Shoulder pain. Half the time, the shoulder isn't the problem.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and depends on the neck, upper back and shoulder blade to work properly. When those stiffen, the shoulder overworks and eventually complains. We assess the whole system, because treating the shoulder alone often misses what's driving it.

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Your first visit
  • History and hands-on exam first
  • X-ray on site, only when the exam calls for it
  • A plain-language explanation and a plan, or a referral

What to expect →

Sound familiar?

What shoulder pain usually feels like.

  • Pain reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body
  • A pinching sensation at the top or front of the shoulder with lifting the arm
  • Night pain, especially lying on that side
  • Progressive stiffness, with less and less range (frozen shoulder)
  • Weakness lifting the arm or carrying
  • Shoulder pain that goes with a stiff neck or upper back

What's usually going on

The mechanics behind it.

The shoulder joint sits on the shoulder blade, which glides on the rib cage, which is shaped by the upper back. For the arm to go overhead, all three have to move. If the upper back is stiff, the shoulder blade can't tilt, the joint space narrows, and the rotator cuff tendons get pinched. That's impingement, and no amount of treating the tendon fixes it while the upper back stays locked.

The other common surprise is the neck. Lower cervical nerves supply the shoulder region, and a neck problem is frequently felt as shoulder pain with nothing wrong in the shoulder. The exam tests both. Frozen shoulder is its own thing: a gradual capsular tightening that takes months to resolve. It responds to a patient program of mobilization and laser rather than forceful stretching.

How we treat it at Borealis

Find the cause. Treat it. Keep it from coming back.

1

Find the cause

Orthopedic testing of the shoulder, assessment of shoulder-blade movement and upper-back mobility, a neck exam to rule in or out referred pain, and X-rays on site when indicated.

2

Treat it

Adjusting of the upper back, neck and the shoulder joint itself as indicated, soft-tissue work on the cuff and surrounding muscles, cold laser for tendon inflammation, and rehab for the shoulder-blade stabilizers.

3

Keep it from coming back

Upper-back mobility, posture at the desk or on the job, and a short strengthening routine. Overhead athletes and tradespeople get sport- or trade-specific advice.

Services involved ChiropracticMLS cold laserPhysiotherapy & rehabMassage therapy

Questions

What people ask about shoulder pain.

Don't see yours? Call and ask. The front desk will get you an answer or put you through to a doctor.

Do I have a torn rotator cuff?
Full tears usually follow an injury and come with marked weakness. Most shoulder pain is tendon irritation or impingement, not a tear. The exam distinguishes them; if a tear is suspected, we refer for imaging.
Why are you treating my neck for a shoulder problem?
Because the exam showed the neck is involved. Lower-neck nerves supply the shoulder, and a stiff upper back prevents the shoulder blade from moving. Treating only the shoulder in those cases doesn't hold.
How long does frozen shoulder take?
Months, in most cases. It goes through freezing, frozen and thawing phases. Care shortens the course and keeps you functional through it, but it doesn't make it go away in a few weeks.
Should I rest it or use it?
Keep it moving within pain-free range. Complete rest lets it stiffen; pushing through sharp pain inflames it. Your doctor will give you the specific movements that are safe for your case.

Describe it. We'll figure out the rest.

Call and talk to Dawn at the front desk, or walk in Monday through Thursday. You'll leave your first visit knowing what's going on.

Call (715) 748-4433 Get directions