common symptoms include swelling, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and weight loss. Hypothyroidism is the exact opposite condition: your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. It can result in fatigue, depression, dry skin, and other symptoms.

4. Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions

Arthritis is a painful condition that causes inflamed, stiff joints. It is very common, with over 100 types that affect over 54 million adults in the United States. If it affects the shoulder, arthritis can increase your risk of frozen shoulder syndrome. Your chances of developing arthritis increase with age, but some kinds of arthritis affect even children.

Arthritis is not the only chronic condition that leads to joint stiffness and swelling. Fibromyalgia, lupus, polycythemia vera, and others can affect the shoulders. This in turn increases your chances of developing frozen shoulder syndrome.

The three non-arthritis conditions listed in this section have joint pain in common, but each feels quite different in other respects.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that is accompanied by fatigue and mood disorders; symptoms may worsen during cold weather. No one knows how or why fibromyalgia develops.

Lupus is a disorder in which your autoimmune system attacks healthy tissue rather than harmful entities like viruses. This leads to a whole host of health problems, including joint stiffness, fevers, depression and anxiety, and poor circulation.

Polycythemia vera is a rare bone cancer characterized by fevers, vertigo, headaches, weight loss, and other symptoms.

5. Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a catchall term for various heart ailments, including heart disease, arrythmia, valve problems, stroke, and others.

One big reason why cardiovascular disease contributes to frozen shoulder syndrome is immobility. Like with shoulder injuries, recovering from cardiovascular disease often involves keeping your arm still for a period of time.

For example, if you’ve had a stroke, you may not be able to move your arm at all. And if you’ve had heart surgery, you will need to take it easy for several weeks, after which you will slowly build up to a normal activity level. Physical therapy can help you recover from both of these circumstances.

Interestingly, according to the same 2008 study mentioned earlier, heart-related conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol were not shown to increase patients’ risk of frozen shoulder syndrome.

Other causes

Other frozen shoulder causes include the following:

• Hormone imbalance
• Parkinson’s disease
• Tuberculosis
• Dupuytren’s contracture

What are the first signs of frozen shoulder?

One of the first frozen shoulder symptoms people notice tends to be a dull pain or ache that flares up any time they try to move the shoulder. You may also have neck pain and arm pain, because your neck and arm are so close to your shoulder. Sometimes, frozen shoulder symptoms get worse at night, making it difficult to fall asleep.

While reduced range of motion is a hallmark of frozen shoulder syndrome, it is not associated with the early stages of the condition. You probably won’t notice your range of motion decreasing until later on. This is because your range of motion gets worse the longer the scar tissue builds up in the shoulder capsule, and the longer you keep your shoulder still in response to the pain.

If you think you may have frozen shoulder syndrome, make an appointment with your doctor so they can examine and diagnose you. A frozen shoulder test involves multiple parts. First and foremost, you doctor will assess your range of motion by moving the shoulder in different directions. They will ask for your medical history and may even order X-rays. Other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are rarely used in frozen shoulder cases.

Once your doctor feels comfortable making a diagnosis, they will prescribe treatment. This will likely include some of the remedies listed below.

What are common frozen shoulder treatments?

Frozen shoulder syndrome is frustrating and very painful, but it is treatable. The key is patience. Recovering from a frozen shoulder is a long process. It can take months or even years to regain full, pain-free range of motion. Just remember that even your worst days are progress, bringing you one step closer to recovery.

You should, of course, do your due diligence and research frozen shoulder treatments to see which ones sound like a good fit for your lifestyle. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any frozen shoulder treatments. Not all treatments are safe for all people. Work closely with your physician to devise a plan that’s safe and effective for you.

Stretches and exercise

The really insidious part of frozen shoulder syndrome is that the pain makes you want to move your shoulder as little as possible, and yet regular movement is a critical part of treatment! Not moving your shoulder allows scar tissue to develop. The more scar tissue you have, the more limited your range of motion becomes.

That’s why it’s so important to exercise your shoulder on a regular basis (if approved by your doctor). Start slow and easy, and don’t push yourself too hard. If you feel pain, stop at once. Exercising may be difficult at first, since moving your shoulder is so painful. But stick with it! Frozen shoulder syndrome does get better over time, and your exercise routine will help your shoulder improve quicker.

Massage

Massage is another good way to help loosen up a frozen shoulder. You can get professional massages if you have the money and the inclination, but self-massage can help as well.

Teach yourself a few techniques and set aside some time every day to go through them. Many self-massage techniques can be performed with no special equipment, or with the aid of common household items, like a hand towel. Again, check with your doctor before starting massage treatment.

Heat/cold therapy

A simple but reliable method of pain relief is the strategic application of heat and cold. Heat therapy works best if you are looking to increase range of motion. Cold therapy is better for decreasing inflammation and swelling. As such, each can provide relief for different frozen shoulder symptoms.

There are many products on the market designed to provide heat or cold therapy. You may certainly use these if you wish, but homemade applications can work as well. Some ice wrapped in a towel or a hot shower will feel very good after a long day!

Medication and injections

Over-the-counter medications can help manage frozen shoulder pain.

If these medicines aren’t strong enough to ease your symptoms, your doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger. In some cases, this involves corticosteroid injections, which reduce inflammation. You can learn more about steroid injections in the following procedure video.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy combines several treatment options into an individualized plan. A physical therapist will assess your shoulder and provide guidance on how to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

After the initial appointment or two, you will likely be able to continue many recommended treatments—such as special exercises and stretches—at home by yourself.

Other treatments

If the above treatments aren’t working for you, there are more radical treatments you can try. Hydrodilation, for example, involves injecting fluid into the shoulder, causing the shoulder capsule to swell and loosen up.

In rare cases, surgery may reduce scar tissue and restore mobility. There are two surgical procedures typically performed, either independent of or in conjunction with each other, on frozen shoulder patients: arthroscopy and manipulation.

During an arthroscopy, your surgeon cuts a small incision into the worst of the scar tissue, increasing your range of motion. Manipulation is a procedure during which the doctor anesthetizes you and moves your shoulder around until the accumulated scar tissue tears, allowing freer movement.

Post-surgery, you will have to undergo physical therapy to restore full range of motion. Patients who undergo these surgeries generally see good results. However, these treatments are a last resort to be used only if other treatments have failed. Most people with frozen shoulders recover well with more conservative remedies.

If you live in Arizona and need help managing your frozen shoulder pain, click below to get in touch with one of our pain specialists at Arizona Pain. We can help.

