Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, Mobility, and Nervous System Support

Indianapolis patients: Learn how frozen shoulder affects your shoulder mobility, posture, and nervous system—and how chiropractic care can help restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function.

Whether you’ve noticed a gradual loss of shoulder mobility, pain during daily activities, or difficulty reaching overhead, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can make simple tasks frustrating. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we focus on restoring joint mobility, strengthening stabilizers, and optimizing nervous system function, helping you regain function and comfort in your shoulder."

What Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive Capsulitis Is

• Definition: Thickening and tightening of the joint capsule around the shoulder, leading to pain and restricted movement

• Symptoms:

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion

  • Pain at rest or during movement

  • Difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back

  • Gradual onset over weeks or months

Key Structures Involved:

• Glenohumeral joint capsule

• Rotator cuff muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis

• Shoulder stabilizers: deltoid, scapular muscles

• Nervous system pathways controlling shoulder mobility and proprioception

Neurological Implications

• Pain and stiffness can alter neural firing patterns, reducing motor control and coordination

• Nervous system overload may increase pain sensitivity and inhibit functional movement

• Neuroplasticity allows retraining of movement patterns and motor control, even when shoulder mobility is limited

How It Happens – Causes

• Idiopathic (unknown cause)

• Post-injury or trauma (rotator cuff tear, shoulder surgery, dislocation)

• Prolonged immobilization

• Chronic inflammation or degenerative changes

• Postural dysfunction causing altered shoulder mechanics

How Chiropractic Care Helps

• Gentle Joint Mobilizations / Adjustments: Restore glenohumeral joint motion

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Release tight muscles around shoulder and scapula

• Strengthening Weak Stabilizers: Rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers

• FMSA Integration: Identify compensatory patterns and postural imbalances

• Pain Reduction & Function Improvement: Improve shoulder range of motion and daily function

  
  

Rehabilitation & Functional Support

Mobility Exercises

• Pendulum swings

• Passive shoulder stretches: cross-body, doorway stretch

• Shoulder rotations with gentle resistance bands

Stability & Strengthening

• Scapular retractions / wall slides

• Rotator cuff strengthening with light bands or weights

• Core engagement to support upper body posture

Neuroplasticity & Movement Retraining

• Mindful shoulder engagement during daily activities

• Mirror or video feedback to reinforce proper movement

• Controlled, incremental range-of-motion exercises

At-Home Support / Modalities

• Heat for stiffness or ice for acute pain

• Gentle self-massage or foam rolling of surrounding muscles

• Postural awareness during sitting, computer work, or driving

• Low-impact upper body activity to maintain mobility

Recovery Time & Risk

• Early stage (freezing): 4–8 weeks

• Stiff stage (frozen): 2–6 months

• Recovery stage (thawing): 6–12 months

• Chiropractic care and FMSA-guided rehab reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore functional use of the shoulder, even if full range of motion takes time

Key Takeaways

• Frozen shoulder causes pain, stiffness, and limited shoulder movement

• Chiropractic care and FMSA-guided rehab improve mobility, strengthen stabilizers, and optimize nervous system function

• Neuroplasticity allows retraining of movement patterns and motor control

• Functional improvements are achievable, even during long recovery periods

If you’re experiencing shoulder stiffness, limited range of motion, or pain from frozen shoulder, chiropractic care can help restore function and reduce discomfort. At Electric Life Chiropractic in Indianapolis, we use Functional Movement Screening Analysis (FMSA) to identify imbalances, strengthen stabilizers, and retrain your nervous system. Schedule a consultation today to move more comfortably, regain shoulder mobility, and improve daily function.