Reaching overhead, lifting a bag, sleeping on your side. When your shoulder hurts, everyday things get harder. We’ll help you understand what’s behind it and look at non-surgical options that may help.
Not sure yet? Start with a complimentary consultation.
Does this sound familiar?
- Pain when you reach overhead or behind your back
- An ache on the outside of your upper arm
- Pain that wakes you when you lie on that side
- Stiffness, or a shoulder that won’t move as far as it used to
- Pain that started after lifting, sports or a fall
What may be going on
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, held in place mostly by muscles and tendons, including the rotator cuff. That freedom also makes it easy to irritate. Common sources of pain include irritated or strained rotator cuff tendons, inflamed tissue at the top of the shoulder, and stiffening of the joint capsule, sometimes called frozen shoulder.
Shoulder pain can also come from your neck. A nerve irritated in the neck may be felt in the shoulder, which is why we check both.
3D spine tourSee how a nerve in the neck can be felt in the shoulder and arm.Take the tourWhen to get help right away
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating
- Sudden severe pain and you can’t move your arm after a fall or injury
- A shoulder that looks out of place
- A hot, red, swollen shoulder with a fever
How we approach it
- 01
We listen first
Dr. Gentry starts with your story: when it began, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried.
- 02
A thorough evaluation
We test how your shoulder, shoulder blade and neck move, check rotator cuff strength, and look for nerve involvement. If imaging would help, we’ll coordinate a referral.
- 03
A plan built around you
Your plan may combine several types of care. If your shoulder needs an orthopedic specialist, we’ll tell you honestly and help coordinate.
Care that may help
Not everyone needs every option. Your plan is based on your evaluation.
- PulseWave shockwave therapyAcoustic waves aimed at irritated tendons around the shoulder.Learn more
- Chiropractic careHands-on care for the shoulder, upper back and neck, which all affect how your shoulder moves.Learn more
- Neuromuscular stimulationTeslaMax helps activate the muscles that support and steady your shoulder.Learn more
- Therapeutic massageReleases tension in the shoulder, upper back and neck.Learn more
Clear pricing, memberships for ongoing care and most PPO plans accepted, usually out of network. See pricing and payment →
Questions
Book online, or call or text us at (949) 888-0404. A complimentary consultation is always a good first step.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Your care is based on an individual evaluation, and results vary.