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Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Pain Chiropractic Care in Calgary
Shoulder pain can limit daily activities such as lifting, reaching, working, sleeping, and exercising. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which also makes it more vulnerable to strain, joint dysfunction, and soft‑tissue irritation. At Associate Chiropractic in Calgary, we provide evidence‑informed chiropractic care focused on improving shoulder movement, reducing pain, and restoring functional use of the arm.
If you are experiencing shoulder discomfort that is affecting work, sports, or everyday life, our clinic offers assessment‑based care with a focus on safe, non‑invasive treatment options.
What to Expect During Your Shoulder Pain Assessment
Your initial visit includes a comprehensive assessment to determine the source of your shoulder pain. This may involve:
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Detailed health and injury history
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Orthopedic and neurological testing
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Postural and movement analysis
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Shoulder and spinal joint evaluation
Based on findings, we explain your results clearly and outline appropriate care options tailored to your condition and goals.
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Shoulder pain can present differently depending on the structures involved. Patients often report:
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Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the shoulder joint
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Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
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Shoulder stiffness or reduced range of motion
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Pain radiating into the upper arm, neck, or upper back
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Clicking, catching, or weakness in the shoulder
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Discomfort when sleeping on one side
Persistent or worsening symptoms should be properly assessed to identify contributing joint, muscular, or nerve‑related factors.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain may develop gradually or occur suddenly after injury. Common contributing causes include:
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Rotator cuff strain or irritation
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Shoulder joint restriction or instability
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Poor posture and prolonged desk or device use
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Repetitive overhead movements
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Sports‑related strain or overuse
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Whiplash or motor vehicle accident injuries
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Falls or direct trauma to the shoulder
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Referred pain from the neck or upper spine
In many cases, shoulder pain involves more than one structure, making a thorough assessment essential.
Why Choose Associate Chiropractic Clinic for Shoulder Pain
Selecting the right healthcare provider is an important decision. Patients choose Associate Chiropractic Clinic because we offer:
✔ Evidence‑informed, patient-centered care
✔ Thorough assessments and clear explanations
✔ Individualized treatment plans
✔ Non-invasive treatment options
✔ Emphasis on safety, consent, and patient comfort
✔ Clear explanations and personalized care plans
✔ A focus on long‑term functional improvement
Our focus is on helping patients return to normal activity safely while supporting long‑term musculoskeletal health.
Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident
Shoulder pain is common after motor vehicle accidents, often due to seatbelt restraint, sudden force transmission, or associated whiplash injuries. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can worsen over days or weeks.
Chiropractic care is commonly included under Alberta motor vehicle accident insurance guidelines. Our clinic assists with documentation and coordinated care for patients injured in car accidents.
Learn more about accident‑related injuries here: https://www.associatechiro.ca/caraccidentinjury
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Shoulder Pain
Chiropractic care for shoulder pain focuses on restoring proper joint mechanics, reducing muscular tension, and addressing contributing spinal or postural factors. Treatment plans are individualized based on clinical findings.
Care may include:
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Chiropractic adjustments to the shoulder, upper back, or cervical spine
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Gentle joint mobilization to improve shoulder motion
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Soft Tissue Techniques like Active Release and GRASTON for surrounding muscles and tendons
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Postural correction and ergonomic guidance
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Rehabilitation exercises to improve strength and stability
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Activity modification strategies to reduce strain
The goal is to improve movement quality, reduce pain, and support long‑term shoulder function.
Shoulder Injuries and Sports-Related Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is especially common in athletes and physically active individuals due to the shoulder’s wide range of motion and reliance on coordinated muscle control. Sports that involve overhead movements, contact, or repetitive loading place significant stress on the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissues.
Common Sports-Related Shoulder Injuries
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Rotator cuff strains or tears from repetitive throwing, serving, or lifting
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Shoulder impingement caused by poor posture with muscle imbalance (tight pecs and traps)
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Labral injuries (SLAP tears) often seen in baseball, hockey, and weight training
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AC joint sprains from falls or direct contact
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Shoulder instability or subluxation due to trauma or repetitive overuse
How Sports Injuries Affect the Shoulder
Sports injuries may involve not only the shoulder joint itself, but also the neck, upper back, ribs, and nervous system. Restricted joint motion, muscle guarding, or altered movement patterns can prolong symptoms and increase the risk of re‑injury if not properly addressed.
Chiropractic assessment focuses on identifying movement restrictions, joint dysfunction, and biomechanical contributors that may be affecting shoulder recovery and performance.
Chiropractic Care for Athletic Shoulder Injuries
Chiropractic adjustments in combination with Active Release may support recovery by:
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Improving joint mobility in the shoulder, neck, and upper back
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Reducing muscular tension and guarding
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Supporting proper movement mechanics
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Addressing contributing spinal or postural factors
Care is individualized based on the type of sport, injury mechanism, and activity demands.
Shoulder Pain FAQ
Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care can help relieve shoulder pain caused by joint irritation, muscle strain, rotator cuff injuries, sports injuries, or car accidents. Treatment focuses on restoring joint mobility, reducing inflammation, improving movement patterns, and supporting natural recovery.
If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder discomfort, booking an assessment allows us to determine the underlying cause and appropriate care plan.
What causes shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can result from several common conditions, including:
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Rotator cuff strain or tear
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Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
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Shoulder impingement
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Tendonitis or bursitis
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Sports injuries
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Car accident injuries
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Poor posture or repetitive strain
A clinical examination helps identify whether the pain originates from the shoulder joint itself, surrounding soft tissues, or even the neck.
Can shoulder pain come from the neck?
Yes. Shoulder pain is often referred from the cervical spine (neck). Irritated joints, compressed nerves, or muscle tension in the neck can radiate pain into the shoulder and upper arm.
A chiropractor assesses both the shoulder and neck to determine the true source of the problem.
Can a chiropractor help a rotator cuff injury?
Yes, in many cases chiropractic care can support recovery from rotator cuff injuries. Treatment may include joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to improve stability and reduce strain.
Severe tears may require medical imaging or referral, which we coordinate when necessary.
How do I know if my shoulder pain is serious?
Signs you should seek professional evaluation include:
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Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
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Weakness lifting the arm
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Limited range of motion
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Pain after a fall or car accident
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Numbness or tingling into the arm
Early assessment can help prevent minor irritation from becoming a longer-term issue.
Can shoulder pain be caused by a car accident?
Yes. Shoulder pain is common after a car accident and may result from seatbelt strain, bracing impact, or associated neck injuries. In Alberta, many car accident injuries are covered under insurance guidelines within specific timelines.
Our clinic assists with documentation and treatment planning following motor vehicle accidents.
How long does shoulder pain take to heal?
Recovery time depends on the cause and severity. Mild muscle strains may improve within a few weeks, while more complex conditions such as frozen shoulder or rotator cuff injuries can take longer.
Early treatment often supports faster improvement and better long-term function.
Should I see a chiropractor or physiotherapist for shoulder pain?
Both professions provide conservative musculoskeletal care. A chiropractor focuses on joint mechanics, spinal involvement, and movement dysfunction, often combined with soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
An assessment helps determine the most appropriate care pathway for your specific condition.
When should I see a chiropractor for shoulder pain?
You should consider an assessment if:
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Pain is limiting work, sports, or sleep
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Home care has not resolved symptoms
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Pain developed after a sports injury or car accident
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Movement feels restricted or unstable
Early evaluation helps identify the source of pain and guide appropriate care.
Why Choose Associate Chiropractic in Calgary?
✔ Calgary-based chiropractic clinic
✔ Experience managing whiplash and MVA-related injuries
✔ Individualized, patient-focused care plans
✔ Emphasis on education, movement, and recovery
✔ Convenient appointment booking
Our goal is to help you return to daily activities safely and confidently.
Book a Shoulder Pain Assessment in Calgary
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, neck pain, or stiffness after an accident or sports injury, don’t wait.
📍 Associate Chiropractic – Calgary, AB
📞 Call today or book online to schedule your whiplash assessment
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