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Shoulder Pain
Treatment in Overland Park, KS · Dr. Ladd Carlston
By Dr. Ladd Carlston · Updated March 16, 2026
What it feels like
Pain reaching overhead. Night pain sleeping on that side. Weakness lifting objects. Catching or clicking. Pain radiating down the arm.
What’s actually causing it
Everyone assumes shoulder pain is a rotator cuff problem. Sometimes it is. But here's what I see more often: the scapular stabilizers — the muscles that control your shoulder blade — have shut down. When your scapula isn't positioned correctly, every movement of your arm grinds against a mechanical disadvantage. The rotator cuff gets blamed because it's the one that hurts, but it's hurting because it's overworking to make up for muscles that aren't doing their job. I test the serratus anterior, lower trap, rhomboids — the muscles nobody thinks about — and that's usually where the answer is.
How I treat it
I test the muscles around the affected area individually, find which ones aren’t firing, and reset the connection using gentle techniques. No cracking, no popping.
How long it takes
Most patients feel a difference after one session. Chronic cases typically resolve in 4–6 sessions.
“I had my first visit with Dr. Carlston and I am very pleased. I struggle with back pain. It was truly an honor to be in his presence. I love his energy, his expertise, and his approach. Dr. Carlston is truly a healer and I highly recommend him.”
Daniel S. · Google review
Techniques I use for shoulder pain
The foundation of everything I doNeuromuscular Re-education
Retrains the communication between your brain, nerves, and muscles so the right muscles fire at the right time — and the overworkers can finally relaxSoft Tissue Mobilization
Hands-on work that breaks down scar tissue, releases muscle tension, and restores circulation to areas that have been locked up and compensatingMuscle Energy Technique
Uses your own gentle muscle contractions against resistance to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore the range of motion your body has lost
Common questions
Why does my shoulder pain keep coming back?
Because the weak muscle causing it hasn’t been found and reset. I treat the cause, not the symptom.
Will you crack my joints?
Never. My techniques are gentle, precise, and comfortable. No high-velocity adjustments.
Ready to find real relief?
Book online in 30 seconds. No referral needed.