Extremities & Joints
Frozen Shoulder
Progressive loss of shoulder movement in all directions, often with significant pain.
Also called: Adhesive capsulitis.
Frozen shoulder typically moves through stages and can take a long time to resolve. Movement is limited whether you move the arm yourself or someone moves it for you, which is what distinguishes it from most other shoulder problems.
The condition can be slow and frustrating, with pain and stiffness that shift over months. Recognizing which stage a person is in helps set realistic expectations for what care can reasonably offer at each point.
Why this matters
Sleep is often the worst part, and the loss of movement affects dressing, driving, and work. Because the restriction is present in every direction, people often cannot find a comfortable position at rest either.
The long timeline can be discouraging. Understanding the expected course helps people plan around the condition rather than assume something has gone wrong when progress is slow.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Protective muscle guarding and pain sensitivity are part of the picture alongside the joint capsule itself. Persistent pain can heighten the nervous system's sensitivity, which may prolong the guarding pattern.
Gentle, well-tolerated movement can help maintain what range is available and support the nervous system's tolerance for motion, without forcing through significant pain.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Frozen shoulder often needs co-management. If the examination suggests medical assessment or imaging is appropriate, Dr. Geran will say so.
- Shoulder pain with fever or feeling unwell
- Significant swelling, redness, or warmth at the joint
- History of recent trauma with inability to move the arm at all
- Numbness or weakness spreading down the arm
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.