Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis) is a poorly understood condition where movement in the shoulder causes great pain and is eventually restricted by inflammation and scar tissue. Similar to CTS, it is often treated with drugs, physical therapy, and possible surgery.

Why massage?

Surgery can release the restrictions inside the joint, but creates MORE of the scar tissue and inflammation that caused the problem in the first place.  Drugs and physical therapy are focused on treating the symptoms, and may not target the root causes of the restrictions.  However, massage treatment for frozen shoulder is focused on reducing scar tissue through gentle joint manipulation and deep connective tissue work. A therapist moving the shoulder while the client is relaxed- passive motions- can often get more movement than the client can actively. While painful, this often helps improve joint health by gently breaking up scar tissue, and encouraging movement and decreased viscosity of the synovial or joint fluid.