Shoulder pain is one of the most frequent joint‑complaint issues and can stem from a variety of underlying problems. At our Keller clinic we often identify factors such as:
- Overuse or repetitive strain (lifting, overhead work, sports)
- Injury to the rotator cuff, tendons, ligaments or bursae
- Misalignment of the spine, shoulder blade or arms placing extra stress on the shoulder joint
- Joint degeneration or arthritis causing inflammation, stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Compensatory mechanics from the neck, back or opposite shoulder forcing the painful side to carry extra load
- Traumatic injuries, slips/falls or auto‑accidents that disrupt soft tissue, joint alignment or nerve pathways
How We Address Shoulder Pain in Keller, TX
At our Keller‑based practice we employ a comprehensive non‑surgical strategy to relieve shoulder pain and restore full function:
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments: Led by Dr. Dennis James, DC, FASA, our alignment work not only focuses on the shoulder joint, but addresses the spine, shoulder blade and arm mechanics that affect it.
Soft Tissue & Joint Mobilization: We use manual therapies to reduce muscle tightness, release trigger points, improve circulation and restore range of motion in the shoulder complex.
Lifestyle & Biomechanics Coaching: We review your posture, workspace ergonomics, sports mechanics and daily habits to correct patterns that contribute to shoulder pain and support long‑term health.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A detailed consultation with Dr. James to review your shoulder‑pain history, activity level, triggers and personal goals.
A full physical examination including shoulder range of motion, scapula/arm biomechanics, posture/spine screening and functional testing.
A personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition, whether acute injury, chronic wear, or alignment‑related stress.
Ongoing assessment of your progress, we track movement, pain levels and rehab compliance to ensure you’re improving and getting back to the activities you love.
Conditions We Treat at Our Keller Clinic
- General shoulder pain and stiffness limiting daily tasks
- Pain with raising the arm overhead, carrying objects, reaching behind
- Rotator cuff injuries or tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) with limited mobility
- Shoulder pain caused or influenced by neck or upper back misalignment
- Shoulder pain from trauma, auto‑injury or athletic injury
- Early to moderate shoulder arthritis where conservative care is appropriate
Why Choose Performance Chiropractic in Keller, TX?
- Conveniently located at 1135 Keller Parkway, Suite 200, Keller, TX 76248
- Lead provider Dr. Dennis James, DC, FASA, with over 20 years of clinical experience in musculoskeletal and joint pain relief
- A holistic approach: we don’t just treat the shoulder, we treat the body mechanics, posture, alignment and function that drive it
- Gentle, modern techniques suitable for adults, teens, athletes and people recovering from injury
- Serving Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Westlake, Fort Worth and the wider DFW area
Practical Tips to Support Your Shoulder Pain Recovery
Use proper movement mechanics — avoid overhead lifting with bent elbows or unsupported arms, especially early in recovery.
Strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder (rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, deltoids) with guided exercises to reduce stress on the joint.
Keep active — gentle movement promotes joint nutrition and prevents stiffness especially if you’ve had limited mobility.
Apply ice or heat as needed during flare‑ups to manage pain/inflammation, and rest the shoulder during early rehab.
Maintain good posture — avoid slouching, forward‑head posture, or hunching of shoulders, which can load the shoulder joint improperly.
Communicate any change in symptoms (increased pain, catching, loss of motion, weakness) promptly — this helps us adapt your plan for optimal recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shoulder pain always mean I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many shoulder pain cases, especially those from overuse, alignment issues or early degeneration, can improve significantly with conservative chiropractic care, manual therapy and exercise. However, if there is full tendon tear, serious joint damage, or advanced arthritis, surgical referral may be necessary.
If I feel shoulder pain but the neck is also stiff, won’t treating the shoulder alone help?
Treating the shoulder alone may give short‑term relief, but unless underlying neck or upper back alignment issues are addressed, the pain often returns. That’s why we evaluate the full kinetic chain including spine, shoulder blade, scapula and arm mechanics.
How quickly can I expect improvement in my shoulder pain?
This varies depending on how long you’ve had the pain, the cause (injury vs wear vs misalignment) and how consistently you follow rehab/exercises. Some patients feel relief after a few sessions; others may need a longer plan to restore full function and prevent recurrence.
Is it safe to have chiropractic care for shoulder pain?
Yes, when provided by a licensed and experienced chiropractor, adjustments and rehabilitative techniques are generally safe and effective. That said, certain conditions (serious fractures, inflammatory arthritis, acute trauma) require appropriate imaging and possibly medical clearance before care.
Can I prevent future shoulder pain once I’ve recovered?
Absolutely. Key steps include: maintaining good posture, strengthening shoulder and upper‑body muscles, using ergonomic strategies for work/sports, avoiding repeating the injurious patterns, and listening to your body when strain starts.