Massage Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, a condition characterized by stiffness and debilitating pain, can significantly impact your quality of life - and can even last for years if not treated properly. While it’s important to seek medical guidance for a frozen shoulder, some holistic approaches - such as massage therapy - have recently gained traction in their ability to provide both emotional and physical relief for those suffering with the painful condition.

In the following article, we’re going to explore a range of massage techniques tailored to tackle frozen shoulder, offer insights on how each approach can contribute to your journey towards recovery, and take a look at some of the factors to keep in mind when considering this approach. So, whether you're suffering from a frozen shoulder yourself or seeking ways to aid someone who is, keep reading to discover how this natural approach could pave the way to a quicker recovery. Let’s get started!    

What is a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, clinically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time, and then resolve, usually within a one to three-year period.

Aside from being incredibly painful, a frozen shoulder can be debilitating and hinder your ability to perform everyday tasks that involve reaching or lifting. 

What causes a frozen shoulder?

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it often occurs after an injury or overuse that leads to inactivity. When you stop using the joint normally due to pain or injury, a process called "freezing" starts to occur, making the shoulder even more difficult to move.

Frozen shoulder is also more frequent in people with certain diseases. For instance, up to 20% of people with diabetes will develop frozen shoulder, and it's also more common in individuals with thyroid problems, Parkinson's disease, or heart disease.

How massage therapy can help frozen shoulder

So, how can massage therapy help? Here are just a few benefits:

Alleviating pain

One of the most immediate benefits of massage therapy for a frozen shoulder is pain relief. A skilled massage therapist can employ various techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues; this may involve the use of Swedish massage techniques like effleurage (long, sweeping strokes) to promote relaxation and pain relief.

Restoring mobility

Massage can also help restore mobility to a frozen shoulder, and techniques such as deep tissue massage and myofascial release can help to break up adhesions and scar tissue that are limiting shoulder movement. Over time, regular massage therapy sessions can help to improve the range of motion in the shoulder joint. And if you’re unable to travel to a physical spa location, mobile massage services - such as Spa Theory - will send a qualified and vetted professional massage therapist to carry out your massage from the comfort of your own home. 

Enhancing circulation

Massage can also help to enhance circulation in the affected shoulder, promoting healing and reducing stiffness. Improved circulation can help your body accelerate at delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues, aiding in recovery and helping to prevent further adhesions from forming.

Keep in mind that while massage can be beneficial for a frozen shoulder, it's not a quick fix. Regular massages, in conjunction with other treatments like physical therapy and exercises, can contribute significantly to recovery.

Decreasing stress and anxiety

Dealing with a frozen shoulder can be a stressful experience, and in some cases, the pain and limitations in mobility can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression over time. This is where massage therapy can come in useful: the soothing, hands-on approach of massage can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" chemicals, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. 

The psychological benefits of massage really cannot be understated enough: studies show that stress and anxiety can end up exacerbating physical pain, leading to a vicious cycle of low mood and physical discomfort. Through its capacity to alleviate stress, massage can help break this cycle, and help get you on the track to full recovery.

Massage techniques for frozen shoulder

So, what kind of massage techniques might you expect from a massage for a frozen shoulder? Let’s take a look:

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is an effective technique used to treat patients with a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including frozen shoulder. This method involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

Trigger point therapy

Frozen shoulder often involves trigger points or knots in the muscles around the shoulder, which is where trigger point therapy can come in useful. Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to these knots, which can help to alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and increase range of motion.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage can be particularly beneficial for those with frozen shoulder: techniques such as effleurage (long, sweeping strokes) and petrissage (kneading and compression) can help to relax the muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation to the affected area.

Deep tissue massage

For those with more chronic or severe cases of frozen shoulder, a deep tissue massage may be beneficial: this technique involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles.

Joint mobilization

Joint mobilization is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. This type of massage technique is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint, with the general aim of achieving a therapeutic effect, whether that be reducing pain or increasing range of motion.

Remember, each individual's experience with frozen shoulder is unique, so it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional massage therapist who will develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs.