Shoulder Pain Relief in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Shoulder pain treatment at Life Chiropractic starts with finding out whether the problem is coming from the shoulder joint, the muscles and tendons around it, or your neck and upper back. At our Phoenix–Ahwatukee and North Scottsdale offices, we see people of all ages, from athletes to people just trying to reach the top shelf. After a careful exam, your plan may include gentle adjustments, massage therapy, Graston soft tissue work and home exercises. See our overview of chiropractic care for pain for other conditions we help with.
Is this you?
- Reaching overhead, or into the back seat, makes you wince.
- You can’t sleep on that side anymore.
- Putting on a jacket or fastening a seatbelt hurts.
- Your shoulder aches after workouts, golf or yard work.
- The pain spreads into your neck or down your upper arm.
Let’s find out where it’s coming from. Request your free consultation or tap to call: Call Ahwatukee: 480-460-1399 | Call Scottsdale: 480-563-5000
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms:
- Dull ache or stiffness in the shoulder
- Sharp pain radiating down the arm
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back
- Weakness in the shoulder
- Reduced range of motion
- Popping or grinding sensation in the shoulder joint
Potential Causes of Shoulder Pain:
- Rotator Cuff Injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Repetitive motions, overuse, or trauma can damage these tissues, leading to pain and weakness.
- Arthritis: Wear and tear of the cartilage in the shoulder joint can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, can cause pain and tenderness.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon in the shoulder can cause pain and tenderness.
- Frozen Shoulder: This condition causes stiffness and limited movement in the shoulder joint.
- Dislocation or Separation: A forceful impact can push the bones of the shoulder out of place. This needs medical care first.
- Muscle Strain: Overexertion or improper lifting technique can strain the muscles in the shoulder.
When Shoulder Pain Needs Medical Care First
Call 911 if shoulder or arm pain comes with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or jaw pain. See a medical doctor or urgent care first if:
- Your shoulder looks out of place, or you can’t move your arm after a fall or impact
- You suddenly can’t lift your arm, or it feels weak after an injury
- The shoulder is hot, red or swollen, or you have a fever
- Numbness or weakness in your arm is getting worse
Shoulder or Neck? Clues We Look For
Shoulder pain doesn’t always start in the shoulder. These clues help guide the exam. They aren’t a diagnosis.
| What you notice | Where we look first |
|---|---|
| Pain when you reach overhead or behind your back | The shoulder joint, rotator cuff or bursa |
| Pain that changes when you turn or tilt your head | Your neck |
| Tingling or numbness that travels past your elbow | An irritated nerve in the neck |
| Stiffness in every direction that slowly gets worse | Frozen shoulder or arthritis |
What to Expect at Your First Shoulder Visit
- History: how and when the pain started, which movements hurt, and how it affects sleep, work and sports.
- Side-by-side exam: we compare both shoulders’ range of motion and strength, including rotator cuff tests.
- Neck and upper back check: joint motion in the neck and upper back, plus reflexes and sensation in your arms.
- X-rays when appropriate, then a plan: we explain what we found and what care would involve. If you need an MRI or a surgical opinion, we refer you.
Start with a free consultation. Tell us what your shoulder is doing, and we’ll explain whether chiropractic care makes sense for you.
Book your free consult | Call Ahwatukee: 480-460-1399 | Call Scottsdale: 480-563-5000
How Life Chiropractic Can Help:
At our Phoenix–Ahwatukee and North Scottsdale offices, we work with you to understand what’s causing your shoulder pain, including whether your neck is involved. We offer a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs and alleviate your pain. Here are some of the techniques we may use:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle adjustments to the shoulder, neck and upper back may help improve joint motion and ease pain.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve flexibility.
- Massage Therapy: Massage can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation and ease discomfort.
- Graston Technique: Instrument-assisted soft tissue work that may help ease tight, restricted muscles and tendons around the shoulder.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique may help to relieve pain and promote healing.
- Bracing or Taping: In some cases, a brace or taping may be used to support the shoulder joint.
- Lifestyle Modifications: We can offer advice on ergonomics, posture and exercises you can do at home to reduce strain on your shoulder.
How Shoulder Care Works
- Calm irritated tissue. Massage therapy and Graston soft tissue work when appropriate, plus gentle adjustments to the shoulder, neck and upper back.
- Restore motion. Home exercises for the shoulder blade and rotator cuff muscles.
- Ease daily strain. Changes to your sleep position, desk setup, lifting and overhead reaching.
- Re-check progress. We re-test your motion and strength, and refer you for an MRI or a surgical opinion if needed.
Hurt your shoulder playing a sport? See our sports injury chiropractic care. Hurt it at work? See how we help with work-related injuries. If your pain seems to start in your neck, read about neck pain treatment.
Shoulder Pain FAQs
What happens at my first shoulder visit?
We ask how the pain started, compare both shoulders and check your neck. Then we explain what we found, and you decide whether to go ahead.
Does shoulder treatment hurt?
Care is adapted to what your shoulder can tolerate. Soft tissue work can feel firm, and you may be a little sore afterward, but we adjust the pressure to your comfort.
Do I need an MRI before I come in?
Not necessarily. We start with a history and exam, and take X-rays when appropriate. If your exam suggests you need an MRI, we refer you for one.
How many visits will my shoulder need?
That depends on what’s causing the pain, how long you’ve had it and your goals. We give you a recommended plan after your exam and re-test your progress along the way.
Is the free consultation really free?
Yes. The consultation costs nothing. If you decide to go ahead with an exam, X-rays or care, we’ll tell you the cost first.
Can you help with a frozen shoulder or rotator cuff problem?
We see both, and your exam tells us whether chiropractic care is a good fit.
How Chiropractic Care May Help Your Shoulder
- Pain relief: Many patients report less shoulder pain as care progresses. Results vary.
- Easier reaching: Care may help improve your range of motion for reaching, lifting and dressing.
- Drug-free care: Our care doesn’t involve medication. Talk with your doctor before changing anything you take.
- Staying active: Home exercises and posture habits may help you keep doing the activities you enjoy.
Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Hold You Back!
Tired of guarding that shoulder every time you reach, lift or roll over in bed? Book a free consultation at our Phoenix–Ahwatukee or North Scottsdale office, and we’ll help you figure out where the pain is coming from and what to do next.
- Book online: Book your free consult
- Phoenix–Ahwatukee: Call 480-460-1399
- North Scottsdale: Call 480-563-5000
LOCATIONS
Phoenix - Ahwatukee
4722 E. Ray Rd. Ste 5
Phoenix AZ, 85044
Phone: 480-460-1399
Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:00AM – 12:00PM, 2:30PM – 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
North Scottsdale
8900 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Ste E-5
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 480-563-5000
Hours
Mon-Thu: 8:00AM – 12:00PM, 2:30PM – 6:00PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM