Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) & Massage
What is Adhesive Capsulitis?
Frozen shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint feels stiff and exhibits limited range of motion. External rotation is the most limited movement, so it feels like the shoulder is stuck in a forward and rotated position. In adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, this occurs when the joint capsule within glenohumeral joint becomes inflamed and scar tissue forms. There may also be a reduction in synovial fluid
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The three stage process of developing Frozen Shoulder
Stage 1 – the “freezing” stage, marked by pain that gradually worsens over the course of 6 months, and range of motion becomes limited. Evidence for inflammatory cytokines within the synovial has been found during this stage.
Stage 2 – the “frozen” stage, or the adhesive stage, the stage where pain lessens but the joint stiffness persists. This stage can last from 4 to 12 months
Stage 3 – the “thawing” stage, or the recovery stage, where the shoulder gradually improves its range of motion over the course of 5 months to 2 years.
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What causes it?
Strangely, not a lot is understood as to why this condition develops. However, there are certain conditions that seem to track across many of those who suffer from frozen shoulder:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism)
- Surgery or injury to the shoulder
- Women aged 40-60
- Autoimmune diseases
- Connective tissue diseases
Standard treatments for this condition would include NSAIDS, steroids, and physical therapy
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Massage for Frozen Shoulder
There are many muscles that surround the shoulder that can develop trigger points (overuse adhesions in the muscle), that targeted massage therapy can help relieve.
- Subscapularis – deep muscle used to medially rotate the arm (chronically shortened and tight in frozen shoulder)
- Biceps brachii – used for flexing the arm
- Deltoid (anterior and posterior) – used for multi-directional movement of the arm
- Pectoralis major – used during push ups
- Teres major & minor – used for external shoulder rotation
- Latissimus dorsi – used for pull ups or shoulder adduction
- Supraspinatus – used for raising arm above the head
- Infraspinatus – used for external shoulder rotation
Several of these trigger points are linked, and when massaged together can provide relief beyond addressing single trigger points at a time. For example, the following are some of the connected trigger points found in frozen shoulder:
Infraspinatus – Biceps brachii – Deltoid (anterior)
Infraspinatus – Supraspinatus
Subscapularis – Pectoralis major – Teres major
Deltoid (posterior) – Pectoralis major
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