There is No Risk to see what we can do for you — New Patient Special Offer →
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — the progressive loss of shoulder mobility accompanied by severe pain — is a challenging condition that responds well to a combination of chiropractic and regenerative therapies.
Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, followed by the formation of adhesions (scar tissue bands) that progressively restrict shoulder movement. The condition typically progresses through three phases: freezing (painful and increasingly stiff), frozen (stiff with reduced pain), and thawing (gradual return of motion). The cervical spine plays an important role — cervical nerve root irritation disrupts the normal neurological signaling to the shoulder, and sympathetic nervous system activation from upper thoracic subluxation perpetuates the inflammatory cascade. Addressing both the shoulder and the spinal contributors is essential for comprehensive recovery.
Dr. Foss takes a multi-dimensional approach to frozen shoulder. SOT cervical corrections at C4–C6 reduce the nerve root irritation that perpetuates shoulder inflammation. Upper thoracic adjustments normalize autonomic nerve tone and reduce the sympathetic-driven inflammation in the joint capsule. Glenohumeral joint mobilization within the available range maintains and gradually improves mobility. Regenerative therapies are applied directly to the shoulder capsule to break down adhesions, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the remodeling of scar tissue. This combined approach typically shortens the frozen phase significantly and accelerates the thawing phase.
At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.
For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:
High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.
Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.
Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.
Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.
We are insurance friendly. Bring your insurance card and ID to the office to verify how your insurance can contribute to your care. New patient appointments are available promptly.
Comparing options? See how to choose a chiropractor near me in San Antonio or read our guide on how to choose the best chiropractor in San Antonio.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) involves progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the shoulder joint capsule. Onset is often spontaneous but is more common in diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, after prolonged immobilization, and in women aged 40–60. Cervical and upper thoracic dysfunction frequently contribute to the pain pattern even when not the primary cause.
Dr. Foss treats frozen shoulder with gentle joint mobilization within the patient's available range (no aggressive stretching that aggravates the capsule), SOT adjustments to upstream cervical and thoracic patterns, and Class IV laser to reduce capsular inflammation. SoftWave shockwave therapy stimulates capsular remodeling and is particularly useful in the second (frozen) phase.
Frozen shoulder has a natural 1–3 year course untreated. With combined SOT, laser, and SoftWave, most patients see substantial improvement within 16–24 visits over 3–4 months. Early intervention in the freezing phase shortens the overall timeline significantly compared to waiting until the frozen or thawing phase.
Yes, when the practitioner avoids forced range-of-motion stretching. Dr. Foss uses gentle, within-tolerance mobilization and focuses on the cervical and thoracic upstream patterns that maintain shoulder dysfunction. He coordinates with orthopedics when corticosteroid injection or capsular hydrodilation is appropriate.
Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.
Book Your AppointmentChat with us on WhatsApp
Typically replies within minutes
