What is Frozen Shoulders Syndrome?
Frozen shoulder syndrome occurs when the mobility of your shoulder joint is restricted to the degree that it feels frozen in place. The limited range of motion of your shoulder joint makes it difficult or painful to perform certain movements.
To regain mobility, you must create an effective treatment plan involving stretching and massage.
Myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the shoulder and surrounding areas can cause frozen shoulders.
Trigger points are muscle knots, lumps, or sensitive areas that can occur due to injury, overuse, or referred pain from another area of your body. They can cause pain, reduced mobility, and muscle weakness. Trigger points can also lead to poor circulation, contractions, and spasms.
Benefits of massage and stretching for frozen shoulder.
Massage and stretching are extremely beneficial for treating frozen shoulder pain.
Massage helps to relieve tension and tightness so your muscles can relax. This helps to restore mobility and improve function. It also may help improve blood flow to the affected area and reduce inflammation.
Stretching improves flexibility, increases range of motion, and lengthens muscle fibers.
Both of these treatments can alleviate pain and discomfort. This allows you to feel more at ease as you go about your daily activities, so you’re more likely to stay active.
How often should I get massage for Frozen Shoulder?
For frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, the frequency of massage therapy can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. Generally, the following guidelines are recommended:
Acute Phase (0-3 months): During this initial phase, the focus is often on pain management and gentle movement. Massage therapy might be recommended 1-2 times per week to help reduce pain and improve circulation.
Adhesive Phase (3-9 months): As the shoulder becomes stiffer, massage therapy can help maintain range of motion and reduce muscle tension. Sessions 1-2 times per week can be beneficial, depending on your tolerance and response to therapy.
Recovery Phase (9-24 months): During this phase, as mobility improves, the frequency of massage can be reduced to once a week or every other week. The focus is on restoring normal movement and preventing the recurrence of stiffness.
It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or massage therapist, who can tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs. They can also advise on other complementary treatments like physical therapy exercises, stretching, and possibly medical interventions if necessary.
How long is a massage session for Frozen Shoulder?
The duration of a massage session for frozen shoulder can vary depending on the therapist and the specific treatment plan. Typically, sessions can range from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the severity of the condition and the specific techniques being used. It's important to consult with a qualified massage therapist who can tailor the session length and techniques to your individual needs.