Why You Should See A Chiropractor for Shoulder Pain
September 2, 2022
Millions of people suffer from shoulder pain every year, and for many, their quality of life is severely impacted. Shoulder pain is a common ailment that can be caused by a variety of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and impingement syndrome. While over-the-counter medications can provide some relief, they don’t always address the underlying cause of the pain. Fortunately, chiropractic care can provide relief from shoulder pain and help you get back to your normal routine.
Chiropractor care is a safe and effective treatment option for shoulder pain that works to improve range of motion and relieve pain by aligning the spine and correcting any misalignments in the body. When the spine is out of alignment, it can put pressure on nerves and muscles, resulting in pain. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors can help to relieve shoulder pain and restore normal function.
In addition, chiropractors may also recommend exercises and stretches to help improve range of motion and reduce inflammation. Dr. Tim Langan at Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic in South Lake Tahoe can provide much-needed relief for those suffering from shoulder pain.
Your shoulder is one of the most complex joints in your body. It can move in many directions and withstand a lot of stress. All that movement and stress can end up leading to pain, especially if you withstand an injury. However, one of the most common causes of shoulder pain is a misalignment of the spine. When the spine is out of alignment, it can place undue stress on the muscles and tissues surrounding the shoulder, leading to pain.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including manipulative therapy, exercises, and lifestyle advice, to treat shoulder pain. By gently aligning the bones and joints of the spine and extremities, chiropractors help to restore normal function and improve range of motion. In many cases, chiropractic care can provide relief without the need for medication or surgery.
Common Shoulder Problems
When it comes to shoulder problems, there are a few common culprits. Tight muscles, poor posture, and overuse can all lead to shoulder pain. Here are some of the typical types of shoulder pain issues include:
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, and it can be quite painful. Treatment for tendonitis typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
Strains
A shoulder strain is a tear or pulls in the muscle or tendons of the shoulder. It can occur from overuse, such as painting a ceiling, or from an injury, such as a fall. The pain may be mild to severe and is usually accompanied by swelling and stiffness.
Dislocated shoulder
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the ball at the top of your arm pops out of the socket in your shoulder blade. This can happen as a result of an injury or even from something as simple as reaching too high.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the shoulder. The condition can be caused by a number of factors, such as overuse, infection, or rheumatoidarthritis. Symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder.
Rotator cuff injury
A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach your shoulder blade to your upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons help lift your arm. Rotator cuff injuries can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty raising your arm. Most rotator cuff injuries occur from overuse or injury.
A shoulder sprain is a common injury that can happen to anyone, especially athletes and people who work out regularly. It is caused by the overstretching or tearing of ligaments in the shoulder.
Frozen shoulder
A frozen shoulder is a condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The cause of a frozen shoulder is not always clear, but it may be caused by an injury, overuse of the shoulder, or diabetes. Frozen shoulders can make it difficult to move your arm, and in some cases may require surgery.
3 Ways Chiropractors Help Treat Shoulder Pain in South Lake Tahoe
Around one-third of people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives. While many people will try to manage the pain on their own, chiropractic care may offer a more holistic and long-term solution.
Here are five ways that chiropractors can help relieve shoulder pain:
Adjustments
Chiropractors adjust the spine and other joints in the body to improve mobility and relieve pain. This is a key component of chiropractic care for shoulder pain.
Ice Packs/Heat Packs
Ice helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, which is often the root cause of shoulder pain. Heat packs may also be helpful for some people, but it is important to use them carefully. Applying heat too soon after an injury can actually make the swelling worse. It is generally best to wait 48-72 hours before using heat on an injured area.
Exercises & Stretching
Chiropractors often prescribe a series of exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles and improving the range of motion. These exercises may be performed at home or in the office, and they can help to provide relief from the pain.
The shoulder is a complex joint that can be easily injured. Our chiropractor, Dr. Tim Langan at Tahoe Chiropractic in South Lake Tahoe, can help you to recover from your injury and get you back to your life. It is a non-invasive, non-addictive, all-natural treatment option that can help restore movement and function to the shoulder joint.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait any longer to seek treatment. Call us at (530) 684-1350 and get you back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
Dr. Langen, Angie, and their team have always been such a great help throughout the years. They really listen to you and explain thoroughly why the pain is there and what they do/why they do it to help you recover. Highly recommend for everyone.
I had my first Softwave session with Angi and she was great! She was extremely professional, knowledgeable and explained in detail, how Softwave works. I noticed a difference in my pain level immediately after the treatment.<br><br>The office is inviting and comfortable with a friendly atmosphere.<br>I highly recommend Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic!
Dr. Tim Langan is the most amazing and professional chiropractor I have ever been too. He took the time to thoroughly go over my spine MRI which even my neurologist/spine specialist hadn't done with me! He is really the best in this profession and each visit is alleviating the stiffness and pain I've been enduring.
Dr. Langan is a great chiropracter! With his knowledge, he effectively evaluates the problems & treats in a timely manner for quick appointments with good results!
Love Tim an his wife the office manager. Very caring always working people around to get them in. I am constantly getting out of place Jujitsu doesn’t help my neck an back thank goodness for Tim!
Angie was sooooo knowledgeable and kind.<br>The Softwave treatment on my lumbar was the BOMB!!!<br>Went in with pain and today, 24hrs later , I’m blown away of how effective the treatment was.<br>And easy peasy time wise.<br>Short lil visit and badabing<br>, pain was reduced significantly!! I will be going back for sure.<br>Vanessa , the receptionist, was also very kind.<br>Highly recommend!
Strongly recommend Tahoe Chiropractic and Dr Tim Langan because of: very broad and deep experience with whole body, all ages and all types of patients, impeccable welcome and service, easy communication.<br>First time that I feel completely safe with a chiropractor doing adjustments, they were able to cure a strong back pain and allow me to resume sports competition.
I am having great results where my plantar fasciitis is concerned thanks to the Soft tWave procedure.<br><br>The staff is efficient and kind. The office is well maintained.
Tim and his entire team have always been very friendly and professional. We love seeing them, though not for the reason we have to see them. Tim is truly friendly, professional and very informative. He's great at listening and getting an understand of the problem. Then he explains what could be causing the issue and how he's fixing it.<br>They are great to work with and are all so caring for your healing journey.<br>Our family recommends Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic to everyone!
Annie and Tim were fantastic. My wife and I own Tahoe Hyperbaric Wellness in Truckee, and we came down to check out their Soft Wave therapy for my broken toe and my wife's planter fasciitis. We were also looking to get a Softwave unit for our practice in Truckee. Annie and Tim were very knowledgeable, and I can honestly say that after 48 hours my foot feels better as does my wife's. We enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend it!
Dr.Langan is very thorough and detailed to exactly what is going on with your body, before him I never had a good experience with chiropractors but he has definitely changed my mind about that.. they make you feel like you are family.. highly recommend.. when my wife was pregnant and couldn’t get in to see him we ran into him at the store and he did a quick adjustment to her right there.. that’s just awesome..
I love dr. langan and all of the staff. dr langan is a good listener and had many techniques to address all issues that one may have. his bedside manners are the best. he has alot of experience from all his years of practice in texas. he gives helpful recommendations regarding activities and exercises.<br>Jamo the office mascot is the best and cutest pooch anyone could have. the environment is comfortable and welcoming. I give tahoe chiropractic 5 stars. they are awesome.
Dr. Tim and Angie are remarkable professionals and a great help to orient new patients into treatment care and the community. I’m really grateful to have started treatment with them, after moving to SLT from Monterey, CA.<br>Excellent care, manners and intentionality. It really emoted me to tears, as I was in great pain for a chronic condition.
Dr Langdon is the best. If you have back pain he will do everything he can to help you. The best in South Lake Tahoe. He has helped me many times. Him and his wife are very sweet. They also have a very sweet family. Very very nice.
Dr. Tim Langan, DC is BEST. CHIROPRACTOR. EVER. Initially helped me with a severe case of TMJ. Two months later, I had severe muscular pain in my shoulder. He was able to fit me in right away and take care of it. His office staff is also wonderful.
I had less 10 days to run a marathon and my whole body was hurting. Tim worked on my neck and knee. It was incredible! I was so impressed how well I felt. I was able to run my race. Thank you
Visiting Tahoe for the week and needed an adjustment for relief from travel, and to support enjoying some long hikes. So grateful to get scheduled within 24 hours. Dr. Langan and Angi were both so personable, knowledgeable, and thorough. I left with great relief, none of the pain I came in with, and exercises to support the adjustment. Definitely returning on the next trip!
Dr. Langan and his wife are an asset to our community. I’ve been going for about 2 years with very positive results. They both are knowledgeable, professional and conscientious. We need more businesses run like their operation. Highly recommended!
Great first experience, came in with no expectations and left with knowledge along with feeling flexible. I will be coming back when I can. They make you feel comfortable while juggling multiple people at once
I was in pain on my lower back when we arrived to South Lake Tahoe from Las Vegas. I started to look for a chiropractor near the area. I called a couple of places but I needed an appointment unfortunately. But when I called Tahoe Chiropractic Clinic, Angy was able to take me in the next hour from my call. I couldn't be any happier than that. I met with Dr Tim and he really took care of my situation. He was so polite and compassionate. Cracked my back and did an adjustment. I walked out feeling much better. I would definitely recommend this clinic if you are in the area and need of a chiropractic while visiting beautiful Tahoe. Thank you Dr. Tim and Angy, you are so awesome!
Great service and very friendly staff. I feel better every time I go. Tim and Angie are very accommodating when it comes to getting me in at the last minute.
I hadn't seen Dr. Langan in a couple years. He helped me with some chronic pain today, feeling better finally. He explained clearly what he was doing, and provided a flexible treatment plan. Angela gave me a heads up about a minor issue with my insurance account numbering, and I appreciate her courtesy in taking the time to explain a potential headache in the future. Great doctor, great manager. 👍
I have loved coming here from day one. My massage therapist Recommended Tim. Tim cares for his patients and will always listen, give any needed advice for extra issues that may arise that he can treat and show you how to do on your own to get relief. Besides getting put in proper alignment, the office is welcoming and inviting and Angi is always super friendly and helpful. Wonderful family practice who cares!
I’ve been seeing Dr. Tim for nearly six years now, and even after moving out of town and off the mountain, I remain a loyal client. He’s an essential part of my team of alternative care providers, and I’m deeply grateful for his knowledge, experience, and the genuine care he offers—not just for my body, but for my overall well-being.<br><br>Whether I’ve injured myself doing something careless or simply need to maintain alignment, Dr. Tim is always ready to help. His treatments consistently restore my body’s mechanics and provide lasting relief. One example: I used to struggle with tingling in my hands and fingers from prior nerve damage—his adjustments resolve it immediately.<br><br>If you’re serious about your health and wellness, do yourself a favor and make Dr. Tim a part of your ongoing care. You’ll be better for it.
Brenda Negley (Nelder Grove Non Profit)06/04/2025 13:58:55
I was happy to have found someone that could help me while I was on vacation in Tahoe. DR. Tim Langan was professional and personable. He was able to help me with the pain I was experiencing and gave me undivided attention and guidance.
This place is awesome! I through my back out 3 weeks ago. I had been trying to fix it myself , didn’t work . I started searching for a new chiropractor after my old one moved his business off the hill . I called and spoke with Angie , she must have heard the pain in my voice and squeezed me in that afternoon. What a life saver ! They put me on 2 different machines to loosen up my locked lower back . WOW ! I’m still sore and going back this week to readjust it . However after my visit , I felt a ton better . Looking forward to my next treatment. It seems like this doc can get me on the right track of feeling less pain soon. Thank you Dr. Langan & Angie 🤙🤙☕️
Tahoe chiropractic South Lake Tahoe is the the best chiropractic place I have been to. Finding a chiropractor that you can trust is very hard. Dr Timothy Langan listens to his patients needs while doing what ia required to heal. His staff is amazing. My husband threw his back out and they went above and beyond to get ya in to be seen. He went from crawling on the floor to walking and returning to every day activities the next day. Can’t say enough about them
Came in last minute with some back and shoulder pain and Tim and his wife Angie were great! Made me feel right at home and took care of the problem right away.<br>Thank you so much.
My favorite chiropractor! An amazing environment, super kind and supportive, and takes the time to explain a bit of what’s going on which is so helpful. Dr. Langan is the best chiropractor out there