Shoulder pain from a frozen shoulder can make it difficult to move, but a frozen shoulder will typically only worsen if you stop using it. This is when a frozen shoulder massage or stretches can be beneficial. While it may be difficult, especially at first, keep moving in order to keep your shoulder from completely freezing. Always check with your doctor first, but once you get the okay, here are some massages and stretches you may be able to do.

Do I have frozen shoulder syndrome?

Frozen shoulder syndrome (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that occurs when the range of motion in your shoulder joint is so limited that it feels almost as if the shoulder is frozen in place. At the extreme end of this condition, patients are unable to move their shoulder at all. There may be intense shoulder pain as a result, and daily activities may be impossible to complete.

The cause of this type of pain is usually trauma, repetitive motions, or disuse. If a person stops using their shoulder due to pain or injury, it will naturally become stiff. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or stroke may also cause someone to stop using their shoulder. Scar tissue can begin to develop in the shoulder capsule, effectively “freezing” it in place. The shoulder capsule then becomes inflamed and extremely painful to move.

If you believe you have a frozen shoulder, your doctor will do a thorough medical exam. This may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. You will also need to provide a detailed medical history that focuses on previous injuries or family history of medical conditions that put you at a higher risk for developing frozen shoulder syndrome.

Risk factors

While anyone can develop frozen shoulder syndrome, it occurs most often in people between the ages of 40 and 70. Other risk factors of frozen shoulder syndrome include:

• Gender: Women are more likely than men to have frozen shoulder syndrome.
• Injury or immobility: Rotator cuff injuries, broken arms, stroke, or recovery after surgery on the arm, hand, or shoulder itself can all result in prolonged disuse. This can lead to frozen shoulder syndrome.
• Disease: Doctors are not sure why certain diseases put patients at risk. These diseases include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and tuberculosis. Diabetes in particular increases your risk. Ten to 20% of diabetes patients will develop this condition at some point.

Stages of frozen shoulder syndrome

There are three stages to frozen shoulder syndrome, each of which has its own symptoms.

Stage 1: Freezing

As this stage begins, patients may experience increasing pain in their shoulder accompanied by decreasing range of motion.

In response to the increased pain, patients may stop moving their shoulder, which only exacerbates the condition. This stage can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.

Stage 2: Frozen

During this stage, patients may not experience much pain, but movement may become impossible.

Range of motion is greatly diminished or disappears completely, even to lift the arm up a few inches. Daily life becomes challenging during this stage.

Stage 3: Thawing

This recovery period of frozen shoulder syndrome can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the severity and amount of scar tissue built up.

Shoulder range of motion gradually returns to normal. Pain decreases substantially or is eliminated entirely once inflammation is under control.

How frozen shoulder massage or stretches can help

Massage therapy and routine stretches can significantly improve your pain associated with frozen shoulder syndrome.

By increasing blood flow to the area, your muscles can relax and inflammation will improve. This can reduce swelling and tenderness, not just in the shoulder, but also in the surrounding area. The decrease in pain typically leads to increased range of motion.

How to perform a frozen shoulder massage yourself

While massages are beneficial for frozen shoulder, it may not be possible to get them from a professional on a regular basis. Professional massages can be expensive and time consuming, making it difficult to maintain. For this reason, many people learn how to perform a frozen shoulder massage at home.

Note: Make sure to check with your doctor before adding any of these massages to your routine.

To start, one of the best ways to perform a shoulder massage is by using a foam roller. Place it underneath the armpit of your affected arm and lean on a counter or table. Extend your arm out as if you’re reaching for something and gently roll back and forth to loosen the muscles in your shoulder. You can also use this tool to gently massage your shoulder by placing it in between your shoulder and neck. See an example of this in the following video.

If you prefer not to use a foam roller, an effective method of massage for frozen shoulder involves massaging the arm and shoulder with your good hand. While you massage the shoulder muscles, slowly move your arm through a wide range of motion to gently stretch the muscles in your shoulder, as well as the surrounding area.

Some patients also find relief by using various electronic massage tools. They come in different shapes and sizes and usually operate with pulsating or vibrating movements. This can put pressure on trigger points in your shoulder, easing tension and improving circulation in the area. If you have limited range of motion because of the pain you’re experiencing, this can be a helpful option.

10 frozen shoulder stretch routines

As with any physical routine, talk to your doctor before taking up a new regimen. While it’s good to push yourself to recover, it’s important to avoid further injury.

Try the following frozen shoulder stretches at home once approved. Repeat each ten to 20 times per day, according to your own pace and pain level.

1. Pendulum stretch

For those with extreme pain, the pendulum stretch is a way to naturally relieve the day-to-day strain on your shoulder muscle.

Allow your affected arm to hang down and gently move in a circular motion. As you make progress in your recovery, feel free to gradually widen the circle or add a small dumbbell to your routine. It helps to put one hand on a table or hard surface while leaning over.

2. Fingertip walk

Start by facing a wall, standing about three-quarters of an arm’s length away. Starting at waist level, slowly walk your fingers up the wall until you’ve gone as high as your pain level will allow.

Your elbows should be slightly bent and your fingertips should be doing the work (not your shoulder).

3. Towel stretch

Hold each end of a hand towel behind your back in a horizontal position. Use your good arm to pull the affected arm upward, giving it a lengthening stretch.

If you feel like you need a deeper stretch, drape the towel over your good shoulder and use your affected arm to gently pull the towel down towards your lower back.

4. Chest opener

Stand with your affected shoulder near a wall, about one foot away. Place your hand against the wall at about chest level. Keeping the palm of your hand flat against the wall, slowly turn away from the wall as far as you can. When you reach that point, pause and take a deep breath before turning back towards the wall.

The following video shows how to do this and the previous two stretches.

5. Cross-body stretch

This particular stretch can be done sitting or standing. Simply take your affected arm and reach across the front of your body.

Use your unaffected hand to gently lift your arm at the elbow exerting gentle pressure.

6. Armpit stretch

Find a shelf or counter that is about chest-high. Lay both arms on the surface with your palms facing down. Slowly bend your knees to stretch the armpit area.

Try to increase your bend a little more each time.

7. Overhead stretch

First, lay flat on your back with your arms by your side. While taking a deep breath in, slowly lift your arms up over your head as far as you can.

Take a breath and slowly lower your arms back down. Gradually increase your stretch by reaching farther each time.

8. Outward rotation

Hold a rubber exercise band between your hands. Keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle and close to your sides. Gently rotate the lower part of your affected arm outward and hold it for five seconds.

Aim to rotate your arm about two to three inches.

9. Inward rotation

Using the same rubber exercise band, stand next to a closed door and put one end of the band around the door knob. Hold the other end of the band with the hand of your affected arm and gently pull the band toward your body about two to three inches.

Again, your arm should be at a 90-degree angle. Aim to hold this position for five seconds.

10. Puppy pose

If you’ve ever done yoga, puppy pose will be familiar to you. It’s really a cross between child’s pose and downward-facing dog.

Start on all fours with your shoulders above your wrists and your hips above your knees. Breathe while slowly walking your hands forward, keeping your hips above your knees. When you reach as far as you can go, release your chest or your chin to the ground. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute in order to let your spine and arms lengthen.

Other frozen shoulder treatments

If you’re interested in adding to your daily routine of exercises and self-massage, there are other non-invasive treatment options you can try. The following activities may help relieve pain associated with frozen shoulder:

• Yoga: Gentle exercise can increase your range of motion and help loosen scar tissue. Yoga is a great way to stretch, whether at home or in a group class. Be sure to modify when necessary to avoid further injury.
• Swimming: Water-based exercise or therapy is another beneficial activity if you are experiencing limited range of motion due to pain. Swimming and even gentle water aerobics are non-weight-bearing activities that can take pressure off your shoulder.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help design an exercise plan to open up the shoulder joint. Exercises may be similar to the ones discussed here, but done in a controlled manner. A therapist is especially useful when you’re suffering from severe or chronic shoulder pain.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractors use alignment techniques to ease the symptoms associated with frozen shoulder syndrome. In many cases, chiropractic care is a great way to prevent frozen shoulder before it happens, if you believe you may be at risk.

Interventional treatments

If you have a severe case of frozen shoulder, talk to your doctor about steroid injections. This type of injection can reduce inflammation and pain so that you can begin to exercise or undergo physical therapy to break up scar tissue.

When all other options have been unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are two main surgeries associated with frozen shoulder syndrome. Manipulation is when a doctor places you under anesthesia so that they can physically move the arm in the socket to break up scar tissue. Arthroscopic capsular release involves cutting through tight tendons and tissues to release what’s holding your shoulder.

Surgery is a last resort. The vast majority of patients will find relief using massages, stretches, or other complementary therapies.

Find help

If your shoulder pain persists day and night, interrupting your everyday activities, it’s probably time to talk to a doctor. If you’re in the Arizona area, our doctors at Arizona Pain can help you get on the road to recovery.

Our team consists of highly qualified chiropractors, pain specialists, and more. We strive to help our patients alleviate their pain, as well as provide solutions for future options.

If you’re ready to learn more about treatment options for your frozen shoulder pain, reach out to one of our pain specialists today.

Shoulder pain at night is a very common issue among chronic pain sufferers. The shoulder is one of the most vulnerable joints as it has such a wide range of motion, which opens it up to various injuries and problems. So, why are you experiencing shoulder pain at night and what can you do to find relief? We discuss five treatment options ranging from shoulder stretches to chiropractic to interventional procedures.

Issues associated with shoulder pain at night

On top of the pain, most people with shoulder pain at night sleep poorly, which has a completely different set of problems associated with it. These can include:

• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Low energy
• Mood disorders

Sleeplessness can become a vicious cycle of decreasing sleep and increased pain, which will only make your condition worse.

Causes of shoulder pain when night

Although many shoulder disorders can cause pain, the most common cause of shoulder pain at night comes from rotator cuff tendinitis. It usually is caused by irritation of the shoulder tendons leading to inflammation and pain. This condition can be caused by many things, including:

• Tears
• Poor posture
• Overexertion
• Repetitive work injuries
• Aging

Rotator cuff tendinitis is known to affect millions of people in the U.S. each year and is a major cause of shoulder pain when sleeping.

Some of the other causes of shoulder pain at night are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder dislocation

Why exactly does the pain increase at night even though it might be fine during the day?

Why do I have shoulder pain at night only? 

While this nighttime shoulder pain cannot always be explained, a lot of the pain comes down to:

• Being still at night
• Unrelieved tension and stress from the day
• The sleeping position you choose
• Your mattress

During the day, the shoulder is being actively used while you are in a vertical position. The tendons engage and are pulled downward by gravity, which allows space to be made in the muscle groups in the shoulder. This additional space allows for an increase in blood flow and oxygen that alleviates the stiffness and pain that would be present otherwise.

When you lay down to rest or sleep at night, you are generally in a horizontal position. This removes the effect of gravity and allows the shoulder muscles to relax. The lack of movement and the relaxation of the muscles allows the fluids in your joints to settle and decreases the flow of blood, allowing the joint to become inflamed. People also tend to lie on their shoulder while sleeping, which can compress the joint even further, and thereby worsening the inflammation.

How-to relieve shoulder pain at night

If your shoulder pain is worse at night, there are ways to ease your pain.

1. Find a better sleeping position 

The first course of action to relieve shoulder pain at night is to find a good sleeping position for you. Tossing and turning at night is normal for most people, but can agitate your shoulder if you land on it wrong. Sleeping on the opposite shoulder can help avoid this pain, but try not to sleep on your back.

If the pain persists, you can always trying wrapping your arm or wearing a sling to assist in preventing movement during sleep. Sleeping with a pillow under your knees can help alleviate any associated back pain.

2. Stick to a sleep schedule 

Along with fixing your position while sleeping, always make sure to try to stick to a sleeping schedule. Good sleep hygiene can make all the difference in your sleeping patterns. Having a consistent bedtime ritual that helps wind you down at the end of the day can do wonders in terms of reducing stress and tension, and improving sleep length and quality.

Try something relaxing before bed like a shower and make sure you fall asleep in a dark room with no electronics. Medication can also help you sleep, but be cautious of how often you use them. Constantly requiring sleep aids can be a major sign of a problem and the more you use over-the-counter drugs, the more you will need to be effective. In addition, if you’re using other medications, they may react poorly with the sleep aids.

3. Perform stretches for shoulder pain at night 

Exercising a few hours before bed can also be useful as it will increase blood flow throughout the whole body. This can alleviate pain, but also relax you enough to ease sleeping troubles. Try something low impact like a brisk walk or a bike ride, and then allow your body to cool down again before going to bed.

Further, certain shoulder stretches can help you reduce the tension and stress that has built up during the day. Not only are shoulder stretches an easy option, but they take only a few minutes at night. Stretching has huge health benefits like increasing flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow. Another big plus is that they are simple to do in your own home and require no special equipment. Before you go to bed, try these seven shoulder stretches to alleviate some tension and reduce your stress.

Shoulder stretch basics

If you start to feel pain at any time during a stretch, stop immediately. Stretching should be done to the point of mild strain. If you experience pain, you are going too hard and could injure yourself. This is especially true if the pain is sharp or sudden. It is a good idea for chronic pain sufferers to consult a pain doctor before starting too strenuous of a stretching routine as overexertion could exacerbate certain conditions.

For best results, always warm your muscles up a little before stretching. For the following stretches, it is best to do each for approximately 30 seconds to one minute for maximum effect. Also, make sure you are steadily breathing in and out in a controlled manner.

Chin retractions

This is a quick stretch that is great if you spend way too much time staring at a computer monitor. Slowly extend your neck outward, making sure your keep your chin parallel with the floor. Then, pull it back in to a neutral position that is straight with your spine, slightly tucking the chin in. Repeat.

Eagle arms

Sit in a cross-legged position on the ground. Extend your arms in front of you and place your left elbow in the crook of the right arm. Now, bend your elbows back so your hands are touching. Hook one hand over the other so that your palms are facing each other.

For this stretch, you should keep your palms together, elbows lifted in a 90 degree angle, and your hands in front of your face. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and down. You should feel a powerful stretch in your shoulder blades as well as the lower part of your neck. After this, change arms by placing your right elbow in the crook of your left arm and repeating.

Cow-face pose

Take your right arm and reach over your shoulder aiming to lay your palm in-between your shoulder blades. Then take your left arm and reach up your back (not over the shoulder) also placing the hand between the shoulder blades. Try to interlock your hands and pull slightly.

If you are having trouble interlocking your hands, you can modify this stretch. Keep a towel or something similar in your top hand, and then grasp it with your bottom hand instead of clasping the hands together. Gently pull with each arm to feel your shoulders start to open up.

Standing wall stretch

While standing tall, reach out and place both of your hands on a wall. Walk your feet back until the arms are straight, but don’t let your arms reach too far above your head. Make sure you keep the shoulder blades open and relaxed downwards during the whole stretch. Also, avoid pushing against the wall and don’t allow your shoulders to press up and into your neck.

Shoulder blade stretch

Start by spreading your feet, so they are shoulder-width apart. Raise your arms above your head as far as possible and bring your palms together. Now, simply twist your waist by bringing one shoulder forward and simultaneously pulling the opposite shoulder back. Hold this stretch and then switch sides.

Half-dragon fly

This stretch begins by lying face down on your stomach. First, place your right hand palm down on the floor like you are starting a pushup. Next, lift your chest slightly and slide your left arm under your chest. Finally, square your chest with the floor and lower on top of your arm. Hold this position and then switch your arms.

If you want a deeper stretch in this position, you can move on to the full dragonfly. This is accomplished by lying on your stomach face-down. Crisscross both arms near the collar bones and straighten your arms out as far as possible. Then, allow your body to drape onto your arms.

Triangle

Stand your feet hip-width apart. Turn your right foot forward. Turn the left foot so it is perpendicular with the right and raise both arms to shoulder level straight out from the body.Stretch your right arm up and forward, pulling your body up slightly. Then slowly lower the chest forward over the right leg until it is parallel with the ground. Place your hand on your thigh or calf, while avoiding placing it on the knee directly. Try to keep as little weight in your hand as possible, focusing on keeping yourself upright with your core instead. Extend the left arm completely upward towards the ceiling, if it feels comfortable. Finally, turn your head upwards towards the ceiling or down towards the ground for an additional neck stretch.

4. Try yoga poses for neck pain

Since shoulder pain at night is often related to neck pain, trying the following yoga poses for neck pain could also help relieve your pain. This video also demonstrates the triangle shoulder stretch.

5. Talk to a pain doctor about interventional therapies 

If these natural treatments don’t work to relieve your shoulder pain at night, it may be time to talk to a pain doctor. They can help diagnose the exact cause of your shoulder pain. If your pain isn’t due to an acute injury or fracture, they may suggest interventional treatments for chronic pain.

These shoulder pain at night treatments include:

• Physical therapy to increase flexibility and reduce pressure on your joint
• Chiropractic care to increase mobility and loosen tension
• A regimen of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Joint injections that can relieve nerve irritation
• Surgery, but only for the most severe cases of shoulder pain at night

If more conservative treatments like chiropractic care or physical therapy haven’t worked, a joint injection provides a minimally-invasive treatment that doesn’t require surgery. You can learn more about this approach in the following video (while not a shoulder injection, it does showcase a knee joint injection using a similar approach).

Signs to watch for

It’s always best to consult a medical professional before starting any kind of treatment for shoulder pain. A proper diagnosis is always critical, so you may need an examination and other tests, such as an MRI or X-ray.

Shoulder joint pain can come from many different causes, but they share many similar symptoms such as being tender or warm to the touch. You should always talk to your physician if you are experiencing:

• Excessive stiffness, pain, or swelling in your shoulders
• Difficulty moving your shoulder or performing daily activities due to pain

Some types of shoulder pain such as arthritis can cause permanent damage, which can be mitigated if caught early enough.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately:

• You begin to experience a fever or chills
• If severe shoulder pain is constant for more than four days or intermittently for two weeks
• You start losing weight without reason
• You have excessive night sweats

It is important to have these symptoms checked as soon as possible as these can be symptoms of serious conditions that should be treated immediately.

Do you experience increased shoulder pain at night? If you’re ready to learn more about treatment options that could work for you, reach out to one of our pain specialists.

The shoulder joint allows us to do everything from hugging our children to putting groceries in the car. Rather than one joint working in isolation with limited movement, the shoulder enjoys a wide range of motion – the widest of any joint in the body. When shoulder pain strikes, we quickly understand how important (and well-used) the shoulder joint is. Shoulder bursitis is a common ailment for many people, with symptoms ranging from a minor inconvenience to completely debilitating pain. As with the condition itself, shoulder bursitis treatments may be minor (changes to your routine) to more involved (full-blown surgical intervention). Here are nine at-home and advanced interventional shoulder bursitis treatments to consider.

What is shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is best understood in the context of shoulder anatomy. Three bones meet to make up the shoulder:

• The humerus (upper arm bone)
• The scapula (shoulder blade)
• The clavicle (collarbones)

The shoulder joint itself is a ball-and-socket joint that is part of the larger anatomy of what is known as the shoulder girdle (or shoulder capsule). This entire structure consists of four joints.

