Shoulder Pain

Reaching the top shelf has become a negotiation. Sleeping on that side wakes you. Shoulder pain has a short list of usual suspects — and one impostor: the neck, which refers pain to the shoulder so often that examining both is non-negotiable.

What’s actually going on

The shoulder trades stability for range — the price is vulnerability. Common patterns include rotator cuff irritation and impingement, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), AC joint problems, and cervical referral masquerading as a shoulder problem. Dr. Bader's scope explicitly includes the extremities, and the orthopedic exam separates these in one visit.

Common causes we see

• Rotator cuff overuse — overhead work, throwing, gym pressing
• Impingement from posture: rounded shoulders narrow the cuff's working space
• Frozen shoulder — stiffness that builds over months (more common with diabetes and after immobilization)
• AC joint sprains and arthritis at the collarbone's end
• Neck referral — a cervical problem wearing a shoulder costume

How we evaluate it

Orthopedic shoulder testing (impingement, cuff strength, capsule pattern), cervical screening to catch referral, and functional assessment — what motions actually provoke it. If findings suggest a full-thickness tear or something surgical, we coordinate imaging and referral early.

How chiropractic care may help

Depending on the pattern: joint mobilization and adjustment of the shoulder complex and the upper back it rides on, soft-tissue work for the cuff and capsule, modalities for pain, and a progressive exercise program — the non-negotiable core of shoulder rehabilitation. Many cuff and impingement patterns respond well over several weeks; frozen shoulder is slower and we say so up front.

What to expect

Shoulder care is exercise-heavy by design — expect homework. Patients who do it get outcomes; patients who don't get appointments.

Rehabilitation context: progressive loading/exercise is the consistent core of rotator-cuff care in orthopedic guidelines.