Chiropractic Care and Shoulder Pain

The Positive Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can quietly take over daily life, making it harder to sleep, work, exercise, or even reach for a cup of coffee. Whether the pain came on suddenly after an injury or slowly over time, the good news is that many shoulder conditions respond extremely well to conservative, non-surgical care. Chiropractic care, in particular, plays an important role in diagnosing, managing, and resolving shoulder pain while helping patients avoid unnecessary procedures.

In Rolla, Dr. David Moreland is widely recognized for his expertise in evaluating and treating shoulder pain using evidence-based, conservative methods. His approach focuses on identifying the true cause of pain, restoring function, and empowering patients to take control of their health.

Understanding Shoulder Pain: More Than Just the Joint

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body. It relies on a delicate balance between bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Pain may originate from:

Rotator cuff injuries

Shoulder impingement

Labral tears

Joint degeneration or arthritis

Cervical spine (neck) dysfunction referring pain into the shoulder

Because shoulder pain can come from multiple sources, accurate diagnosis is critical before any treatment begins.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Options

One of the strengths of chiropractic care is the emphasis on thorough evaluation. Dr. Moreland utilizes multiple diagnostic tools to ensure nothing is overlooked:

Orthopedic and Functional Examination

A detailed orthopedic exam assesses:

Range of motion

Muscle strength

Joint stability

Pain patterns and movement dysfunction

These tests help differentiate between muscle strains, tendon injuries, joint problems, and nerve involvement.

Imaging When Needed: X-Ray and MRI

While many shoulder conditions can be diagnosed clinically, imaging plays an important role when indicated:

X-rays help identify fractures, joint degeneration, or alignment issues

MRIs provide detailed views of soft tissues, including rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and inflammation

Dr. Moreland recommends imaging only when appropriate, ensuring patients receive necessary, not excessive testing.

Conservative Care That Reduces the Need for Surgery

Many patients are surprised to learn that shoulder pain often improves without injections or surgery. Chiropractic care focuses on:

Restoring proper joint motion

Reducing inflammation

Improving muscle balance and coordination

Addressing contributing neck and upper-back issues

By correcting biomechanical dysfunction early, conservative care can reduce stress on injured tissues and support natural healing—often preventing minor injuries from becoming surgical cases.

Rotator Cuff Injuries: A Common Cause of Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most frequent reasons people seek care for shoulder pain. These injuries range from mild tendon irritation to partial or full-thickness tears.

Conservative chiropractic management may include:

Gentle joint mobilization

Soft tissue therapy

Postural correction

Activity modification

Targeted rehabilitation exercises

Many rotator cuff conditions respond exceptionally well to this approach, especially when caught early.

Exercises That Help Patients Take Control of Their Health

Education and active care are key components of successful recovery. Patients are often guided through customized exercises designed to:

Strengthen rotator cuff muscles

Improve shoulder stability

Restore mobility

Prevent future injury

Simple exercises such as resistance band rotations, scapular stabilization movements, and controlled range-of-motion drills help patients stay engaged in their healing process—both in the clinic and at home.

A Team-Based Approach for the Best Outcomes

Great results happen when healthcare providers work together. Dr. Moreland regularly collaborates with patients’ primary care physicians and orthopedic specialists to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.

This team-based approach:

Confirms accurate diagnosis

Ensures conservative care is appropriate

Facilitates referrals when advanced intervention is truly needed

The goal is always the same: the best possible outcome with the least invasive treatment necessary.

Takeaway: A Smarter Path to Shoulder Pain Relief

Shoulder pain doesn’t automatically mean surgery or long-term limitations. With expert evaluation, conservative chiropractic care, and an individualized treatment plan, many patients experience meaningful relief and restored function.

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, working with an experienced provider like Dr. David Moreland offers a proactive, educational, and patient-focused path forward, one that prioritizes healing, movement, and long-term health.

Your shoulders were built to move. With the right care, they can again.