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Pura Vida Chiropractic
Frozen Shoulder treatment at Pura Vida Chiropractic San Antonio

Frozen Shoulder

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.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Gradual onset of shoulder pain over weeks to months
  • Progressive loss of shoulder range of motion in all directions
  • Severe pain with end-range movement
  • Inability to raise the arm overhead or reach behind the back
  • Night pain — unable to lie on the affected shoulder
  • Muscle atrophy from disuse

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

  • Post-immobilization (after injury, surgery, or sling use)
  • Diabetes mellitus increasing capsular inflammation risk
  • Cervical nerve root irritation disrupting shoulder innervation
  • Upper thoracic subluxation activating sympathetic inflammation
  • Rotator cuff injury triggering inflammatory capsulitis
  • Autoimmune dysregulation

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Frozen Shoulder

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.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

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:

Shockwave Therapy

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.

SoftWave Therapy

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.

Class IV Laser Therapy

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.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

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 with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Frozen Shoulder?

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.

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