| Did you know that there are massage techniques for | | | | can get the spasms to "let go", thereby instantly |
| frozen shoulder that can help you gain improved range | | | | improving joint motion. Sometimes the outcome is very |
| of motion instantly and decrease your pain? Stiffness | | | | dramatic and the patient can gain 20-30 degrees or |
| and pain that limit shoulder motion with adhesive | | | | more in one session. This can be repeated as often as |
| capsulitis is primarily due to painful adhesions that form | | | | necessary to loosen the shoulder and provide the |
| on the surface of the joint capsule. However in the | | | | patient with more pain-free function. These techniques |
| early stages of this condition, some loss of motion is | | | | require visual instruction and are too complex to cover |
| due to protective muscle guarding and spasm, which | | | | within a text article. However here is a description of |
| can limit the effectiveness of stretching exercises and | | | | one of the massage techniques for frozen shoulder |
| in most cases actually increase shoulder pain with | | | | that can easily be visualized: |
| stretching! | | | | - Lie on on a bed on your stomach close to the edge |
| What happens is the patient is given a series of | | | | with your affected arm hanging off of the bed |
| stretching exercises by their therapist in hopes to | | | | - Have a partner place their fingers at the back of the |
| stretch or break adhesions, but because their shoulder | | | | arm pit (axilla) and then move their fingers |
| may already be in an inflamed state, these exercises | | | | approximately 1.5 to 2 inches laterally toward the spine. |
| only inflame their shoulder more, thereby causing more | | | | - Have them start with light steady pressure and |
| pain, more inflammation, and more stiffness. Therefore | | | | gradually increase the pressure to somewhat strong |
| these stretches are not doing what they are designed | | | | over a period of 30-45 seconds, then suddenly |
| to do because of the protective muscle guarding. In | | | | release. Repeat 3-5 times. |
| the early inflammatory stages the patient should use | | | | - Next have them begin to passively raise your arm |
| frozen shoulder massage techniques to gain range of | | | | towards your head while applying the same pressure |
| motion and allow the irritation to settle down before | | | | in the spot described above. Movements should only |
| begin more aggressive with other stretching or ROM | | | | occur in 5-10 degree increments with graduated |
| movements. When a person is given aggressive | | | | pressure and release. |
| stretching exercises by their PT it's no wonder they | | | | It's a good idea to start with heat first if available. |
| soon give up! | | | | Never push into pain and, as always, consult your |
| One way to overcome this vicious cycle of pain is to | | | | doctor before beginning any massage techniques for |
| use specific muscle release techniques. By locating | | | | frozen shoulder or any exercise or stretching plan. |
| these muscles and applying graduated pressure you | | | | |