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Richard R. Fay, DC

How Can a Chiropractor in Naperville Help with Shoulder Pain Relief?

Looking for Shoulder Pain Relief in Naperville?

If you're searching for a chiropractor in Naperville to treat shoulder pain, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware that chiropractors can effectively address shoulder pain, but it’s a condition we frequently treat.


Shoulder pain is highly prevalent, particularly in adults over 50, with studies showing rates ranging from 26% to 67%. This pain is more common in physically demanding jobs, which significantly increase the risk of shoulder injuries. A systematic review on shoulder pain prevalence highlights the higher rates among older adults and workers engaged in non-sedentary occupations. Those with physically strenuous jobs tend to report more frequent shoulder pain compared to their sedentary counterparts​ (BioMed Central)​(Integrative Archives).


If you've been suffering from shoulder pain, chances are you've asked yourself the following questions:


  • What causes shoulder pain?Shoulder pain can stem from various causes, including injury to the joint, tendons, muscles, or ligaments, conditions like arthritis, frozen shoulder, or rotator cuff injuries​(Mount Sinai Today)​(Buoy Health).


  • How can I relieve shoulder pain at home?Many people use the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), over-the-counter medications, and gentle stretching. However, if the pain persists after a day or two it may be time to start seeking professional help, like chiropractic care.(Buoy Health).


  • When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?If the pain is severe, accompanied by swelling or immobility, or persists despite home treatment, it's essential to consult a doctor. Our chiropractors in Naperville are trained to treat shoulder pain. Pain accompanied by chest tightness should be addressed immediately as it could indicate a more serious condition​(Mount Sinai Today)​(Buoy Health).


  • Can stress cause shoulder pain?Yes, stress and tension can contribute to muscle tightness in the shoulders, leading to pain. ​(Mount Sinai Today).


If home remedies for shoulder pain haven’t provided lasting relief, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Our chiropractors in Naperville are specialists in musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries, our acupuncture providers can also help you manage your pain and promote healing. This guide will explore the common causes of shoulder pain, how chiropractic care and acupuncture can offer effective relief.


Shoulder pain can arise from issues in the joint itself or from surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The shoulder, a ball-and-socket joint, is made up of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues designed for versatile movement. However, injury or degeneration can lead to significant discomfort. Both chiropractic care and acupuncture are effective methods to address the root causes of shoulder pain. Here's a breakdown of common causes and how chiropractic care or acupuncture may help:

1. Injury or Overuse

One of the leading causes of shoulder pain is injury or repetitive motion. Activities like lifting, throwing, or prolonged physical labor can strain the shoulder’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain. Conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, or shoulder impingement are common among athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs.

  • Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractors can assess and address musculoskeletal misalignments. Techniques like manual adjustments and myofascial release help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and alleviate pain in the shoulder joint.

  • Acupuncture: This ancient practice works by stimulating specific points to promote blood flow and release tension in the muscles and tendons, helping to accelerate recovery and reduce pain.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It usually develops gradually and can significantly limit your range of motion.

  • Chiropractic Care: Gentle mobilization techniques and rehabilitative exercises can restore movement, while electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy reduce stiffness and improve blood flow to the affected area.

  • Acupuncture: A study published in Pain Medicine found that acupuncture, especially when combined with physical therapy, significantly improved pain and mobility in patients with frozen shoulder by releasing tension in the surrounding tissues and boosting circulation.

3. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulder joint can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling. This is common among older adults or those with previous injuries to the joint.

  • Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractors can focus on improving joint function and reducing pressure on the shoulder through adjustments and spinal alignment. Proper posture correction can alleviate some of the strain contributing to arthritis pain.

  • Acupuncture: It helps by reducing inflammation and managing the body's pain responses. Acupuncture is known to increase the body's production of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, offering relief from arthritis pain.

4. Nerve Compression

Brachial plexopathy, or compression of the nerves running from the neck to the shoulder, can result in sharp pain, weakness, or numbness in the shoulder and arm.

  • Chiropractic Care: Adjustments to the spine and shoulders help relieve nerve pressure, restoring normal function to the shoulder and reducing pain caused by nerve compression.

  • Acupuncture: It works on trigger points to release muscle knots and reduce nerve irritation, promoting healing and restoring normal sensation.


Beyond pain, shoulder injuries can cause additional symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, weakness, and a clicking or popping sensation when moving your arm. These symptoms may start as mild but can worsen without proper treatment. Some people also experience "referred pain," where the pain radiates to other areas, such as down the arm.

Injuries to the rotator cuff, for example, often cause pain in the outer part of the shoulder and affect tasks like reaching overhead. This may result in reduced strength and range of motion.


Acupuncture, a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for over 2,000 years to treat various conditions, including shoulder pain. By promoting balance and whole-body wellness, acupuncture stimulates the body's healing response.


Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain

At DuPage Health and Physical Therapy, we offer safe, sterile acupuncture treatments designed to relieve shoulder pain. Studies show that combining acupuncture with other treatments, such as chirorpactic care or massage, leads to more significant improvements in pain and function. Additionally, acupuncture can help alleviate stress, anxiety, arthritis, and chronic pain while promoting relaxation.

Compared to more invasive treatments, acupuncture has minimal side effects and can be an excellent complement to chiropractic care.


Don't let shoulder pain hold you back from enjoying your daily life. Whether you're dealing with chronic discomfort or a recent injury, our experienced team at Dupage Health and Physical Therapy Center, is here to help. With a combination of chiropractic care and acupuncture, we tailor treatments to meet your unique needs and get you back to your best self. If you think you've injured your shoulder, slept on it wrong, or recently hurt your shoulder in a car accident or work injury do not delay getting the care you need! Schedule your appointment today to start your journey towards relief and improved mobility, call our office 331-401-5900 or click below to book online.



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