Relief from shoulder pain & rotator cuff problems.

Whether your shoulder aches at night, catches when you reach overhead, or the pain started after an injury, we can help. At Briggs Chiropractic & Physical Therapy in Saugus, we treat shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems with hands-on, drug-free care built around you.

How we help

How we help your shoulder feel better.

There is no one-size-fits-all fix for a hurting shoulder. Dr. Keith A. Briggs, a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist and certified chiropractic sports physician, works with our three physical therapists to build a plan that fits your shoulder, your daily life, and your goals. Every step is non-surgical, drug-free, and grounded in evidence.

One-on-one physical therapy and rehabilitation to rebuild strength and range of motion in the shoulder and rotator cuff
Class IV laser therapy to calm inflammation and speed healing in irritated tendons and soft tissue, with no drugs or downtime
Targeted exercise and rehabilitation techniques so the muscles that support your shoulder do their job again
Therapeutic ultrasound and massage to ease tight, sore tissue around the joint
Chiropractic adjustments and attention to spinal biomechanics, because neck and upper-back alignment often play into shoulder pain

Call 781-233-4122

Understanding shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which is exactly why it is so easy to injure. When shoulder pain sets in, the rotator cuff is often involved. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that hold the shoulder in place and let you lift, rotate, and reach. When those tendons get inflamed, overworked, or torn, everyday tasks like putting on a coat, reaching for a shelf, or sleeping on your side can become painful.

Rotator cuff problems do not always start with a single dramatic injury. Many patients we see on the North Shore developed their pain gradually, from years of repetitive overhead motion, poor posture, or wear and tear that adds up over time. Others feel it right away after a fall, a car accident, or lifting something the wrong way.

Common causes and symptoms

Shoulder pain shows up in different ways depending on what is going on inside the joint. Some of the most common signs we hear about include:

A deep ache in the shoulder that is worse at night or when lying on that side
Weakness or pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
A catching, clicking, or grinding feeling with certain movements
Stiffness that makes it hard to reach behind your back
Pain that spreads down the arm or up into the neck and shoulder blade

Because the neck, upper back, and shoulder work together, pain in one area often traces back to another. That is why we take time to look at the whole picture rather than only the spot that hurts.

How Briggs Chiropractic treats it

Care starts with a thorough evaluation to understand what is driving your shoulder pain. From there, we build a non-surgical, drug-free plan using the tools that fit your situation. One-on-one physical therapy and rehabilitation help restore movement and rebuild the strength that supports the rotator cuff, while guided exercise and spinal rehabilitation techniques retrain the muscles around the joint. Class IV laser therapy is a drug-free option that reduces inflammation and helps irritated tendons heal faster. To ease tight, sore tissue we may add therapeutic ultrasound and massage. When the neck or upper back is contributing, chiropractic adjustments and attention to spinal biomechanics help take pressure off the shoulder. For more than 26 years, our Saugus practice has helped North Shore patients get back to the movements that matter, and we accept most insurance, including Medicare, personal injury, and workers’ compensation.

Good to know

Shoulder Pain questions.

Do I need surgery for a rotator cuff problem? +

Not always. Many rotator cuff problems and shoulder pain respond well to non-surgical, drug-free care. At Briggs Chiropractic & Physical Therapy we use one-on-one physical therapy, targeted rehabilitation exercises, Class IV laser therapy, and other conservative techniques to reduce pain and restore movement. After an evaluation we can talk through what makes sense for your shoulder. Call us at 781-233-4122 to get started.

Is Class IV laser therapy safe for shoulder pain? +

Yes. Class IV laser therapy is a drug-free, non-surgical treatment that helps reduce inflammation and speed healing in irritated tendons and soft tissue around the shoulder. There is no medication and no downtime. Many patients use it alongside physical therapy and rehabilitation as part of their plan. Call 781-233-4122 to ask whether it is a good fit for you.

Will my insurance cover treatment for shoulder pain? +

We accept most insurance, including Medicare. We also handle personal injury claims from auto accidents and workers' compensation cases, which are common causes of shoulder injuries. If your shoulder pain started after a car accident or on the job, let us know when you call 781-233-4122 and we will help you understand your options.

How soon should I come in for shoulder pain? +

The sooner the better. Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems often get worse when you keep using the joint the way that irritated it. Getting evaluated early gives us the best chance to calm the inflammation and rebuild strength before it becomes a bigger issue. Our Saugus office serves patients across the North Shore. Call 781-233-4122 to schedule a visit.

Ready when you are

Let's get you feeling better.

Call 781-233-4122 to schedule — we'll take care of the rest.

Call 781-233-4122