02/26/2026
Your frozen shoulder isn’t just a shoulder problem.
You’ve been told it’s “adhesive capsulitis”—inflammation and stiffness in the shoulder capsule—and that you’ll need physical therapy, maybe a cortisone shot, and 1–2 years to recover.
But here’s the real question: Why did it freeze in the first place?
The shoulder doesn’t randomly lock up. It can be a protective response driven by the nervous system—often starting in the neck.
The nerves that control your shoulder exit the cervical spine (C4–C7). If the neck isn’t moving or functioning well, those nerves can become irritated. Muscles tighten and guard, inflammation increases, movement becomes restricted, and over time the shoulder stiffens to protect the area.
Upper cervical issues may also influence how the body regulates inflammation. When that regulation is off, chronic inflammation and adhesions can develop in the shoulder capsule. What looks like a local shoulder issue may actually reflect a broader neurological and postural imbalance.
Neck dysfunction doesn’t just affect one joint. It can shift shoulder blade mechanics, rib position, thoracic spine movement, and overall posture. Frozen shoulder may be the end result of long-term compensation patterns.
Treating only the shoulder addresses the symptom—not necessarily the source.
A comprehensive approach focuses on:
Restoring proper cervical spine function
Improving overall nervous system regulation
Correcting thoracic and rib mechanics
Addressing whole-body posture and movement patterns
When the system functions better, inflammation can calm down, mobility can improve, and recovery may happen more efficiently.
Sometimes frozen shoulder isn’t just a shoulder problem—it’s a signal that something upstream needs attention.