Adhesive capsulitis, often referred to as "frozen shoulder", is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and a gradual loss of mobility in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the connective tissue on the inside or outside of the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement. Frozen shoulder typically develops in stages and can take months or even years to resolve without proper treatment. This condition is more common in individuals over 40, particularly those recovering from an injury, surgery, or a period of immobility.

Frozen shoulder symptoms typically progress through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage

• Gradual onset of shoulder pain that worsens over time.
• Increasing stiffness, making movement more difficult.
• Pain intensifies at night or with certain movements.

2. Frozen Stage

• Shoulder pain may decrease, but stiffness remains severe.
• Significant loss of range of motion, making daily activities challenging.

3. Thawing Stage

• Slow improvement in mobility.
• Pain gradually subsides, but stiffness may linger for some time.

Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue inside and around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and tightens, but several factors may contribute to this condition, including:

• Prolonged Immobilization: Injury, surgery, or conditions that limit shoulder movement (e.g., post-fracture recovery).
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis or bursitis can trigger frozen shoulder.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.
• Hormonal Changes: More common in women, especially those experiencing menopause.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions that cause the immune system to attack joint tissues can contribute to stiffness and inflammation.

At Shaker Spine & Sport Institute, located in Tampa, FL, we understand the debilitating impact frozen shoulder can have on your daily life. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing effective, non-invasive treatment options to help you find relief and regain control of your well-being. Visit our Chiropractic Physicians and they will be able to do a thorough examination and help you develop a treatment plan.

We offer a variety of different treatments to treat frozen shoulder, such as:

Chiropractic Adjustment: Chiropractic adjustments don’t stop at the spine. We also target the joints in your TMJ, shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet — bringing your entire musculoskeletal system back into alignment. With precise, gentle corrections, we reduce nerve interference, relieve pain, and restore natural movement—so you can move freely from head to toe. Adjustments are great after auto accidents and for athletic performance/recovery.

‍Soft Wave Tissue Regeneration Therapy: SoftWave® is a non-invasive regenerative tissue therapy that uses acoustic shockwaves to activate your body’s natural healing processes—no needles, no downtime. These waves travel deep beneath the surface, reaching both soft tissue and bone to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and stimulate stem cell activity. Whether you’re dealing with tendon pain, joint issues, or chronic injuries, this therapy targets the root—helping restore what’s been worn down or overworked from the inside out. SoftWave® Therapy is widely used for conditions such as tendonitis, joint pain, ligament injuries, and chronic inflammation, making it a powerful alternative to surgery and medications.

Ice/Heat Therapy: Ice and Heat Therapy are time-tested methods for managing pain and promoting healing. Ice therapy is effective immediately after an injury to reduce swelling and numb pain, while heat therapy helps relax and loosen tissues, improving blood flow and flexibility. Alternating between the two can enhance recovery by addressing both inflammation and muscle stiffness, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healing. This therapy is commonly done alongside Electric Muscle Stimulator (EMS) Therapy.

‍Foot & Spinal Posture Analysis: ‍With 3D laser scanning technology from Foot Levelers, we assess your arch support, entire spinal/body posture, and weight distribution to create custom orthotics—designed to ease pain in the feet, knees, hips, and back, correct faulty posture, and support your whole-body balanced and functional.

With over 35 years of experience serving the South Tampa community, our expert team is dedicated to helping you live pain-free.  Don't let your conditions limit your life - schedule your appointment today to start your recovery!