Most people don’t think about their range of motion—until it’s gone. If you’ve ever injured your shoulder and struggled to lift your arm or rotate it fully, you know how much it impacts your day. From simple tasks like loading the dishwasher to more complex movements at work or during exercise, limited mobility can affect nearly every part of life.

So, what can you do when your range of motion becomes restricted? For many Portland residents, chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to restore mobility, reduce pain, and protect long-term joint and spinal health.

What Does Range of Motion Mean?

Range of motion (ROM) refers to how freely your joints and body can move. It’s often measured by the flexibility and movement around a joint. For example, bending your body sideways, rotating your wrist, or turning your neck are all examples of testing your ROM.

When your movement feels stiff, painful, or limited, it’s a sign your range of motion has decreased. A reduced ROM doesn’t just make daily activities harder—it can also increase the risk of further injury if left untreated.

Why Range of Motion Matters

Maintaining healthy mobility is about more than convenience—it’s essential for overall wellness. A limited ROM can:

• Make everyday activities like driving, lifting, or even walking more difficult.
• Lead to compensation injuries when other muscles or joints are forced to overwork.
• Increase the likelihood of sprains, tears, and inflammation when you push your body past its limits.

Pain and restricted movement are signals that your body needs care. Ignoring them often leads to a cycle of recurring injuries and slower recovery times.

Common Causes of Limited Range of Motion

A loss of mobility can stem from many different issues, including:

• Injury or trauma: Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls often result in stiffness or whiplash that restrict movement.
• Post-surgical recovery: Extended periods of rest can cause stiffness and limited flexibility.
• Chronic inflammation: Conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome make joints painful to move.
• Repetitive motion or poor posture: Desk jobs and daily habits can create long-term joint and spinal restrictions.
• Spinal misalignment: When the spine is out of alignment, it can make even simple movements uncomfortable and painful.

How Chiropractic Care in Portland Helps Restore Mobility

Chiropractic treatments focus on the spine and joints—the foundation of your body’s movement. By using gentle, non-invasive adjustments, chiropractors help realign the body, reduce nerve compression, and restore natural mobility.

At Corazon Chiropractic Clinic in Portland, care plans may include:

• Spinal adjustments to restore alignment and reduce pain.
• Joint manipulations to improve flexibility and blood flow.
• Personalized treatment plans for long-term mobility and injury prevention.
• Home exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and maintain a healthy range of motion.

These targeted treatments don’t just relieve pain—they help you regain function and protect your body against future injury.