“Frozen shoulder” is a condition with a limited range of motion in the shoulders, and it is often quite painful. The medical term for this condition is adhesive capsulitis. This article will discuss why it happens (there’s some very interesting science behind it, resulting in inflammation), but meanwhile, several massage methods can help relieve your pain without medication!
This article will also dig into other issues related to frozen shoulder, like how to deal with ‘frozen shoulder syndrome’ (another name used interchangeably with ‘frozen shoulder’) and what self-massage techniques will benefit you even if you don’t have a frozen shoulder.
- Myofascial release: Tissue that doesn’t move freely is often the result of myofascial restrictions—which probably sounds like something very complicated and scientific! In reality, it just means your fascia (connective tissue) has become stuck in place, which can cause all kinds of issues. Massage therapists from Downtown use their hands or specialized devices to address these restrictions by applying sustained pressure until everything starts moving again. In the case of frozen shoulder, though, you’ll usually only need the tools that your hands provide. It is one common technique used in massage for frozen shoulder.
- Trigger point therapy: Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in muscle tissue where there is a lot of built-up tension and pain. They’re caused by an overload of stress and tension on the body (which can come from injuries, lifestyle factors like too much sitting), lack of movement, or other things that typically require medical attention. Regular trigger point release can help to reduce overall stiffness and even reduce pain without medication!
- Stretching: Stretching isn’t just for athletes—it’s also something that anyone with a mobility issue should spend some time on! The more you stretch, the more you can move, and the less stiffness and pain will be an issue for you! Dynamic stretchesare highly recommended by different therapists.
- Relaxation: Whether through breathing techniques or simply relaxing with a massage, massage therapists often employ relaxation techniques to help increase your sense of well-being. This helps with tension management, stress control, and even quality of sleep if done regularly! All things that are also key factors in preventing frozen shoulders from getting worse – especially because stress is not good for your overall health!
- Staying active. Staying active—especially focusing on range-of-motion activities and gentle stretches—is important for people with frozen shoulders. It is the number one thing your doctor will tell you to do!
- Compression garments: These handy tools can help reduce pain and retain heat in sore areas. (It’s not recommended that you use them every day.) When worn regularly, these can be especially helpful during days when you know your pain levels are going to spike-like after a long workday or some other strenuous activity.”
To be clear, you need to work with a qualified and experienced massage therapist for these massage techniques to be as effective as possible. These physical manipulations can cause pain if done wrong, so you want someone who knows what they’re doing to guide you through the process!