Short answer: Most shoulder pain comes from irritated tendons, muscles, or joints, not from something that needs surgery. If it hurts to reach overhead, put on a jacket, or sleep on that side, get it checked before it starts limiting how you move. At Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale, Dr. Steve Petzel finds the source of the pain and builds a non-surgical plan that can include chiropractic care, shockwave, Class IV laser, EMTT, and Winback TECAR. Call (630) 887-1900 or schedule an appointment.

Treatment room at Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale used for shoulder pain care

What causes shoulder pain?

The shoulder moves more than any other joint, which also makes it easy to strain. Common causes we evaluate include:

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy or strain: irritation of the tendons that lift and rotate the arm
  • Calcific tendinitis: calcium deposits in a rotator cuff tendon that can cause sharp, stubborn pain
  • Shoulder impingement: tendons getting pinched when you raise the arm
  • Frozen shoulder: stiffness and pain that slowly limits movement
  • Posture and neck problems: a stiff upper back or irritated neck can refer pain into the shoulder
  • Injuries: falls, sports, lifting, car accidents, and work injuries

When should I see someone for shoulder pain?

Book an evaluation if:

  • Pain lasts more than a week or two, or keeps coming back
  • It hurts to reach overhead, behind your back, or across your body
  • Pain wakes you up or stops you sleeping on that side
  • Your shoulder feels weak or stiff
  • Pain started after a fall, game, lift, or accident

When is shoulder pain an emergency?

Call 911 or go to the ER for shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, or jaw pain, since this can be a heart problem. Also get urgent care for a visible deformity after a fall, sudden inability to lift the arm after an injury, or a hot, swollen shoulder with fever.

How does Adisi treat shoulder pain without surgery?

Every plan starts with an exam to find out which structure is the problem. Depending on the cause, care may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to the neck, upper back, and shoulder area to improve how the joints move
  • Storz Medical shockwave for stubborn tendon problems, including calcific tendinitis
  • Class IV laser therapy and EMTT to support healing and calm pain
  • Winback TECAR to work on tight, sore muscles and tissue
  • Home exercises to rebuild strength and mobility

Learn more on our shoulder pain treatment page. Patients who want weekly, stacked care can look at our Recovery Membership.

Does shockwave work for calcific shoulder tendinitis?

Research supports it. A randomized controlled trial of 144 patients with chronic calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff, published in JAMA, found that both high-energy and low-energy shockwave improved shoulder function and self-rated pain and reduced the size of the calcium deposits compared with sham treatment. High-energy shockwave worked better than low-energy (Gerdesmeyer et al., JAMA, 2003; PMID 14625334). Results vary, and an exam is needed to confirm whether calcium deposits are part of your problem.

Is treatment safe?

Chiropractic care and the therapies we use are non-invasive. You may feel sore for a day or two after an adjustment or a shockwave session. Shockwave and some other therapies may not be right for you if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, have an infection or tumor in the area, or have a pacemaker or implanted device near the treatment area. Dr. Petzel will review your health history first and refer you out when imaging or another specialist is needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?
Yes, for many muscle, tendon, and joint causes. Dr. Petzel also checks your neck and upper back, which often add to shoulder pain.

Do I need an MRI first?
Not usually. Many cases can be assessed with a hands-on exam. If something suggests a tear or another serious problem, we will recommend imaging.

How soon will my shoulder feel better?
It depends on the cause and how long you’ve had it. You’ll get a clear plan after your first visit.

Do you see patients from nearby towns?
Yes. Our office at 534 Chestnut Street, Suite 240, Hinsdale, serves Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Downers Grove, and nearby areas.

Get your shoulder moving again

Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from sleep, work, or the gym. Call Adisi Health Center at (630) 887-1900 or schedule online.

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Results vary.

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DrPetzel
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