The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles—the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow full range of motion. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons become partially or completely detached from the humerus due to acute trauma or chronic overuse.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder weakness, night pain, and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. Many patients describe sharp, catching pain with overhead activity or when reaching behind the back.

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is characterized by stiffness and significant restriction in shoulder movement. It often develops gradually and can follow injury, prolonged immobility, or systemic conditions like diabetes. Patients typically experience three stages: freezing (increasing pain and stiffness), frozen (severe restriction), and thawing (gradual improvement).

At Stine Chiropractic Clinic, our chiropractic orthopedists carefully assess range of motion, joint mechanics, and muscle tension to identify the stage of the condition. Our treatment protocol may include gentle mobilization, therapeutic ultrasound, and progressive stretching programs to reduce adhesions and restore motion. We educate each patient on proper home stretching and posture to maintain gains achieved in-office.