Shoulder pain treatment in Stamford, CT
You don't notice how much you use your shoulder until reaching for a shelf, putting on a jacket or sleeping on your side starts to hurt. Shoulder pain often involves the neck and upper back too, so treating the whole area works better than treating the sore spot alone.
- Hurts reaching up
- Can't sleep on that side
- Clicking or weakness
Does this sound like you?
Shoulder problems usually show up as:
- Pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Aching that's worse at night or lying on that side
- Weakness when lifting your arm
- Clicking, catching or grinding
- Stiffness that limits how far you can move
- Pain that travels down the upper arm
What's actually going on
Common causes include rotator cuff strain or tendinitis, impingement (tendons pinched when you lift your arm), frozen shoulder, and overuse from sports like tennis, golf, swimming and pickleball. Shoulder pain can also be referred from the neck, where nerves to the arm begin.
A stiff upper back changes how your shoulder blade moves, which puts extra load on the shoulder joint. That's why your exam includes your neck and upper back too.
When to see a medical doctor first
Call 911 or go to the ER now if you have:
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating. Call 911.
See your doctor within a day or two if you have:
- Sudden inability to lift your arm after an injury
- A visible deformity after a fall
- A hot, swollen joint with a fever
Chest symptoms can be a heart problem. The others need a medical exam, and sometimes imaging, before chiropractic care.
How Dr. Burstein treats shoulder pain
Your shoulder, upper back and neck work as a unit, so the plan covers all three:
What recovery usually looks like
- First visits Reducing pain and finding which structures are involved.
- Weeks 2–6 Improving range of motion and strength.
- Ongoing Frozen shoulder and long-standing tendon problems take longer. You'll get a realistic timeline.
Mild strains often settle in a few weeks. Frozen shoulder and long-standing tendon problems take longer.
What you can do today
- Keep the shoulder moving gently within a comfortable range.
- Avoid sleeping directly on the painful side.
- Use ice after activity if it flares.
- Check your posture: rounded shoulders pinch the joint.
Common questions
Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?
Yes, for many common shoulder problems, especially when the neck and upper back are involved. Dr. Burstein will refer you for imaging or to an orthopedist if he suspects a tear that needs surgical evaluation.
What's the difference between a strain and a tear?
A strain is overstretched tissue. A tear is an actual rupture of the tendon fibers, partial or complete. Sudden weakness after an injury suggests a tear and needs prompt evaluation.
How long does shoulder pain take to heal?
Mild strains often improve in a few weeks. Tendon problems and frozen shoulder can take several months. Starting treatment early usually shortens recovery.
Early-morning and after-hours visits. No referral needed.
Book a visit or call (203) 325-8112Other problems Dr. Burstein treats
Let's find out what's behind your shoulder
Tell us a little about what's going on. The office will call you back to find a time, and can look up your insurance benefits before you come in.
- A call back from the office to set a time
- Help looking up your insurance benefits
- A complimentary first evaluation for new patients