• The shoulder joint: Also called the glenohumeral joint, with a ball-and-socket movement where the humerus fits into the scapula
• The acromioclavicular (AC) joint: The point where the scapula meets the clavicle (this forms what is known as the “roof” of the shoulder)
• The sternoclavicular (SC) joint: The connection between the clavicle and the sternum
• The scapulothoracic joint: The attachment between the scapula and the ribs at the back

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that surrounds the shoulders, giving it support and allowing it a free range of motion. Ligaments and tendons further stabilize all four joints, attaching muscle to bone (tendons) and bone to bone (ligaments). The cup-like glenohumeral joint receives the humerus and helps it to glide smoothly with a lining of cartilage. Further cushioning and easing your movements are small, fluid-filled sacs called bursa.

With so many moving parts, shoulder injuries and pain are one of the more common upper body pain conditions. Of these, shoulder bursitis, also called rotator cuff tendonitis or impingement syndrome, is arguably the most common. Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa become irritated and inflamed. Depending on the severity, this inflammation can completely shut down mobility in your shoulder.

What causes shoulder bursitis?

The most common cause of shoulder bursitis is any activity that involves repetitive motion, especially overhead. Baseball players, tennis pros, and golfers are frequently diagnosed with shoulder bursitis.

If your job requires kneeling or reaching overhead repeatedly (i.e., cleaning floors or hanging drywall), you are at a higher risk for shoulder bursitis as well. Leaning for long periods of time on the elbows can also irritate the bursa and lead to shoulder bursitis.

Finally, injury or trauma to the joint can cause shoulder bursitis. This includes car accidents, falls, or blows to the shoulder in contact sports. In some cases, shoulder bursitis develops some time after the injury occurs, perhaps in response to the healing process or as a result of restricted movement. This is not to be confused with frozen shoulder (a condition that affects the connective tissue in the shoulder, not the bursa.)

Shoulder bursitis can occur in anyone at any age but most commonly affects older adults. People with other health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes are also more at risk.

Do I have shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis symptoms are typically worse at night after a long day of activity, or in the morning when the shoulder has been still for a long period of time. The most common area for shoulder bursitis is the subacromial bursa. Inflammation in this area causes pain when the arms lift overhead.

Other shoulder bursitis symptoms include:

• Range of motion that is restricted by pain
• Swelling and redness in and around the shoulder joint
• Pain at the tip of the shoulder
• Pain upon contact

In severe cases, pain may be accompanied by fever, which may indicate an infection of the bursa. Infection can become serious and should be treated urgently.

Your doctor will start your shoulder bursitis diagnosis by asking about your medical history and conducting a physical exam. Your doctor will test your range of motion and feel for swelling or warmth that indicates inflammation in the joint.

If, other than pain, there are no other physical symptoms, your doctor may recommend imaging to rule out other causes. X-rays cannot detect inflamed bursa but can verify that there is no damage in the bones. MRIs can see soft and connective tissue and may be able to help with a diagnosis.

In cases where they suspect an infection, your doctor may order blood tests to look for elevated white blood cells that indicate an immune response to infection. If there is fluid on the shoulder, this fluid can also be analyzed to confirm a diagnosis (or rule out other conditions).

Will shoulder bursitis go away on its own?

If nothing changes, shoulder bursitis will, at best, stay the same. When the bursa are inflamed and irritated, continuing with the same activity usually makes the problem worse. This does not mean all movement needs to stop. There are a variety of shoulder bursitis treatments at home and shoulder bursitis exercises that can help ease symptoms and treat pain and inflammation. These are best done after a diagnosis, though, and under the guidance of your doctor.

Regardless of treatment, shoulder bursitis recovery time will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and any underlying health conditions.

How to treat shoulder bursitis: 9 treatments

At-home shoulder bursitis treatments are often adequate to treat shoulder bursitis symptoms and heal your pain and inflammation. The following five at-home treatments are a great place to start to ease pain while keeping a good range of motion. More interventional techniques are discussed after.

1. Rest

In the acute phase, you should rest your shoulder. This means limiting the activity that lead to the inflammation. Restricting extreme overhead motion (e.g., playing tennis or any activity that has your arms raised overhead) for a few days can give the inflammation a chance to recede.

In some cases, immobilizing the arm completely with a sling may be necessary. Typically, you’ll combine rest with other at-home shoulder bursitis treatments.

2. Ice

Also in the acute phase, ice can help calm inflammation and offer acute pain relief.

Applying ice packs in a 20-minute on, 20-minute off schedule for the first 24 hours may also provide significant (if chilly!) pain relief.

3. Warmth

After the first 24 hours, warming pads and hot baths can help keep blood flowing in the shoulder capsule and also provide significant pain relief.

4. Medications

The best medications for shoulder bursitis are usually over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. These control both pain and inflammation. Even though they are sold over the counter, it is important to take them only as directed.

If an infection is suspected, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. Take these as directed as well, making sure to finish the entire course (even when your shoulder begins to feel better).

5. Shoulder bursitis stretches

Once the inflammation and pain subsides somewhat, shoulder bursitis stretches can help restore (and increase) your range of motion for better shoulder health. These are low-impact stretches that can be done every day. You may want to complete these shoulder bursitis exercises for both shoulders to stay balanced in your range of motion. Note: only perform these stretches after getting approval from your doctor.

Shoulder circles

Stand (or sit in a chair with both feet flat on the ground). On an inhale, lift both shoulders towards your ears and pause at the top of the inhale. Exhale and circle your shoulders back and down, feeling the shoulder blades come together on your back. Repeat five to ten times daily.

Hand presses

Stand with your injured shoulder next to the wall. Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Press the back of the hand against the wall and hold for five seconds. Repeat five to 15 times daily.

Strap stretches

Take a strap or a belt between your hands, wider than your shoulders and with your palms facing down. On an inhale, keep your arms straight but raise your arms above your head. Hold for five seconds, then slowly lower. Repeat five to ten times. As your shoulder heals, you can exhale and lower the arms behind the body (making them as wide as needed to keep the arms straight), then inhale to bring them back up and overhead to the front.

Shoulder opener

Stand facing a wall (the front of your body should be touching the wall). Raise the arm with the injured shoulder with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and place it on the wall (palm facing the wall). Slowly begin to turn your body so that the raised arm is flat on the wall, but your body is opening away from the wall. Stop when you feel a good stretch then breathe there for ten breaths. Stretch the other shoulder the same way, then repeat two more times on each side.

Whichever stretches you complete, take your time and be patient with your healing. Moving too quickly or ignoring extreme pain can only prolong the healing process or exacerbate your shoulder bursitis, so proceed with caution.

