Don’t Let Shoulder Pain Limit You—Discover Lasting Relief with Chiropractic Care at East West Chiropractic.
Overview
Shoulder pain can present in many forms, including sharp or dull aches, stiffness, weakness, or limited mobility. You may also experience difficulty lifting your arm, laying on the affected side at night, pain while reaching overhead, or discomfort during everyday activities such as carrying bags or reaching behind you.
Most common shoulder pain conditions/symptoms:
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis/Tear
Rotator cuff tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons that surround the shoulder joint and is the most common shoulder injury. It can create pain with simple shoulder movements, like getting dressed.
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are torn or damaged. This can result from gradual wear and tear over time, or can be due to sudden trauma. Common symptoms include pain and weakness in the shoulder typically when lifting overhead, and difficulty with daily activities like combing hair or reaching behind the back.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome, or “TOS”, is a condition that occurs when nerves and blood vessels are compressed at the base of your neck and shoulders. Several factors can cause TOS, including tight muscles in the neck or chest, an excessively small space between the first rib and collarbone, or an extra rib that crowds the area. You’re more likely to develop TOS if you have recently suffered a neck injury, work at a computer, have poor posture, or participate in sports or activities that require overhead movement. Symptoms include arm pain, numbness, tingling, and possible weakness that may increase with overhead activity or excessive head movement.
Dislocation and Separation
Typically due to a traumatic event such as a sports related injury, motor vehicle accident, or falling with your arm outstretched. In these scenarios, the shoulder is subject to potential dislocation or separation leading to possible soft tissue damage.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder joint. When injured or aggravated it can cause chronic pain and decreased shoulder mobility.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a long-term condition that causes pain and limited movement in the shoulder. It is defined by three stages: the freezing stage, characterized by a loss of motion; the frozen stage, which involves ongoing stiffness; and the thawing stage, which involves decreased pain and improved mobility.
Degenerative Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative musculoskeletal condition that can affect the shoulder joint like any other area of the body. Common presentation of shoulder arthritis includes sclerosis, decreased joint space, and bone spurs, all of which are typically age and workload related.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement is a broad term used to describe the process of the rotator cuff tendons becoming pinched between the surrounding shoulder bones, leading to pain and further inflammation. Pain pattern is worse with overhead movements.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment aims to return overall shoulder function and movement, relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility.
At East West Chiropractic we offer the following treatments for shoulder pain:
- Chiropractic Adjustments and manipulations to restore proper alignment in the shoulder joint to relieve pressure on nerves and muscles, improving range of motion and reducing pain. Additionally, our chiropractors will address any misalignments in the neck and upper back which can affect the nerves that refer to the shoulder.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to reduce inflammation in the shoulder, stimulate tissue repair, and reduce pain and stiffness.
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) to help decrease inflammation by influencing cellular activity, enhancing circulation and promoting the body’s natural healing process.
- Physical Therapy to strengthen muscles that support the shoulder, improve flexibility and range of motion, and prevent future injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your chiropractor will review your symptoms and conduct an exam to determine the cause of your shoulder pain. Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will determine the best treatment options for your particular condition/symptoms. The doctor will then recommend the appropriate treatment modalities to get you pain free as quickly as possible.
While all chiropractors use similar treatments, they may have different approaches on how to treat a patient to get the best result. As with any medical profession, doctors can have their own skill sets and specialties that set them apart. It is best to set up a consultation to determine which chiropractor is best for you.
EWC does accept some insurances, however, every plan is different and therefore deductibles, copays and out of pocket expenses vary greatly. Our experienced insurance manager will verify your coverage and provide you with a summary of your chiropractic benefits. Please note verification is not a guarantee of benefits or payment. We also offer very affordable cash rates and care packages to fit your needs.
At East West Chiropractic in Groton, CT, our expert team is dedicated to helping you live pain-free through personalized chiropractic care with non-invasive therapies. We educate and empower our patients to live healthier and achieve optimal quality of life.
Pain relief and better health is just one call away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a more active and fulfilling life.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Meet the Team
Dr. Deveau is a local boy, born and raised in Ledyard. At the young age of 10, he remembers moving his toes and wondering “what has to happen in the body for that thought to travel and turn into an action in my toes”. That started a lifelong interest in health and body and a fascination with how it all works together. He grew up very active in sports, playing soccer and baseball and was a competitive wrestler. His interest in physical fitness guided him to body building during early adulthood and sparked a passion for biomechanics. In 1989, he then ventured off to California to work as a private trainer at a chiropractic office. He was inspired by what he saw and decided to make chiropractic a career by enrolling in the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1996. In September of that year, he moved back to Connecticut and started East West Chiropractic.
He has continued his passion for health, keeping his mind open to new ideas and treatments, which has made East West Chiropractic one of the most technologically advanced chiropractic offices in the state. He has hundreds of hours of continuing education in neurology, nutrition, biomechanics, and the health effects of stress and he applies his wealth of knowledge to the treatment plans for his patients.
He currently enjoys tennis, golf, pickleball, shooting, boating… really all the “ings”!
Dr. Zeppieri’s journey with East West Chiropractic began not as a doctor, but as a patient. With a lifelong background in athletics and fitness, he first visited the clinic after suffering an ankle injury while playing football. It was during his rehabilitation that he discovered chiropractic care was far more comprehensive than he had initially realized. This experience sparked a deep interest and growing passion for the field.
While earning his degree in Exercise Science from Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Zeppieri took on multiple roles at East West Chiropractic—including working in therapy and assisting Dr. Deveau—which further solidified his commitment to holistic healthcare. After graduation, he pursued his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, widely regarded as the birthplace of Chiropractic. While at Palmer, he continued his athletic pursuits, playing travel rugby alongside his
studies.
In 2024, Dr. Zeppieri returned to where it all began—joining the team of doctors at East West Chiropractic. He brings with him a strong belief in the power of holistic health, emphasizing proper exercise, strength training, functional mobility, and nutrition as essential components of his approach
to chiropractic care.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming to enhance your overall quality of life, Dr. Zeppieri is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals—leaving no stone unturned.
Dr. Shipper was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she developed a deep appreciation for healthy living early in life. Her lifelong involvement in athletics, combined with time spent shadowing her father in his medical practice, sparked a passion for biomechanics and holistic healing.
A graduate summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport, Dr. Shipper earned her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree in 2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
As a mother, Dr. Shipper brings a compassionate and informed perspective to her work with growing families. She specializes in care that supports natural development, prenatal comfort, and postnatal recovery. Her practice welcomes patients of all ages and activity levels—from athletes and weekend warriors to office professionals and busy parents and their children.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Shipper enjoys kickboxing, hiking, skiing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, crocheting, reading, and rock climbing.
Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or proactive wellness care, Dr. Shipper creates personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals. At the heart of her practice is a simple belief: everybody – no matter the age – deserves the chance to feel balanced, strong, and supported.