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You’ve got intense shoulder pain that keeps you awake at night. You can barely move your arm, and it’s been this way for months. Your doctor or an online search told you that frozen shoulder could take up to three years to heal. You’re exhausted, frustrated, and tired of relying on pain medication that barely works.
There’s good news – a specific chiropractic treatment for frozen shoulder called the OTZ Technique may provide almost immediate relief. At my Edmonton chiropractic clinic, I’ve seen many patients regain shoulder motion and reduce pain within minutes of treatment.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a painful and exhausting condition. It causes stiffness, loss of movement, and often intense nighttime pain that disrupts sleep. Research shows that frozen shoulder can last from five months to over three years, and women are affected more often than men. (1,2)
The condition typically develops in stages – from increasing pain and stiffness to a “frozen” phase where movement becomes severely limited. Even after the pain subsides, regaining full range of motion can take months without proper care.
Traditional Treatments for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder frustrates both patients and healthcare providers because recovery is usually slow. Many traditional treatments focus only on the shoulder joint itself.
Medical approaches often include (3, 4, 5, 6, 7):
- Pain medications or anti-inflammatories
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery in more severe cases
Physiotherapy treatments may use heat, ultrasound, stretching, and mobilization techniques. (8, 9, 10, 11) Chiropractors may adjust the neck and mid-back, combined with shoulder stretching exercises. (12, 13, 14, 15)
While these treatments can help, many patients still experience pain and stiffness for months or even years afterward. (16)
How the OTZ Chiropractic Treatment Works
The OTZ Technique – developed by Dr. Francis Murphy – takes a different approach. It focuses on the connection between the neck and the shoulder, specifically the joint between the skull (occiput) and the first cervical vertebra (atlas).
When this joint loses mobility or becomes misaligned, it can interrupt nerve signals that control key shoulder muscles. These muscles may weaken or tighten, causing instability and gradual restriction in movement – what we recognize as frozen shoulder.
The OTZ chiropractic adjustment restores normal motion to that joint, effectively “turning the nerve circuit back on.” This can immediately improve shoulder strength and range of motion.
I’ve used this technique for years in my Edmonton chiropractic clinic, and I’ve witnessed dramatic, often instant improvements. One research study (17) involving 50 frozen shoulder cases found that:
- 16 patients had complete resolution (100%)
- 25 patients improved 75–90%
- 8 improved 50–75%
- Only one patient saw less than 50% improvement.
These results match what I see in practice every week.
A Real-Life Example
Before learning the OTZ Technique, treating frozen shoulder could take months. One of my patients, David, struggled for nearly eight months under traditional care. His pain improved slightly, but his shoulder remained stiff.
After I learned and applied the OTZ chiropractic adjustment, his results were astounding – he regained full motion after his first treatment. His wife was in tears when she saw him move his arm freely again.
That’s why I love what I do – helping people return to their lives with less pain, better movement, and renewed energy.
See OTZ in Action
Want to see the OTZ Technique for yourself? Check out these short videos showing frozen shoulder patients recovering mobility and function after treatment:
FAQs About Chiropractic Treatment for Frozen Shoulder in Edmonton
Without treatment, it can take up to three years. With the OTZ chiropractic technique, improvement can begin after just one visit.
Yes. It’s a precise adjustment focused on restoring normal motion to a specific neck joint. Most patients tolerate it very well. Read more about the safety of chiropractic care.
In some cases, yes – but restoring normal shoulder function early reduces the chance of recurrence.
If you have ongoing shoulder pain or stiffness, an assessment can determine whether this technique could help you.
Get Relief from Frozen Shoulder in Edmonton
Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to control your life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with shoulder pain, there’s hope.
At my Edmonton clinic, I use the OTZ chiropractic treatment for frozen shoulder to help patients restore movement and reduce pain – often much faster than they thought possible.
Book an appointment today and find out if this technique can help you regain comfort and motion in your shoulder.
For a healthy spine and nervous system, contact Edmonton chiropractor Dr. Dean Collins. Or book a consult and exam with him today.
To learn more about how chiropractor care can help you and your family, read Dr. Collins’ comprehensive guide to chiropractic care: Chiropractic Care for Everyone.
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