6. Physical therapy

The best shoulder bursitis treatment approaches combine at-home treatments with further intervention when needed. Here’s what you can expect.

A physical therapist can work with you to correct any underlying mechanical issues that may have caused your inflammation.

This means working to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder while adding range of motion exercises and proper alignment techniques to support the shoulder and prevent further injury.

7. Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care uses spinal manipulations to safely realign the spine.

This may help address any issues in the shoulder that are caused by misalignment of the vertebrae anywhere along the spine, but especially in the upper portions.

8. Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses the principles of traditional Chinese medicine to clear up blocked channels in the energy meridians of the body.

During this procedure, hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points in the body depending on what condition is being treated. Initial studies show clinically significant decreases in shoulder pain when compared to sham acupuncture treatments.

9. Interventional treatments and surgery

In some cases, joint injections to relieve pain and inflammation may be recommended, but this is not considered a first-line treatment and is generally only utilized when conservative measures have failed. However, for those who are experiencing severe or chronic pain, shoulder injections can help manage their pain while undergoing other treatments like physical therapy.

For extreme and chronic shoulder bursitis that does not resolve after six months of treatment, surgery to drain the bursa (or remove them altogether) may be explored.

If you are looking for shoulder bursitis treatments in Arizona, give the pain specialists at Arizona Pain a call. We can design a personalized treatment plan that will get you back to doing the things you love!

These days, many of us are spending a lot more time looking forward. While planning ahead and considering the future is a positive thing, when it comes to your neck, too much of a forward focus can be a bad thing. A forward head posture is more common as we hunch over our phones, laptops, and steering wheels with increasing frequency. The resulting “nerd neck” can bring with it pain and tension up and down the spine. How to fix nerd neck and still meet the demands of daily life? Here are some of the best approaches to easing the pain of a forward head posture.

What is nerd neck?

Nerd neck, also known as text neck or tech neck, is a forward head posture where the skull actually floats one or more inches in front of the cervical spine. Our cervical spine has a natural gentle curve forward and up to catch the base of the skull, but nerd neck exaggerates that curve.

In addition to this exaggeration, most people with nerd neck also tilt their head back, lifting their chin slightly. This places pressure on the upper cervical vertebrae as well.

This exaggeration and pressure have disastrous effects. The spine is beautifully designed as the body’s support structure, keeping us centered and aligned to provide balance in our body. With a forward head posture, the weight of the head throws this balance off. For every inch your head moves forward out of alignment, your shoulders carry an additional ten pounds of pressure.

Imagine carrying a small toddler on your back up the stairs to bed. Pretty easy, right?

Now imagine carrying that same toddler around all day long. Sitting at a desk, walking down the street, shopping for groceries. That toddler adds significant strain and pressure on your entire body, starting with the sides of the neck and shoulders and moving down the lower back. You might find yourself with increasingly rounded shoulders as you try to support the toddler that your head has become, leading to all sorts of mechanical issues in your body.

Nerd neck has become even more common as our workplace has changed. More people working in computer-related industries started this trend. And, in 2020 as people began to work at home in response to COVID-19, hastily assembled home workspaces added to the problem. It sounds like a bonus to work on a comfy couch in your jammies, but the lack of support can hurt over time. Even for people who are lucky enough to have a designated workspace at home, poorly laid out workstations can lead to rounded shoulders and poor posture.

Risk factors

While too much driving and screen time are the primary causes of nerd neck, there are other risk factors. They include:

• Carrying an overloaded backpack
• Excessive gaming
• Sleeping with your head out of proper alignment (too high)
• Injuries to the neck or shoulders
• Unbalanced physical activity (e.g., tennis)
• Occupations with unbalanced repetitive motion (such as a hairstylist, painter, massage therapist, etc.)

These days, it is safe to say that the majority of people have some degree of forward head posture.

Do I have nerd neck?

First, the good news. While most people have some degree of forward head posture, many of these cases can be gently corrected by making simple adjustments.

But the first step is to know what the signs and symptoms are and to receive a proper diagnosis. Common signs of nerd neck include the following:

• Tension headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Neck pain
• Rounded shoulders (kyphosis or “dowager’s hump”)
• Muscle spasms
• Chronic fatigue
• Restricted breathing
• Temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) pain
• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Numbness and tingling of the arms and hands

Long term, the symptoms become more serious. You might experience reduced mobility in the shoulders, arthritis in your neck, bulging cervical discs, osteoporosis, and vertebral fractures. Pain may become severe and chronic, largely affecting your everyday life.

One of the simplest ways to figure out if you have a forward head posture can also be done at home.

1. Stand with your back to a wall
2. Press your shoulder blades and heels to the wall
3. Keep feet hips width distance apart

When you do this, does your skull make contact with the wall? If not, chances are good you have some degree of tech neck.

There are other ways to diagnose nerd neck, though. Your doctor will collect a complete medical history that includes things like the work you do, when the symptoms began, and any underlying injuries or past trauma. They will conduct a complete physical exam to check for areas of tenderness and limited mobility.

Over time and in severe cases, X-rays can pick up the changes in your spine. Your doctor may also order an MRI or a CT scan. In some cases, a bone scan may also be recommended to check for bone thinning or potential damage.

As noted above, you may be able to ease your pain without intervention, but if pain becomes debilitating or life-altering, check in with your doctor.

How to fix nerd neck: 11 approaches

In thinking about how to fix nerd neck, it’s best to start with conservative treatments before trying more interventional therapies.

Here are 11 treatment approaches to try. As always, work with your doctor before attempting many of these on your own.

1. Notice the problem

Start at the very beginning by becoming aware of when you are thrusting your head forward. This type of retraining can go a long way.

Pay special attention when you are driving or working at your computer. A sticky note on your screen or steering wheel can help.

2. Make ergonomic changes

Ergonomics is the study of the way we use our bodies in an environment.

Consider driving. If your body is too far back from the steering wheel, you will need to hunch your shoulders to reach it. If your rearview mirror is tilted up too high, you might lift your chin to see who’s behind you.

These are easy fixes. Adjust the distance to the steering wheel so that you can reach ten and two without hunching. Add a pillow behind your lower back to encourage a natural lumbar curve. Tilt the rearview mirror down so you have to keep your chin level to see what’s behind you.

Whether you are working remotely or heading to the office every day, ergonomic changes can make a world of difference there, too. Pain from sitting at a desk is very common, but ergonomics can help.

Try these adjustments:

• Sit closer to your desk so you don’t have to reach forward
• Use a pillow at your lower back to protect its natural curve
• Keep your feet flat on the floor directly below your knees
• Place your keyboard so your forearms are parallel with the floor, and elbows directly below your shoulders
• Adjust your computer monitor so that you can read it with your chin parallel to the floor (not tilted up or down)

3. Shop for accessories

The adjustments above can go a long way towards relieving tech neck, but sometimes accessories can help.

Look for desk chairs with built-in ergonomic support and computer accessories that keep wrists and arms at the proper angles.

4. Dump the extra gear

If you are a student lugging around biology textbooks or someone who carries their whole life in a backpack on a daily basis, it’s time to downsize.

Chances are good that the biology textbook has an online counterpart. Keep the heavy text at home for studying and use the online version when you are away from home.

Similarly, if you bring a heavy backpack to work every day, take a look at what’s really essential. Think like a long-distance hiker and get rid of things you don’t absolutely need. If you have your own office and can store things there, take advantage of that, too.

5. Start doing regular nerd neck exercises

Sure, you might do a few neck rolls after a particularly long morning at your computer, but that might not be enough to relieve neck pain. Nerd neck exercises, done regularly, don’t just provide a break at work. They can also strengthen the muscles in the neck and all along the spine to help actually correct a forward head posture.

Consider yoga to relieve neck pain, or try a few of the following stretches in regular intervals throughout the day:

• Release the trapezius muscle
• Stretches at the wall to relieve tight pectoral muscles
• Wall angels to stabilize the spine and restore the proper cervical curve
• Open the sides of the neck with easy SCM stretches

All of these can be done at your desk on a regular basis. These stretching breaks remind you to pay attention to your posture, too.

6. Practice self-massage

We may not all be able to head to regular massage therapy, but we can certainly take a break to administer self-massage to tight, sore neck muscles.

7. Get regular full-body exercise

While we are focusing in this article on how to fix nerd neck, we cannot ignore the importance of overall physical health. Full-body exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga help us in many different ways. For example, exercise:

• Relieves stress that can cause muscles to tense up
• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Builds overall strength to support the whole body

Another benefit of exercise is that it helps fight fatigue. When we get tired, we have a tendency to slouch and slump. This can make nerd neck worse.

The recommended amount of exercise for maintaining good health is 150 minutes a week, spread out over the course of the week. This is less than three hours of exercise a week, a little over 20 minutes a day. Wake up with a short yoga routine, or incorporate a daily walk during lunch or after dinner with the family.

8. Try a nerd neck pillow

If sleep is a literal pain in the neck, time to consider a nerd neck pillow to get a better night of sleep.

This type of pillow provides support that keeps the cervical spine aligned properly: not too high, and not too low. Look for a better pillow for neck pain, and ask your doctor for recommendations if you’re not sure what works best for you.

9. Consider physical therapy

Physical therapists design tailored exercises to focus on your body and what it needs to heal from tech neck. Their targeted exercises can go a long way to increase strength, relieve pain, and restore your range of motion.

10. Visit a chiropractor

Chiropractors specialize in misalignment of the spine. As part of a treatment plan that includes exercise and ergonomic changes, chiropractors can identify and adjust mechanical issues that are contributing to neck or shoulder pain.

11. Consider more interventional strategies

As you work to correct the mechanical issues causing nerd neck, you might want to explore more interventional therapies to help with pain while you rehabilitate your neck and spine.

Some of these include:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Cervical epidural steroid injections
• Occipital nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation

These interventional strategies (and other interventional neck pain treatments) are just one part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Learn more

At Arizona Pain, our pain specialists understand the demands of our daily life and the toll that can take on our bodies.

We know how to fix nerd neck. If you are looking for neck pain treatment in Arizona, get in touch to schedule your appointment today!

Reaching for a plate from the cupboard is something you probably don’t think twice about. As healthy and active adults, these everyday tasks are seemingly effortless. Unfortunately, for patients with intense shoulder pain, even basic movement can feel impossible. Frozen shoulder syndrome is one of the many conditions responsible for nagging aches, pains, and tightness in this ball-and-socket joint. If you’re suffering from an unknown cause of shoulder pain and tightness, here’s what you need to know about frozen shoulder symptoms.

What is frozen shoulder syndrome?

Frozen shoulder syndrome, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that can create stiffness and pain in your shoulder. Your shoulder joint is encased in connective tissue that can thicken and tighten around the joint, resulting in discomfort.

While the cause isn’t completely understood, doctors agree that it is commonly seen in people who have had to immobilize their shoulder for a long period of time. This leads to the original onset of pain, which eventually turns into excessive stiffness. As a result, your range of motion in the shoulder joint can become so limited that it feels as if your shoulder is frozen in place.

In extreme cases, patients can’t move their shoulder at all. As time goes on, this lack of movement allows scar tissue to build up, further restricting range of motion.

What are the first signs of frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder syndrome occurs gradually over a long period of time.

You will likely first become aware of dull and aching pain. It is usually located over the outer shoulder area and sometimes the upper arm. As the pain intensifies, you may be unknowingly moving your shoulder less and less. You may eventually find that you can’t move your shoulder as you once did. When the pain is severe enough, you may not be able to do anything that involves shoulder movement.

There are some people who are at an increased risk for developing frozen shoulder syndrome. In general, it is most common in patients between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs in women more often than men.

If you stop using your shoulder due to pain or injury, it will naturally become stiff. This is why patients recovering from medical conditions or procedures that prevent arm movement are at a greater risk. Some of these include those with:

• Requirements to wear a shoulder sling after a surgery, stroke, or injury
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Tuberculosis
• Parkinson’s disease

What are common frozen shoulder stages?

There are three common stages of frozen shoulder syndrome. Each has unique symptoms, as well as a timeline. These are some of the early and advanced signs of each.

Freezing stage

In the initial stage, also known as the freezing stage, pain develops in your shoulder any time you move it. As a result, you may stop moving your shoulder as much.

Unfortunately, this only makes the problem worse. The less you move, the more scar tissue will continue to form. The pain during this stage can be severe and will usually increase over time, lasting anywhere from six weeks to nine months.

Frozen stage

While the frozen stage can often bring pain relief, it may also mean increased stiffness.

Moving your shoulder will become even more difficult as range of motion diminishes or disappears completely. This stage will typically last anywhere from four weeks to six months.

Thawing stage

The thawing stage lasts anywhere from six months to two years as your range of motion starts to improve.

For some, it can eventually return to how it once was. Your pain level may decrease substantially or even completely disappear once inflammation is under control.

The most common frozen shoulder symptoms

The 5 most common symptoms of frozen shoulder syndrome include the following:

1. Shoulder pain
2. Associated neck pain
3. Stiffness
4. Mobility issues
5. Increased pain at night

Let’s take a closer look at each symptom.

1. Shoulder pain

The most obvious and clear sign of frozen shoulder syndrome is pain, particularly in the musculoskeletal tissues and nerves in the shoulder area. This region includes the clavicle, upper humerus, and scapula.

While the pain may start out as dull, it will typically increase over time. The first stage of frozen shoulder syndrome comes with the highest pain levels. This phase can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.

2. Associated neck pain

Because they’re so closely connected, neck pain often comes with shoulder pain.

The connective tissue that tightens and thickens leading to frozen shoulder also includes the tissue that connects your shoulder to your neck. Because the pain causes most patients to limit movement, this can further aggravate the issue.

3. Stiffness

While the second stage of frozen shoulder syndrome comes with decreased pain levels, this is when stiffness comes in. This is the stage that gives frozen shoulder syndrome its name.

The frozen feeling makes moving incredibly difficult, and in some cases, completely impossible. This is because the capsule of connective tissue becomes so tight and thick around the shoulder joint that it seems to freeze the shoulder in place.

4. Mobility issues

Patients suffering with frozen shoulder syndrome experience pain that intensifies over time. Suddenly, getting dressed or lifting your arm to reach for something becomes excruciating.

It’s a vicious cycle. This restriction naturally causes most patients to minimize shoulder movement, which only worsens the condition. Scar tissue may begin to develop in the shoulder, effectively “freezing” the shoulder in place.

5. Increased pain at night

In some patients, pain seems to increase during sleep.

When you lay down, the effect of gravity is removed, which allows the shoulder muscles to relax. The lack of movement paired with relaxation of the muscles causes the fluids in your joints to settle. This decreases the flow of blood, allowing the joint to become inflamed.

People also tend to lie on their shoulder while sleeping, which can compress the joint and worsen inflammation.

It is also possible that the lack of distractions at night makes certain patients more aware of their pain while they’re trying to sleep.

How to diagnose frozen shoulder syndrome

If you believe you may be experiencing frozen shoulder syndrome symptoms, you should visit your doctor for a physical exam. There is no definitive test that can diagnose this condition. Instead, your doctor will observe your range of motion, while also taking into account your medical history.

Your doctor will ask you to move in certain ways and assume different positions to check for what prompts your shoulder pain. Your doctor will also evaluate both active and passive range of motions. Active range of motion involves movement that you control. Passive range of motion is when you’re asked to relax your muscles and your doctor moves your arm for you. Both are important in determining whether you are suffering from frozen shoulder.

In some cases, you will receive a numbing injection to make this type of evaluation possible. This is usually done if your pain is so unbearable that it is too difficult to test movement capability.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound can also be used. They can’t diagnose frozen shoulder syndrome, rather they typically rule out other conditions or injuries that could be causing your pain. If your doctor can confidently say you’re not dealing with another condition, such as arthritis or a torn rotator cuff, it is more likely that you are dealing with frozen shoulder syndrome.

How do you get rid of a frozen shoulder?

A frozen shoulder will typically resolve itself, but this can take anywhere from nine months to years. In the meantime, many patients seek ways to speed up the recovery process. This can reduce the daily struggle of dealing with pain and limited mobility.

Treatment options for frozen shoulder syndrome vary greatly. From natural at-home remedies to interventional methods, there are several approaches your doctor may recommend. Find what works in your particular case. Your doctor will encourage you to attempt as many non-invasive methods as you can before moving on to more interventional approaches.

At-home frozen shoulder treatments

Always talk to your doctor before attempting any treatments. Once approved, at-home treatments may include stretching, exercise, and hot and cold therapy.

By keeping your shoulder healthy and mobile with stretching and exercise, you may be able to alleviate some of your pain and greatly reduce the stiffness you experience. As long as you listen to your body and move slowly, exercises like diagonal shoulder openers and fingertip walks can keep your case of frozen shoulder mild.

Alternating between hot and cold therapy can also reduce shoulder pain significantly. Using a heating pad can reduce stiffness and increase blood circulation. Alternatively, cold therapy is best for reducing acute inflammation that causes pain around the shoulder joint as you ready for another round of stretches.

Complementary and interventional therapies

If you’ve tried at-home approaches with no pain relief, your doctor may recommend a combination of the following treatments:

• Physical therapy: If you’re concerned about working through exercises and stretches on your own, a qualified physical therapist can help. Physical therapists are there to safely and gradually increase the intensity of your regimen for optimal healing. They can also offer guidance on balancing exercises on both sides of the body. This will help you avoid compensating in ways that cause injury to other parts of the body.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can provide short-term pain relief. This is helpful because it reduces inflammation, enabling you to move freely without pain. As previously mentioned, the more you can keep moving, the better off your shoulder will be. Work with your doctor to determine which medication is best for your specific case.
• Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain to improve mobility. They typically provide relief for several weeks or months, which can help you stay mobile and stick to a physical therapy routine. Consistent exercise can aid in breaking up scar tissue to reduce the stiffness of frozen shoulder syndrome.
• Surgery: In extreme cases, and when no other treatment options have worked, your doctor may recommend surgery. This typically involves an outpatient procedure to remove scar tissue from inside your shoulder joint. Stitches are removed after ten days and postoperative physical therapy is usually necessary. Many patients report having their full range of motion restored after a few months.

How to prevent frozen shoulder

If you’ve recently found relief from frozen shoulder syndrome, you may be afraid of a recurrence. You’ll find comfort in knowing that frozen shoulder rarely develops again in the same shoulder. However, some people do experience it in the opposite shoulder. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent this.

One of the most common contributors to frozen shoulder syndrome is a lack of mobility. This may occur while you’re recovering from surgery or an injury, or perhaps you’ve suffered a heart attack or stroke. Whatever the case, it’s important to keep your body moving as much as possible, and under the care of your medical team.

Your doctor may recommend exercises, stretches, and other conditioning techniques to keep your shoulder strong while you are recovering. This can maintain your range of motion and prevent the buildup of scar tissue that could lead to another bout of frozen shoulder syndrome.

Working with a physical therapist can be helpful if you’re concerned about maintaining a healthy exercise regimen that is still within your comfort level.

Do you believe you may be suffering from frozen shoulder symptoms? Contact our pain specialists at Arizona Pain. Our team will help you find the right treatment options for your shoulder pain.