“How long does a chiropractic adjustment take to work for shoulder pain?”
I am a 35 year old male. I want to know how long does a chiropractic adjustment take to work?
14 Answers
There is not one correct answer to how long it may take for chiropractic treatment to help with shoulder pain. Depending on the level of involvement of surrounding structures, if there was a broken bone at some point, if it is a chronic or acute problem, if it is from repetitive work or a one time incident. With the shoulder being a complex joint, it can take several months to get pain relief if irritating motions continue to happen. If it presents as a frozen shoulder, then that may take even longer, as many structures are involved then. However, there are cases where a few visits give relief to one with shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain can be helped in one visit if it's related to an impingement if the doctor is trained in soft tissue. My goto protocol is Active Release Techniques and it's very specific for addressing shoulders. You can find a provider at www.activerelease.com. Please remember that you will have to do your home exercises to assist healing and the above advice is assuming the condition is related to mobility versus an injury.
Generally, patients tend to start getting pain relief after the first few visits. I always tell patients before I adjust them for the first time, that 60% of patients get some pain relief after their first adjustment, while another 30% feel better after two or three visits.
Every patient and every injury/symptom is different. Was the shoulder ever injured prior? Is there arthritis in the joint? You should be evaluated and treated/referred according to the findings on examination.
the answer to this question depends on several factors:
a.) Is there an injury and/or trauma to the shoulder joint?
b.) Is there injury to the rotator cuff musculature itself?
c.) how long has the problem been there?
These 3 components usually help me determine the length of time it takes for a shoulder problem to resolve. If only musculature is affected, it is usually quicker. If there is injury to an of the shoulder joints ( this includes the glenohumeral joint, A/C joint and the S/C jt.) then the time can be longer. If posture is poor, it will take longer. If the problem has been getting worse over several months and years even, then it is probable that several treatments will be required.
a.) Is there an injury and/or trauma to the shoulder joint?
b.) Is there injury to the rotator cuff musculature itself?
c.) how long has the problem been there?
These 3 components usually help me determine the length of time it takes for a shoulder problem to resolve. If only musculature is affected, it is usually quicker. If there is injury to an of the shoulder joints ( this includes the glenohumeral joint, A/C joint and the S/C jt.) then the time can be longer. If posture is poor, it will take longer. If the problem has been getting worse over several months and years even, then it is probable that several treatments will be required.
It really depends on the knowledge of each chiropractor and the cause of your shoulder pain. tendinitis or bursitis can take few weeks to months. It really depends how long you have had this condition. As a chiropractic neurologist we know this condition can also be caused by misfiring of brain. It really depends on our exam findings and your willingness to follow up on your exercises.
Best luck to you!
Best luck to you!
Great question! Chiropractic therapy which includes adjustments "work" by helping facilitate alignment to improve function. Depending on the cause of the pain therapy could work quickly, in fair time or not at all. Staying committed to your therapy is the most efficient way to monitor your progress. You should learn what does and/or doesn't help you in the process. Hopefully this helps and is encouraging if you feel lost in your therapy progress.
That depends on what is going on with your shoulder, and how long it has been going on, as well as other factors that could impact how you respond to chiropractic care! I’d recommend a consultation to talk with a doctor, and an exam and maybe even some X-rays to see what’s going on!
Hope that helps!
Dr. Josh Barton, DC
Hope that helps!
Dr. Josh Barton, DC
It's not a magic wand and we are not all built the same, so it's impossible to say "it will take X amount of treatments." If you see a chiropractor, the interaction should start with a thorough orthopedic exam so whatever deficits your shoulder has are clearly mapped out. How did you hurt your shoulder, what kind of health do you have, what activities are you using your shoulder for now, the answer to these questions will help your chiro figure out an appropriate treatment plan. If it was a traumatic injury, such as falling on an outstretched arm, an MRI is of most use in determining any torn tissue.
Dr. Lonna Denny, D.C.
Dr. Lonna Denny, D.C.
This sounds on the surface like an easy question to answer, but in fact, it is the most difficult to answer. The process of evaluating any condition begins with the consultation. When did the problem start? What was the initiating incident that caused the problem? Were there any prior problems with the area of complaint, including adjacent areas? With the shoulder, this means the neck, upper, and mid back. Also, the rest of the arm and the opposite side. In most cases, there are additional questions. Then begins the examinations, which include palpation, range of motion, orthopedic tests, and possible imaging tests. All of these go into determining the diagnosis, need for additional evaluations, need for treatment and establishing a treatment plan. Finally, evaluating effects of the treatments. This is a simplified statement of what needs to be done for any condition and then how long it takes to receive results will become apparent.
One single adjustment usually does not do the trick. The key is repetition. In addition, there are exercises you may need to do, or lifestyle changes that you may need make. Find a chiropractor that will take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination, make an proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Shoulders can take time as they are very unstable joints. It all depends on the severity of the injury. I’ve gotten great results in just a few visits, and I’ve also seen patients that take months to heal.
Skylar Bakko, DC QNCP PAK BFM
Skylar Bakko, DC QNCP PAK BFM
Everyone responds slightly differently to adjustments. You may feel immediate relief, or can take up to 3 days for relief to be felt.
It can be immediate relief.
