Chiropractor for shoulder pain
A pinch when you lift your arm, or a shoulder that won't let you sleep? Dr. Ling finds which muscles are actually involved and treats them, starting at your first visit.
Does this sound like you?
- A pinch at the front or side of the shoulder when you reach up or out
- You can't sleep on that side
- Reaching behind your back or putting on a jacket hurts
- The shoulder feels weak, or clicks deep inside
- It's getting stiffer and you're losing range of motion
What's usually causing it
Common causes include an irritated rotator cuff tendon, bursitis, frozen shoulder, a labral tear, or pain referred from the neck. "Rotator cuff" is often blamed, but many other muscles attach around the shoulder, and finding the one that's actually involved is what makes treatment work. More on the causes of shoulder pain.
Dr. Ling is an overhead athlete himself and has been through a labral tear, shoulder surgery, impingement and a rotator cuff tear, so he knows these injuries first-hand.
Call 911 for shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating. See a doctor if you can't lift your arm after a fall, the shoulder looks deformed, or it's hot, red and swollen.
How Dr. Ling treats it
- Assessment (30 minutes). Strength and movement tests of the shoulder, plus a check of your neck and mid-back, a clear explanation, and your first treatment.
- Hands-on treatment. Soft tissue therapy (MRT and ART) on the muscles involved, and adjustments of the shoulder, neck and mid-back when they're right for you.
- Rehab. Rotator cuff and shoulder blade exercises to restore strength and control, progressed as you improve.
- Referral when needed. If your exam suggests a full tear or instability, Dr. Ling refers you for imaging or a surgical opinion, and can help with rehab before and after.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what's causing your pain and how long you've had it. After your assessment, Dr. Ling gives you a plan with an expected number of visits, then re-checks your progress along the way. Follow-up visits are 15 minutes, so they fit around work.
Cost and coverage
- Extended health: most plans cover chiropractic and are billed directly. Insurance & billing
- Car accident? ICBC covers your care at $0 to you. ICBC care
- Hurt at work? WorkSafeBC is billed directly at Marpole and Hartwell (Ontario St). WorkSafeBC care
- Fees vary by clinic and are shown when you book online.
"I have been having shoulder and hip problems for more than 5–8 years and instantly after 3–4 sessions I am almost brand new!"
Edwin Amador, Google review
Common questions
Can a chiropractor treat shoulder pain?
Yes. Chiropractors treat the shoulder and other joints, not just the spine, using soft tissue work, adjustments and rehab exercises.
Do I need an MRI first?
Usually not. A hands-on exam is often enough to start treatment. If something suggests a tear that needs imaging, Dr. Ling will refer you.
Can a rotator cuff tear get better without surgery?
Many partial tears and some full tears improve with rehab. An exam helps judge how severe it is and whether a surgical opinion makes sense.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can book directly with Dr. Ling.
Book an assessment
Choose the clinic closest to you. Online booking shows Dr. Ling's live availability.
Marpole Chiropractic
8289 Granville St (at 66th Ave), Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z6
Free street parking nearby.
Hartwell Therapy, Ontario St
8205 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC
Book with Dr. Ling through Hartwell's online booking.
Ironwood Chiropractic
165-11720 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC
Ironwood books its own appointments. Visit their site or call the clinic.
Dr. Ling's hours change week to week at each clinic. Online booking always shows his real availability. Can't find a time? Call and we'll try to fit you in, or join the wait list when you book.