Shoulder Pain Chiropractor in Loveland, CO
A lot of shoulder pain isn't only the shoulder. The neck, the upper back and how you move all play a part, so that's where we look first.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?
Often, yes. A lot of shoulder pain starts in the neck, because the nerves that control your shoulder muscles come from your neck. We look there first, restore healthy alignment and movement, and add corrective exercise and in-house massage so your shoulder can move and feel better.
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About This Service
Why Your Shoulder Might Not Be the Whole Story
Here's the deal with shoulders. The joint itself can be the problem, but just as often the pain is coming from, or being made worse by, the neck and upper back. Nerves that serve the shoulder leave the spine in your neck, and a stiff, rounded upper back changes how the shoulder blade moves every time you reach.
So a good shoulder exam looks at all three: the shoulder, the neck and the upper back. Then we know whether chiropractic care is the right fit, or whether you need a different kind of provider, and we'll tell you which.
- An exam of the shoulder, neck and upper back together
- Movement and strength testing, so we see what the shoulder is actually doing
- Adjustments to restore motion where the spine and ribs are stuck
- Specific exercises for the shoulder blade and posture
- A straight answer if your shoulder needs imaging or a specialist
What We See Most
Shoulder Problems We See in Loveland
Pain Reaching Overhead
Trouble with high shelves, washing hair or throwing a ball.
Shoulder Blade Pain
An ache between or along the shoulder blades that won't let up.
Pain That Travels
Shoulder pain that runs down the arm or comes with neck stiffness.
Desk and Driving Shoulders
Tight, rounded shoulders from screens and long commutes.
Sports and Lifting Strain
Softball, golf, pickleball, swimming or a heavy day in the yard.
Sleeping Pain
A shoulder that aches when you lie on it or wakes you at night.
Our Approach
How We Help the Shoulder Move Better
Once we know where the problem is coming from, care usually combines adjustments to the neck, upper back and ribs, work on how the shoulder blade moves, and a few exercises you can do at home. The goal is simple: a shoulder that moves freely and stays that way, not a quick fix that wears off by Friday.
If something needs more than we do, like a suspected tear, we refer you to the right doctor rather than keep treating a problem that isn't ours to fix.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
Related Conditions We Care For
Research
What the Research Says
A few of the published studies behind how we approach this. Research describes groups of people, not a promise for any one person. Your exam tells us what applies to you.
This guideline suggests considering multimodal care (joint mobilization and exercise), or neck and upper-back manipulation when those areas are involved, for soft-tissue shoulder pain.
Yu H, Côté P, Wong JJ, et al. Noninvasive management of soft tissue disorders of the shoulder: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) collaboration. Eur J Pain, 2021 · guideline.
For rotator cuff tendinopathy, low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests manual therapy may reduce pain, including when added to exercise, while effects on function remain unclear.
Desjardins-Charbonneau A, Roy JS, Dionne CE, et al. The efficacy of manual therapy for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2015 · systematic review.
This review rated the evidence as fair for manual and manipulative therapy, combined with exercise or multimodal care, for rotator cuff and several other common shoulder disorders.
Brantingham JW, Cassa TK, Bonnefin D, et al. Manipulative therapy for shoulder pain and disorders: expansion of a systematic review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2011 · systematic review.
Common Questions
Questions Patients Ask Us
Can a chiropractor help shoulder pain?
Often, yes, especially when the neck, upper back or posture is part of the problem, which is common. An exam tells us whether your shoulder is a good fit for chiropractic care or needs a different provider.
Is my shoulder pain coming from my neck?
It can be. Nerves that serve the shoulder come from the neck, so neck problems can show up as shoulder pain. Checking both is the only way to know.
What if I think I tore something?
Sudden weakness, being unable to lift the arm, or significant swelling after an injury should be checked by a medical doctor. We will refer you if that's what the exam points to.
How do I get started?
Call (970) 800-3486 or request an appointment online. Your first visit starts with a consultation and a thorough exam.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Book Your Shoulder Pain Evaluation
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patient Special — $59
$315 value
- Consultation with the Doctor
- Orthopedic and Neurological Exam
- Specialized Report of Findings
Terms of This Offer
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.