As a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP), Dr. Kirk L. Wehrspan is trained to provide precise, gentle adjustments to the hand, elbow, and shoulder. While chiropractic care is commonly associated with the spine, the same principles apply to the upper extremities often with significant results. By correcting misalignment in these joints, Dr. Wehrspan helps relieve pain, restore function, and address the root cause of upper extremity conditions.

HAND

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Median Nerve Entrapment - De Quervain's Tenosynovitis - Wrist/Hand Sprains - Repetitive Strain Injuries - Osteoarthritis - Tendinitis - Ganglion Cysts

Your hands are used constantly for gripping, pinching, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Over time, these repetitive and often strenuous movements can place significant stress on the hands and wrists. Although the hand is strong, it is also a delicate structure made up of 27 bones supported by small ligaments and muscles. When the hands or wrists function in a biomechanically improper position, misalignment can develop, leading to irritation of muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, and nerves. This may result in pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and reduced grip or finger strength.

If you are experiencing hand pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of strength, it is important to consult with Dr. Wehrspan. He specializes in diagnosing and treating hand, wrist, and arm conditions and restores proper alignment and function through specific, gentle joint manipulations.

ELBOW

Tennis Elbow - Golfer's Elbow - Ulnar Nerve Entrapment - Repetitive Strain Injuries – Osteoarthritis –Bursitis – Tendinitis

Chiropractic care is an effective option for relieving elbow pain by addressing the underlying structural issues, providing both symptom relief and helping prevent future problems. The elbow is a complex joint formed by the radius, ulna, and humerus, allowing for bending and rotation of the arm. Because of this complexity, the elbow is susceptible to strain, irritation, and inflammation, most commonly from overuse, repetitive activities, degenerative changes, or individual predisposition.

Common elbow conditions include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and bursitis. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a tendon overuse condition most often associated with repetitive computer mouse and keyboard use rather than sports activities. Symptoms typically worsen gradually and may interfere with gripping or handshaking. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner portion of the elbow and is also commonly linked to repetitive wrist and forearm activities such as computer work, manual labor, or crafts. Bursitis involves inflammation of the elbow’s cushioning bursa, often caused by trauma, prolonged pressure, infection, or inflammatory conditions, and can result in pain and restricted motion.

Dr. Wehrspan specializes in diagnosing and treating elbow conditions using a combination of rest, ice, therapeutic exercises, soft tissue techniques, and gentle joint manipulation to restore function and reduce pain.

SHOULDER

Rotator Cuff Syndrome - Frozen Shoulder - Bursitis - Tendonitis - Arthritis - Sprains/Strains - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, allowing movement overhead, behind the back, and across the chest. This high degree of motion also makes it prone to injury. The shoulder joint is shallow and relies heavily on surrounding muscles for stability, particularly the rotator cuff, which helps keep the upper arm bone properly positioned within the joint. Additional muscles in the upper chest and back support smooth, coordinated shoulder movement.

Shoulder pain can range from mild discomfort to significant loss of motion and may arise from overuse, inflammation, or injury. Common causes include tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff syndrome. Rotator cuff syndrome often involves irritation or injury to the supraspinatus tendon, which can become pinched during overhead or repetitive arm movements, especially when postural or muscular imbalances are present. Symptoms commonly include pain in the front or side of the shoulder, night pain, and difficulty lifting the arm.

If left untreated, rotator cuff problems can lead to complications such as frozen shoulder or long-term degenerative changes. Dr. Wehrspan provides thorough evaluation and treatment to restore proper shoulder motion, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. Care may include gentle chiropractic shoulder adjustments, targeted stretching, and specific home exercises to correct muscle imbalances and promote healthy shoulder function.