Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, can be extremely debilitating and annoying to live with, as those of you who have experienced it well know.
The stiffness, pain, and limited mobility can interfere with simple tasks like reaching for a coffee cup, driving, or putting on a jacket. While treatment often involves physical therapy, or in more severe cases surgery, massage therapy can be very beneficial as a natural, supportive treatment to ease symptoms and promote recovery.
What Is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (the capsule) thickens and tightens over time, restricting movement as it causes the shoulder joint to “freeze”. It usually develops slowly, progressing through three phases:
Freezing: Increasing pain and stiffness limit motion of the arm/shoulder joint.
Frozen: Pain may ease somewhat, but mobility remains very restricted.
Thawing: Motion gradually returns as the joint loosens.
The entire process can take months or even years if left untreated.
How Massage Therapy Helps
Massage therapy doesn’t “cure” frozen shoulder, but it can provide significant relief and support the healing process. Here’s how:
Reduces Muscle Tension: Shoulder stiffness often triggers surrounding muscles (like the deltoids, trapezius, and rotator cuff muscles) to tighten in response. Massage helps release these compensatory tensions.
Improves Circulation: Increased blood flow can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing.
Encourages Mobility: Gentle mobilization techniques can gradually improve range of motion when combined with other therapies.
Relieves Pain: By addressing trigger points and muscular adhesions, massage therapy can reduce the intensity of shoulder pain.
Supports Relaxation: Chronic pain can cause stress and guarding (holding the body rigid to avoid pain). Massage therapy promotes overall relaxation, making movement easier.
Techniques Used
Massage therapists tailor sessions depending on the stage of frozen shoulder. Common approaches include:
Myofascial Release: Gentle, sustained pressure to ease restrictions in the fascia surrounding the shoulder joint.
Trigger Point Therapy: Targeting “knots” in the muscles that may be contributing to pain.
Deep Tissue Massage: Focused work to break up adhesions and improve flexibility, often more appropriate in the “thawing” phase.
Passive Stretching: Carefully guided movements to encourage mobility without forcing the joint.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical massage session for frozen shoulder may begin with warming the tissues around the upper back, chest, and shoulder, then gradually working deeper into restricted areas. Communication with your therapist is key — the pressure should never cause sharp pain. Over time, consistency is crucial: regular sessions, paired with at-home stretches or physical therapy, tend to yield the best results.
Complementary Approaches
Massage works best when combined with other supportive therapies, such as:
Physical therapy exercises
Heat therapy to relax stiff muscles
Gentle stretching at home
Anti-inflammatory strategies (like proper nutrition and hydration)
Final Thoughts
While all of our therapists are experienced working with shoulder issues, Chad has completed courses that focus specifically on treating shoulder conditions such as this. We highly recommend booking with him if you’re experiencing frozen shoulder, or think you may have symptoms. As always, we advise consulting with your health care provider before beginning treatment.