Shoulder Pain Treatment in Yakima, WA

Kroner Chiropractic treats shoulder pain in Yakima, Washington, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff irritation, and pain that limits overhead movement. Shoulder problems frequently involve the neck and upper back as well, which is why treatment addresses the whole region rather than the joint alone.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint you have, which is also its weakness

Your shoulder trades stability for range of motion. It moves in more directions than any other joint in your body, and it depends on muscles and tendons rather than bony structure to stay where it belongs.

That design works until something in the system fails. A rotator cuff tendon becomes irritated, the joint capsule tightens, or the shoulder blade stops moving properly across the rib cage. Any of those produce pain and lost motion.

Shoulder pain also frequently involves the neck. Nerves supplying the shoulder originate in the cervical spine, so a neck problem can present as shoulder pain, and a genuine shoulder problem often creates neck and upper back tension through compensation.

What we treat

• Frozen shoulder, meaning progressive stiffness and lost range of motion
• Rotator cuff irritation and impingement
• Pain with overhead reaching
• Shoulder pain from repetitive or overhead work
• Shoulder injuries following a car accident, often from the seat belt
• Shoulder blade pain and upper back tension
• Pain that disturbs sleep, particularly when lying on that side

Frozen shoulder is worth calling out. It is more common in people in their forties, fifties, and sixties and affects women more often than men. It typically develops gradually and can progressively restrict motion if left alone.

How we treat shoulder pain

Treatment addresses the shoulder, the shoulder blade, and the neck, because in practice they operate as one system.

• Adjustments to the shoulder joint, shoulder blade, and cervical and thoracic spine
• Soft tissue therapy for the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles
• Therapeutic modalities for pain and inflammation
• Stretching to restore range of motion, particularly with frozen shoulder
• Progressive strengthening as motion improves

With frozen shoulder specifically, consistency matters more than intensity. Regular gentle work generally produces better outcomes than aggressive stretching, which can provoke the joint.

When imaging or referral is needed

Some shoulder problems need more than conservative care. A complete rotator cuff tear, a significant labral tear, or advanced arthritis may require orthopedic evaluation.

We examine, image on site when indicated, and tell you directly if what we find is outside what we should be treating.

Common Questions

Can a chiropractor treat shoulder pain?

Yes. Chiropractic care addresses the shoulder joint, the shoulder blade, and the neck and upper back that influence shoulder function. Some shoulder conditions require orthopedic evaluation, and we will tell you if your examination points that way.

What is frozen shoulder and how is it treated?

Frozen shoulder is progressive stiffening of the shoulder joint capsule that gradually restricts motion, often without a clear injury. Treatment focuses on restoring range of motion through consistent gentle work, soft tissue therapy, and progressive strengthening.

Why does my shoulder hurt when I sleep on it?

Lying on the shoulder compresses the joint and the tendons around it. Night pain when lying on the affected side is a common feature of rotator cuff irritation and frozen shoulder.

Could my shoulder pain actually be coming from my neck?

Sometimes, yes. The nerves supplying the shoulder originate in the cervical spine, so a neck problem can produce shoulder symptoms. Distinguishing between the two is part of the examination.

How long does shoulder pain take to resolve?

It depends on the cause. Rotator cuff irritation often improves within several weeks. Frozen shoulder typically takes considerably longer because the joint capsule itself has to change. We will be straightforward with you about the likely timeline.

When do I need to see an orthopedic specialist?

If your examination or imaging suggests a complete tendon tear, a significant labral tear, advanced arthritis, or if you have substantial weakness rather than just pain. We refer when that is what the findings show.