Chiropractic care at Journey Chiropractic in Denver, CO helps relieve body pain by restoring spinal alignment, improving mobility, and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal.
Chiropractors will always seek to treat shoulder pain with the most gentle and drug-free methods possible. The ultimate goal of chiropractic care for shoulder pain is to bring the patient's shoulder back to full function while reducing and eliminating the pain caused by the injury.
Shoulder pain can have a number of different causes, ranging from an injury like a car accident, to a chronic problem like arthritis. Patients who experience shoulder pain may be surprised by the intensity and duration of the pain. The shoulder area is so essential for completing daily activities that it makes sense that the shoulder pain injury should be taken seriously and treated to avoid worsening your condition.
Some signs that shoulder pain needs immediate attention may include a decreased ability to hold objects, decreased functioning of the arm, shoulder pain that persists even while at rest, shoulder pain that lasts more than a day or two, and unusual twinges or aches in the shoulder area.
Chiropractic care can be an extremely effective treatment for shoulder pain regardless of its cause. A chiropractor will often begin with an examination of the patient's neck area since shoulder pain can frequently be the result of "referred" pain from the neck. Whether the shoulder pain is connected to the neck or is limited to the lower part of the shoulder, it can generally be treated with non-invasive methods of natural healing such as chiropractic care.
Care for an injured shoulder may include application of heat, application of ice packs, gentle manipulation from the chiropractor to help the shoulder return to its original state of functionality, and gentle stretching and strengthening exercises that the patient can perform at home.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a restrictive shoulder condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a gradual loss of mobility. It affects about 2–3% of the population and is most common in adults ages 40–70, especially women. The condition develops slowly, often starting with mild pain that progresses as the shoulder joint tightens and adhesions form, limiting movement.
Although the exact cause is not always known, inflammation, misuse, or underlying conditions can contribute to its onset. The good news is that frozen shoulder is treatable. With proper joint manipulation and neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation, mobility can be restored and pain reduced. Early care can help speed recovery and prevent long-term stiffness.
Frozen shoulder typically starts with shoulder pain, followed by increasing stiffness and reduced range of motion. Over time, everyday movements like reaching or lifting become difficult.
Frozen shoulder can develop due to injury, overuse, surgery, or prolonged lack of shoulder movement, such as when the arm is immobilized in a sling. Inflammation and possible autoimmune responses can cause the joint capsule to tighten, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Certain systemic conditions—such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions—also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder and make early diagnosis especially important.
Surgical patients, including those recovering from rotator cuff repair, labrum surgery, mastectomy, or heart surgery, are particularly susceptible due to limited shoulder use during recovery. Once healing allows, chiropractic care combined with neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation can help restore range of motion, reduce pain, and support a safe return to daily activities.
Chiropractic therapy for frozen shoulder can produce the results you need and resolve your frozen shoulder. Our staff will evaluate your baseline range of motion and pain level to develop a plan tailored to you. In-office neuro-muscular-skeletal rehabilitation coupled with exercise you may do at home will address and increase your range of motion. It will also build the muscle to prevent muscular atrophy or the shrinkage of important muscles in the shoulder. Coupled with treatment for inflammation in the joint space, patients can see improvement over a period of time and resolution of the disorder.
Hard work is the key. Failure to work on stretching in the office as well as at home can delay the recovery process. Trust our staff to direct you along the path to recovery.
Upper and lower back pain are common conditions caused by factors such as poor posture, muscle strain, spinal misalignments, stress, or injury. Because the spine supports movement and protects the nervous system, even minor disruptions can lead to stiffness, discomfort, or pain that affects daily activities. Chiropractic care focuses on identifying the root cause of back pain, restoring proper spinal alignment, and improving mobility to help relieve pain and support long-term spinal health.
The low back is designed to handle significant forces, but its natural instability makes it more vulnerable to injury—especially when spinal alignment is off or supporting muscles are weak. Because it allows for a wide range of movement, even simple tasks like lifting groceries or bending can trigger pain if the area isn’t functioning properly. Back pain is extremely common, affecting most people at some point, and research shows it often returns if left untreated. Seeking chiropractic care can help address the underlying causes, improve stability, and reduce the risk of recurring low back pain.
Low back pain can stem from many causes, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, disc injuries, joint inflammation, or trigger points, and it may be triggered by anything from sports injuries to simple everyday movements. Other factors such as arthritis, poor posture, excess weight, stress, or even certain medical conditions can also contribute. Because low back pain has so many possible causes—some of them serious—it’s important to seek professional evaluation. Chiropractors are trained to identify the source of low back pain and recommend appropriate, effective treatment.
● Subluxations - Disruptions in the normal movement or alignment of the lumbar vertebrae, often near the sacrum, can cause pain and inflammation, but these subluxations are easily treated and often provide rapid pain relief.
● Disc Herniations - A herniated disc doesn’t always cause low back pain, but when it does, it can be severe and radiating, and while full healing is rare, chiropractic care can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
● Sprains, Strains and Spasms - Low back pain often affects “weekend warriors” who overexert inactive muscles, causing small tissue tears that lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
● Stress - Chronic stress raises heart rate and muscle tension, leading to sore, weakened muscles and trigger points that can contribute to ongoing low back pain.
Neck and upper back pain often result from injury, poor posture, stress, subluxations, or disc issues. Because the neck supports the weight of the head with limited muscular stability, it is especially vulnerable to strain, and problems in this area can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into the shoulders and arms. Neck dysfunction may also contribute to headaches, muscle spasms, TMJ issues, and reduced range of motion, since many neck muscles connect directly to the upper back and play a key role in movement and stability.
Most neck and upper back pain is caused by a combination of factors, including injury, poor posture, chiropractic subluxations, stress, and in some instances, disc problems.
● Injuries - Whiplash is the most common neck injury, caused by sudden head movement that damages neck tissues and may lead to long-term problems if not evaluated and treated early, even when pain isn’t immediately felt.
● Poor posture - Poor posture is a common cause of neck pain and headaches, often developing from everyday habits like reading in bed or sitting too long with the head bent forward, making it important to maintain a neutral neck position and good sitting posture.
● Subluxations - Neck and upper back subluxations are common due to spinal stress and instability, often showing up as poor posture, uneven shoulders, or forward head posture, and can worsen over time if left untreated.
● Stress - Stress often causes unconscious muscle tightening—especially in the neck, upper back, and low back—leading to chronic tension and trigger points, but regular exercise and deep breathing can significantly reduce this pain.
● Disc Herniations - Cervical discs can occasionally bulge or herniate—often after whiplash—placing pressure on nearby nerves and causing pain or other symptoms.
Chiropractic treatment for low back pain is usually pretty straightforward. Most commonly, it's simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints.
Chiropractic for the low back has been repeatedly shown to be the most effective treatment for low back pain. In fact, major studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective, cheaper and has better long-term outcomes than any other treatment. This makes sense because chiropractic care is the only method of treatment that serves to re-establish normal vertebral motion and position in the spine. All other treatments, such as muscle relaxants, pain killers, and bed rest, only serve to decrease the symptoms of the problem and do not correct the problem itself.
Shin splints are characterized by pain in the front part of the lower leg. It occurs on the inside edge of the large bone there — the tibia. This condition is common in runners, but can also occur in other physically active people.
Shin splints usually happen during or after a change in the intensity of physical activity, such as running more miles or more frequently. Shin splints are not a standard medical diagnosis. The condition may also be called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), anterior tibial pain or exercise-induced leg pain.
Overuse of the leg muscles — without taking enough time to rest and heal — can lead to inflammation or swelling of the tendons, muscles or tissue covering the shin.
This causes pain along the front of the shin. Symptoms range from a dull, tight feeling to a sharp pain along the shin.
Several factors increase your chance of developing shin splints, such as:● Running long distances or on hills or uneven surfaces● Training incorrectly or too much● Switching your routine● Wearing the wrong shoes● Not warming up properly● Foot problems
In addition to excessive training, other conditions can also lead to pain in the shins, such as:● Flat feet● A very rigid arch of the foot● Chronic anterior compartment syndrome (when the large muscle on the front of the lower leg becomes too large for the tissue that surrounds it)● Stress fractures
Shin splints are very common among professional and recreational athletes, especially runners, military recruits and dancers.
Shin splints will often go away with basic therapy, which involves:● Rest● Ice● Massage● Rehabilitation exercises● Stretching● Kinesio taping
However, if the shin splits don't clear up quickly, your chiropractor will look for other problems that may be contributing to the pain. This includes examining your spine, hips, knees and feet for misalignments.
One problem with the foot that can lead to shin splints is over pronation — or “rolling in” of the foot. This condition causes overstretching in the shin muscles. If this is the case, your chiropractor may prescribe a foot orthotic for you. This will adjust how your foot strikes the ground.
Your chiropractor may also make adjustments in your foot joints, ankle, knee, SI joint or low back. This can relieve the pain from shin splints, or prevent them from happening again.
If you have shin splints, look for a chiropractor who specializes in treating sports injuries and conditions. This will help you return to your regular training program.
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Up to 10 million people suffer from painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Symptoms include pain in the face and neck, locked jaw or limited jaw movement, painful clicking when moving the mouth, dizziness, difficulty chewing or swallowing and a change in the way the teeth fit together. TMD is about four times more common in women than men.
TMD has many causes, some physical, some emotional. A jaw injury, such as one caused by a car accident or being hit hard by a ball, can lead to TMD. Degenerative joint disease is another leading physical cause of TMD.
Emotional stress can cause behaviors that lead to TMD, such as clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth.
You can manage TMD through medications or lifestyle interventions. Your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants or pain relievers. Certain types of antidepressants also relieve pain. If you clench your teeth at night, aggravating your TMD pain, your doctor might prescribe a sedative. These medications bring along a variety of side effects.
Other interventions don’t require drugs. Rest your jaws by eating soup or soft food. Avoid chewing gum. Firm or soft bite guards sometimes relieve pain, and keep you from grinding your teeth at night. Ice packs or moist heat can help. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and stretch your jaw muscles.
If stress and anxiety are the cause of your TMD, try relaxation techniques. Mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, biofeedback, talking to a counselor or massage might help.
In extreme cases, some doctors recommend surgery to repair this joint.
Some patients with TMD find relief through chiropractic care. A chiropractor can manipulate your neck and jaw to improve alignment and relax muscle tension. Many chiropractors will also recommend special exercises, hot and cold treatment and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. Your chiropractor might team up with your dentist to provide the best care.
If you’re suffering from TMD, call us today so we can help ease your jaw pain.
About 90 percent of people will recover from plantar fasciitis within a few months following conservative treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common explanations of heel pain. It is caused by inflammation to the thick band that connects the toes to the heel bone, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot. The condition is most commonly seen in runners, pregnant women, overweight people, and individuals who wear inadequately supporting shoes. Plantar fasciitis typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 70.
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes a stabbing pain in the heel of the foot, which is worse during the first few steps of the day after awakening. As you continue to walk on the affected foot, the pain gradually lessens. Usually, only one foot is affected, but it can occur in both feet simultaneously.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, your doctor will physically examine your foot by testing your reflexes, balance, coordination, muscle strength, and muscle tone. Your doctor may also advise a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray to rule out other others sources of your pain, such as a pinched nerve, stress fracture, or bone spur.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes chiropractic care, medication, physical therapy, shock wave therapy, or surgery.
● Medications - NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation from plantar fasciitis but do not cure the condition. Corticosteroids may also be used short term to relieve inflammation, either topically or by injection.
● Physical therapy - Stretching the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can help relieve pain and support healing. Athletic taping, night splints, and orthotics—either over-the-counter or custom—may also be recommended to improve support and reduce strain on the foot.
● Shock wave therapy - If conservative treatments don’t relieve plantar fasciitis, extracorporeal shock wave therapy may be recommended to stimulate healing, though it can cause temporary side effects like soreness, swelling, or tingling.
● Surgery - When all else fails, surgery may be recommended to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Few people need surgery to treat the condition.
● Home remedies - Stretching your plantar fasciitis is something you can do at home to relieve pain and speed healing. Ice massage performed three to four times per day in 15 to 20 minute intervals is also something you can do to reduce inflammation and pain. Placing arch supports in your shoes absorbs shock and takes pressure off the plantar fascia.
Patients will find that chiropractic care for hip and knee osteoarthritis can help reduce inflammation, improve joint functioning, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles around the affected joints.
Osteoarthritis in the knee and hip areas can be a very painful injury, and one that is often a chronic condition if left untreated. Chiropractic care for hip osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis can be very helpful for patients who have been unable to find relief from the pain in any other way.
Signs of hip osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis include an increasing level of pain in the hip area that may extend into the groin area, pain shooting down the thighs, and pain in the knee joints. It is not uncommon for the knees to be the first place the pain is felt, and some patients may not notice the hip pain until later. The pain often increases when the weather is colder, or when the patient is engaged in physical activity like jogging or walking.
Chiropractors use very gentle spinal adjustments to place the spinal column in proper alignment, which has a positive effect on the hip joints that are connected to the spine. While hip and knee osteoarthritis is not curable at this time, it is very much manageable with the help of chiropractic care.
Knee osteoarthritis can also be managed very effectively with the help of chiropractic care. The treatments for both knee and hip osteoarthritis may be similar, and can include stretching, massage, gentle manipulation of any painful joints, and the use of ultrasound for healing.
Knee pain is common in people of all ages. It may start suddenly — such as after exercise or an injury. But it can also develop over time, starting out as minor discomfort.
Chiropractic care for knee pain includes first identifying the underlying cause of the pain, which could be an injury, mechanical problem or some kind of arthritis. Once this is known, the chiropractor can determine the best treatment for the pain.
There are three main types of problems that can lead to pain in the knee.
● Injuries - Damaging any part of the knee may cause pain. These parts include:- The structures that surround the knee — the ligaments, tendons and fluid-filled sacs- The parts of the knee itself — ligaments, cartilage and bones
Some of the most common knee injuries include:- Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)- Tearing of the meniscus. The shock absorbing cartilage between the bones of the shin and thigh- Knee bursitis. Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee- Patellar tendinitis. Inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones
● Mechanical problems - Changes in how the knee works can lead to pain in the knee, such as:- Iliotibial band syndrome. Tightening of the ligament that runs from the pelvic bone to the outside of the tibia, which can cause it to rub on the outside of the thigh bone.- Dislocated kneecap. This happens when the kneecap (patella) slips out of place.- Hip or foot pain. These can change how you walk and lead to more stress on the knee.
● Arthritis - There are many different types of arthritis that can cause swelling and pain in the knee, including:- Osteoarthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis- Gout- Septic arthritis
Chiropractors will first do a thorough physical examination. This will enable them to identity the underlying cause of the knee pain. Even though the pain is located in the knee, the problem can lie elsewhere in the body.
For example, runners often complain of a tight iliotibial (IT) band — a common condition for them. This, however, may be caused by weakness in certain muscles, which makes them walk or run unevenly. In order to stabilize the joints, the IT band has to work harder. Over time, this may cause it to tighten and lead to knee pain.
Chiropractic care may be able to relieve knee pain, especially when combined with standard medical care. Spine and joint manipulation can improve the functioning of the knee by:● Returning the spine to normal movement● Relaxing the muscles of the body● Increasing the range of motion in the knee● Improving the coordination of joints, especially the ankle, knee and hips● Reducing other problems in the body that may be contributing to pain in the knee
Chiropractors may also use other techniques to reduce inflammation in the knee that is causing pain, such as ultrasound therapy or ice massage. They may also apply special kinds of tape to the body to treat ligament injuries. This helps stabilize the problem area and reduce inflammation.
Excessive knee pain can often lead to people avoiding certain activities, such as walking, running or biking. Over time, the lack of physical activity can lead to other health problems and may aggravate the pain in the knee.
Early treatment of knee pain, along with the underlying causes, can help people return to their normal activities sooner. This will improve their health both in the short and long term. It will also allow athletes to return to their training and competitions.