Shoulder Pain Treatment in Glendale, AZ

Looking for shoulder pain treatment in Glendale, AZ? Shoulder pain is often linked to irritated rotator cuff tendons, overhead training, or stiffness in the shoulder and upper back. At Muscle Chiropractic in Glendale, AZ, Dr. Tim Ballitch examines the shoulder, neck and upper back to work out where the pain is coming from, then recommends care only when it fits.

Dr. Tim sees lifters, athletes and active adults with pain when reaching overhead, pressing or sleeping on the shoulder, shoulder tendinitis, calcific tendinitis, and stiffness that limits daily activities.

Muscle Chiropractic is at 7155 W. Campo Bello Dr., Building B, Suite B-115, Glendale, AZ 85308. We see patients from Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West and North Phoenix.

Ready to have your shoulder checked? Choose the first visit that fits:

• Book a New Patient visit — about 30 minutes: history, exam, and an adjustment and exercises when appropriate (pricing and what to bring).
• Only want to know whether shockwave suits your shoulder, for example calcific tendinitis? Book the $50 Shockwave Consultation — history, exam and candidacy check only; no adjustment or shockwave treatment.

Questions first? Call/text 480-740-9619.

Get medical care first if you have…

• shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating (call 911)
• sudden inability to lift your arm after a fall or injury, or a visible deformity
• a hot, red, swollen joint or fever
• rapidly worsening weakness or numbness in the arm

How Dr. Tim assesses shoulder pain

He asks about your training, work and sleep, and how the pain started. He then checks shoulder range of motion and strength, how the shoulder blade moves, and whether the neck or upper back is contributing. If a tear or another problem needs imaging or an orthopedic opinion, he will tell you.

Treatment options

• Progressive shoulder and shoulder-blade exercises, adjusted to your training
• Soft tissue therapy for the muscles around the shoulder
• Adjustments and joint mobilization for the shoulder, upper back and neck, by hand or with the ProAdjuster
• Shockwave therapy for selected cases, such as calcific tendinitis, when your exam shows it fits

Not every patient needs every option. Your plan depends on your exam and goals, and changes based on how you respond.

What the research shows

• An overview of systematic reviews on subacromial shoulder pain recommended exercise therapy as the first-line treatment and supported adding manual therapy (Pieters et al., J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2020).
• For calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff, a randomized trial found shockwave improved pain and function compared with sham treatment at six months (Gerdesmeyer et al., JAMA, 2003).

Results vary from person to person, and no treatment can guarantee a specific outcome.

Common questions

Do I have to stop lifting?

Usually not completely. Dr. Tim will help you adjust exercises and load so you can keep training while the shoulder settles.

Do I need an MRI?

Not always. Dr. Tim will recommend imaging or an orthopedic referral if your exam suggests a significant tear or another problem.

How quickly will I feel better?

Shoulder tendon problems often take weeks to months to settle. Dr. Tim rechecks your progress and changes course, or refers you, if you are not improving as expected.

Do you take insurance?

Muscle Chiropractic is a cash-based practice and does not bill health insurance. HSA/FSA cards are accepted.

Related care

Neck pain · Shockwave therapy · Sports injuries · Tendonitis · Sports chiropractic · Mechanical Motion Therapy · New patient center

Have shoulder pain that is limiting your training or sleep? Book online or call/text 480-740-9619.