At Lobacz Chiropractic in Evansville, we provide targeted, non-invasive care for shoulder pain. Using advanced Shockwave Therapy, Class IV Laser Therapy, and chiropractic techniques, we help reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, restore range of motion, and improve strength and function—without relying on medications, injections, or surgery.
Dr. Andrew Lobacz, with nearly 22 years of experience, takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder, tendon problems, arthritis-related pain, and post-injury discomfort.
Treatments
What is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain involves irritation, injury, or dysfunction of the complex structures that make up the shoulder joint—including the rotator cuff tendons, bursa, labrum, ligaments, muscles, and the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, making it prone to overuse, instability, and injury.
When these tissues become inflamed, degenerated, or restricted, everyday activities like reaching overhead, dressing, sleeping on the affected side, or lifting objects can become painful or limited.
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms
- Aching, sharp, or burning pain in the shoulder joint or upper arm
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion (especially difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back)
- Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
- Pain with specific movements (reaching across the body, overhead activities)
- “Frozen” feeling or progressive loss of mobility
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy, tears, or impingement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Bursitis or inflammation of the bursa
- Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint changes
- Overuse from repetitive overhead activities, sports (throwing, swimming, tennis), or work
- Poor posture, forward shoulder rounding, or neck-related referred pain
- Previous injuries or incomplete rehabilitation
- Age-related wear, muscle imbalances, or reduced circulation
Why Shoulder Pain Is Often Mismanaged
- Medications and painkillers only mask symptoms without promoting healing
- Cortisone injections provide temporary relief but can weaken tendons and cartilage over time
- Many approaches fail to address underlying biomechanics, mobility restrictions, or tissue regeneration
- Surgery is sometimes recommended before fully exploring conservative, regenerative options
Our Structured Shoulder Pain Program
A guided, phased approach—not a quick fix:
- Initial Phase: Rapid pain reduction and decreased inflammation
- Healing & Rehabilitation Phase: Improved mobility, strength, and function
- Maintenance Phase: Long-term shoulder stability and prevention of recurrence
Realistic Expectations
Many patients notice early improvements in pain and stiffness within the first few visits. More significant gains in range of motion, strength, and daily function build gradually over weeks with consistent care. We focus on meaningful, lasting relief and help many patients avoid or delay surgery.
When to Seek Help for Shoulder Pain
- Pain that persists for more than a few weeks
- Difficulty with daily activities like reaching, dressing, or lifting
- Significant stiffness or loss of range of motion
- Pain that interferes with sleep or quality of life
- Weakness, instability, or pain following an injury
Shoulder Pain FAQs
Yes. The shoulder does not function in isolation. Restricted movement in the cervical or thoracic spine can alter shoulder mechanics and contribute to pain or weakness. Part of a comprehensive evaluation includes assessing spinal movement to determine whether it may be influencing shoulder function.
Most cases of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) do not require surgery. The condition often progresses through stages and can become extremely stiff and painful. Conservative treatment focused on improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and restoring joint motion can significantly improve function. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases that fail conservative management.
Yes. Class IV laser therapy is non-invasive and designed to support cellular repair and reduce inflammation. For patients with shoulder arthritis, laser therapy may help improve comfort and mobility without injections or medications. It does not “reverse” arthritis, but it can support joint function and reduce inflammatory irritation.
Improvement timelines vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Many patients notice reduced night pain or improved range of motion within the first few weeks. More stubborn cases — such as frozen shoulder or long-standing tendon irritation — may require 6–8 weeks of structured care. The goal is not just temporary relief, but restoring proper shoulder mechanics to prevent recurrence.
Shockwave therapy may help certain types of rotator cuff injuries, particularly chronic tendinopathy or partial-thickness tears where the tissue has become degenerative over time. By stimulating circulation and promoting tissue remodeling, shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation and improve shoulder function. Full-thickness tears or complete ruptures may require surgical evaluation, but many chronic shoulder cases respond well to conservative care.
