Chiropractor for Shoulder, Elbow & Upper Body Pain in San Antonio
Quick answer: A chiropractor for shoulder pain in San Antonio can assess and treat most upper-body conditions — rotator cuff strain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer's elbow, and wrist pain — without drugs or surgery. At Ascenxion Rehab and Performance, Dr. Luis Arteaga combines hands-on joint and soft-tissue work with targeted rehab so the shoulder, elbow, or wrist actually gets stronger, not just numbed.
If lifting your arm, gripping a coffee cup, or sleeping on one side has become painful, you are not alone — and you do not have to live with it. As a rehab-focused chiropractor for shoulder pain in San Antonio, Dr. Arteaga treats the whole upper-body chain, from the shoulder blade down to the wrist, with one-on-one care built around your assessment findings.
Shoulder Pain: Rotator Cuff, Impingement & Frozen Shoulder
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which is exactly why it is so easy to irritate. Most shoulder pain comes from the rotator cuff — the group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the joint — or from the structures around it being pinched during overhead movement.
Common shoulder conditions we treat include rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial tears, shoulder impingement, bursitis, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly two million people see a doctor for rotator cuff problems each year, and most respond well to conservative, non-surgical care. Dr. Arteaga's job is to find out which tissue is driving your pain and restore pain-free motion through a combination of manual therapy and progressive loading.
Elbow Pain: Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are overuse injuries of the forearm tendons — and you do not need to play either sport to get them. Repetitive gripping, typing, lifting, and manual work are far more common causes. The AAOS describes tennis elbow as microscopic tearing where the extensor tendon attaches to the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside.
Not sure which one you have? Our guide on tennis elbow vs golfer's elbow walks you through the difference. Either way, treatment that combines soft-tissue work, dry needling, and tendon-loading exercise tends to outperform rest alone.
Wrist & Hand Pain
Wrist pain often travels up from the elbow or down from the neck, so a thorough assessment matters. We commonly treat wrist sprains, tendinitis, and nerve-related symptoms such as carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. The AAOS notes that early, conservative care can relieve many cases before they become severe. If you have searched for a "wrist pain chiropractor near me," Dr. Arteaga will screen the neck, elbow, and wrist together to make sure the right structure is being treated.
How Dr. Arteaga Treats Upper-Body Pain
Detailed assessment. Your first visit starts with orthopedic testing, neurological screening, and movement analysis of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and neck to pinpoint the true source of pain.
Hands-on treatment. Joint mobilization or manipulation and targeted soft-tissue therapy restore motion and calm down irritated tissue. For stubborn trigger points, dry needling in San Antonio delivers relief that manual therapy alone may not reach.
Rehab and strengthening. This is the part that prevents the pain from returning. Through individualized chiropractic rehab, you progressively load the tendon or joint so it can handle daily life and sport again. Active athletes can also explore our sports chiropractic care.
Dealing with lower-body pain too? See our page on the chiropractor for knee, ankle & foot pain, or browse all conditions we treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. A chiropractor for shoulder pain can treat the most common causes — rotator cuff irritation, impingement, and frozen shoulder — using joint mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, and rehab. Dr. Arteaga assesses whether your pain is mechanical and treatable conservatively, and refers out if imaging or a surgical opinion is warranted.
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It can be either, and sometimes both. Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder or arm often involves the cervical spine, while pain with overhead reaching usually points to the shoulder itself. A full assessment sorts this out so treatment targets the right area.
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Many people feel meaningful relief within a few weeks, but tendon healing is gradual — a full tendon-loading program often runs 6 to 12 weeks. Consistency with your home exercises is the biggest factor in how fast you recover.
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No referral is needed. You can book directly online or call 210-887-7088. If we find something outside our scope during your assessment, we will tell you and help you find the right provider.
