Home / Conditions We Treat in Lake Oswego / Shoulder Pain Chiropractor in Lake Oswego
Shoulder pain can limit everything from reaching a high shelf to sleeping through the night. At Form & Function Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff Devine looks at the shoulder together with the neck, upper back and shoulder blade, and also at the hip, since the two joints affect each other. Learn how shoulder and hip pain care works at our Lake Oswego clinic.
Common shoulder complaints
- Catching or pinching when reaching overhead
- Discomfort when sleeping on that side
- Limited rotation
- Soreness after activity
- Rotator cuff irritation, which is common and often linked to how the shoulder blade, mid-back and neck move
Why the neck and upper back matter
The shoulder sits on a moving base. If the shoulder blade, mid-back or neck is stiff, the shoulder joint often takes extra load. That is why Dr. Devine checks the painful joint, the joint it works with, and the spine and pelvis. For neck-related symptoms see our neck pain page.
What care can include
Care may include adjustments, movement coaching and exercise to restore motion and support the joint. Erchonia laser therapy is offered as an option when appropriate, and rehab and physiotherapy can help you rebuild strength. Athletes and active adults can also read about sports injury care.
A note about hip pain
Hip stiffness after sitting, pain in the groin, outer hip or buttock, and trouble with stairs or getting out of a car are all reasons to have the hip evaluated. The same exam covers both joints, so you only need one visit to start.
Protecting your shoulder day to day
Avoid sleeping on the painful side if it aggravates the joint, and keep frequently used items at waist to chest height. Warm up before overhead activity and build strength in the upper back and shoulder blade muscles. If a task consistently causes catching or pinching, change how you do it and have it checked.
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your history, when your shoulder or hip pain began, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Devine then examines you, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends a plan before you leave. X-rays are used only when they are clinically warranted. Adjustments can use Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release or SOT techniques, so you can choose a gentler approach if you prefer. If your pain has not eased within a few weeks, it is a good time to be evaluated.
When to get medical care first
Seek emergency care for shoulder pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or pain spreading to the jaw or arm, which can signal a heart problem, and for a visibly deformed joint after a fall or injury.
Common questions
Can neck problems cause shoulder pain?
Yes. Pain can be referred from the neck or upper back, so we check them as part of your exam.
Do you treat rotator cuff irritation?
Yes. We assess the shoulder and the areas that affect it, then recommend care and exercises. We refer you if imaging or another provider is needed.
Is laser therapy right for me?
It can be an option when appropriate. Dr. Devine will tell you if it fits your plan.
Why patients choose Dr. Devine
Dr. Jeff Devine has practiced for more than 25 years and trained at Palmer West Chiropractic College. He uses a range of techniques, including Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release and SOT, so care can be gentle or more traditional depending on your comfort. Co-owner Jodi Black offers nutrition coaching for patients who want support beyond the adjustment table. Learn more about Dr. Devine, or see our new patient information.
Related care and nearby areas
Related pages: neck pain, pinched nerve, sports injury care and headaches. Read more on the main clinic site: why sleeping off a weekend injury can backfire. Laser option: see our laser therapy page. Ask about the new patient special, and see the clinic FAQ. We welcome patients from Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Hillsdale and Southwest Portland and across Lake Oswego. See all services and conditions.
Form & Function Chiropractic
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite G, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 495-3454
Mon and Wed 9 AM to 7 PM, Tue and Thu 7 AM to 3 PM, Fri 8 AM to noon
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Talk with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms.