A frozen shoulder can be both painful and frustrating. Many people find that their shoulder slowly becomes more and more stiff, and eventually it becomes almost impossible to lift their arm. This can make even simple everyday tasks like getting dressed or reaching for something from a shelf a challenge.
Fortunately, you can massage play an important role in treatment and help you towards better mobility and less pain.
What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder – also called adhesive capsulitis – is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. This is because the joint capsule around the shoulder joint becomes thickened and tight, limiting movement.
The condition often develops in three phases:
- The freezing phase: The shoulder gradually becomes more painful and mobility decreases.
- Frozen phase: The pain may subside slightly, but the stiffness is significant and can last for several months.
- Thawing phase: Movement in the shoulder begins to return and the condition slowly improves.
A frozen shoulder can take from several months to up to 2 years to heal completely, but it almost always gets better with the right treatment and patience.
Symptoms of frozen shoulder
- Pain in the shoulder – especially at night or when you try to move your arm
- Stiffness and limited mobility
- Difficulty lifting your arm above your head or reaching behind your back
- Weakness in the shoulder due to decreased use
How can massage help?
Massage can be an effective part of treating frozen shoulder, especially when the goal is to relieve pain and improve mobility. With a professional massage therapist, you can get:
- Relaxation of surrounding muscles – tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back can worsen the pain
- Increased blood circulation, which promotes the body's natural healing process
- Pain relief and calm in the nervous system, allowing you to move your shoulder more without discomfort
- Gentle mobilization of the shoulder, which can help gradually increase range of motion
It is important that the massage is adapted to your stage of frozen shoulder – because rough treatment in the acute stage can cause more pain. An experienced masseur will always take this into account and work gently.
What can you do yourself?
In addition to massage, you can help your shoulder recover with:
- Gentle stretching exercises – especially when pain allows
- Heating pad or heat pack – the heat can help muscles relax
- Keep moving – avoid completely immobilizing the shoulder, but avoid painful movements
- Good posture – especially if you sit at a computer a lot
Book an appointment and get started with the healing.
The sooner you get help, the better. Professional massage can be an important step in reducing pain and helping your shoulder to “unfreeze” faster.
👉 Book an appointment today, then we will help you get started with the right treatment and exercises so you can regain your freedom of movement.
FAQ about frozen shoulder
Why do you get frozen shoulder?
The exact cause is not always known, but it may be due to inflammation of the joint capsule, previous injury to the shoulder, prolonged immobilization, or diseases such as diabetes and metabolic disorders. Some people experience it without any clear cause.
How long does a frozen shoulder last?
A frozen shoulder typically develops over 1-2 years, but this varies greatly from person to person. Early treatment can help shorten the course and reduce discomfort.
Can massage cure frozen shoulder?
Massage alone cannot cure a frozen shoulder, but it can relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote movement in the shoulder. The combination of massage and targeted exercises often provides the best results.
When should you get a massage if you have a frozen shoulder?
Massage can be given at all stages, but the treatment needs to be adapted. In the acute freezing phase, the massage should be gentle and focus on pain relief. In the later stages, more work can be done on mobilization and increased mobility.
Is it dangerous to exercise with a frozen shoulder?
It's not dangerous to do exercises as long as you stick to gentle movements and avoid pushing your shoulder into pain. Excessive exercise or hard stretches can worsen symptoms.
Can frozen shoulder go away on its own?
Yes, in many cases the shoulder returns to normal over time. However, the process can be lengthy, and active treatment – including massage and exercises – can help shorten the course and maintain mobility.
How can I prevent frozen shoulder?
Keep your shoulder active and mobile, especially if you have had an injury or surgery. Light exercise and stretching exercises can help maintain range of motion.
