BALANCE IN MOTION BODYWORK
Santa Barbara Massage & Pain Therapy
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, also called adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the inside of the shoulder joint capsule adheres to the bone. The adhesion drastically reduces arm motion and is quite painful. The causes of a frozen shoulder can range from family history of adhesive capsulitis to medical issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Female patients over 40, and especially those who are recovering from shoulder surgery, are statistically the most prone to frozen shoulder. Regardless of the cause, having a frozen shoulder is painful, debilitating and will lead down a long road to recovery.On average, a frozen shoulder can take anywhere from six months to two years to resolve. Balance in Motion is an experienced provider for this type of injury.
STRETCHING
The muscles around the shoulder become stiff and sore, often in spasm, as a result of the pain caused by the lack of motion in the joint. Stretching the shoulder is necessary to help restore normal range of motion and release the adhesion.
A general rule of thumb is to hold the stretches for 60 to 90 seconds a few times per day. Less force and more repetition will help gently restore motion. I can teach you mobilization-based stretches that can be performed at home.
MOBILIZATION
Specific exercises can be employed at home to assist in mobilizing the shoulder joint itself. Mobilization exercises address the joint capsule, which is usually the primary source or cause of a frozen shoulder, hence the name adhesive capsulitis. The joint capsule essentially adheres to the bone, limiting motion. Exercises, such as arm swings and wall walks, are commonly taught, along with some specific mobilizations a therapist may teach, called rhythmic stabilizations.
NORMAL ACTIVITIES
Activities of daily living can help self-cure a frozen shoulder. The restriction in movement that occurs is often best treated with normal tasks, such as reaching into a cabinet, grooming, snapping a bra and housework. Such activities and movements; even if painful, will help mobilize the shoulder and restore normal function.
MASSAGE
Although not directly related to a frozen shoulder, tight muscles and trigger points in the shoulder girdle and upper back can contribute to the pain experienced with a frozen shouldemes even be the cause of it. Massage of the trigger points can help restore motion in the shoulder and greatly relieve your pain.
I have had even greater success with Proprioceptive-Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy, which has cleared up chronic frozen shoulder syndrome in as little as two sessions and permanently restored range of motion.
Frozen shoulder syndrome occurs in three phases:
Stage 1: The freezing or painful phase
During this stage you develop pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. As the pain increases, movement becomes more difficult and the shoulder is used less. Often your back and neck muscles start to ache as they work harder to compensate for fewer shoulder movements. This stage can last from a few weeks to a few months.
Stage 2: The frozen or stiffening phase
In the next stage, you will notice that the stiffness remains but the pain does not become worse and may even start to decline. This stage usually lasts anywhere from 4 months to nearly a year.
Stage 3: The thawing phase
Finally, you will find that the full range of movement begins to return to the shoulder joint. This stage usually takes a minimum of 5 more months but may take as long as 2 years.
In many cases, physical therapy or well-meaning exercise suggestions are actually making the already inflamed area even more painful. Trigger Point Massage and PDTR offer a quicker and less painful way to regain your full range of motion.
