Our Osteopaths, Acupuncturists and Soft Tissue Massage Specialist can all help with shoulder problems but in different ways. Today we will focus on Paula Edwards, our Soft Tissue/Remedial Massage practitioner.
Massage and myofascial techniques can play a key supportive role in the treatment and rehabilitation of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) by targeting both soft tissue restrictions and pain modulation. Here’s how they help at each stage of the condition:
How Massage and Myofascial Techniques Help Frozen Shoulder
Massage and myofascial techniques can significantly help in the treatment and rehabilitation of frozen shoulder by addressing both the pain and mobility limitations associated with the condition. Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, restricting movement and causing discomfort. Manual therapy offers a non-invasive way to intervene in this process by improving soft tissue health, reducing pain, and enhancing range of motion.
One of the most immediate benefits of massage is pain relief. Gentle techniques such as effleurage and petrissage stimulate sensory receptors in the skin and underlying tissues, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle guarding. This is especially helpful in the early "freezing" stage of frozen shoulder, when pain is most prominent. As muscle tension decreases, there is often a corresponding reduction in pain, allowing the patient to tolerate more movement and begin functional rehabilitation.
As treatment progresses, more focused techniques like trigger points, soft tissue release and myofascial release become valuable. These approaches target the deeper connective tissues and fascia that may have developed adhesions or thickened due to prolonged immobility and inflammation. Myofascial release helps to loosen restrictions in the fascial network that encases muscles, nerves and joints, improving the ability of tissues to slide and move freely. This is particularly important in the shoulder joint, where multiple layers of muscle, fascia intersect and four joints make up the movement of the whole shoulder girdle and where capsular tightness severely limits mobility.
Friction massage can also play a role in breaking down scar tissue and fibrotic adhesions that often form in the joint capsule and surrounding musculature. By realigning collagen fibres and promoting better tissue organisation, friction techniques can help restore elasticity and reduce stiffness. This, in turn, improves joint function and makes it easier for the patient to engage in stretching and strengthening exercises.
Beyond its direct physical effects, massage also improves circulation, which aids in tissue repair and reduces inflammation. Improved blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to affected areas while helping remove metabolic waste products. This enhanced physiological environment supports the healing process and helps reduce chronic inflammation that can perpetuate stiffness.
Additionally, massage techniques can help restore proprioception and body awareness, which are often diminished due to lack of movement and pain avoidance. By stimulating the neuromuscular system, manual therapy helps re-establish normal movement patterns and prepares the shoulder and neck for more active rehabilitation phases.
In summary, massage and myofascial techniques contribute to frozen shoulder recovery by reducing pain, enhancing soft tissue mobility, breaking down adhesions, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. When integrated into a broader rehabilitation program that includes stretching, strengthening, and joint mobilisation, manual therapy can help accelerate recovery and restore functional movement to the shoulder.
The Stages of Frozen Shoulder
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Stage
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Massage Focus
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Benefits
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Freezing (Painful)
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Gentle massage, lymphatic drainage, trigger points
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Reduce pain, relax muscle tension, prevent guarding
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Frozen (Stiff)
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Soft tissue release, myofascial release, friction, trigger points
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Break adhesions, increase ROM, reduce fascial restriction
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Thawing (Recovery)
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Integrated with stretching/exercise, nerve glides, MET stretches
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Maintain gains, support mobility, prevent reinjury
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In a Rehabilitation Program, Massage:
- Prepares tissues for stretching or strengthening
- Improves outcomes when combined with physical therapy and joint mobilisation
- Supports long-term function and patient comfort
Paula Edwards is our Soft Tissue, Remedial Massage Specialist at The Trinity Practice.
We also have three Osteopaths, Kevin Partridge, Emma Childs and Emma (Chip) Chippendale Ceely and two Acupuncturists, Jo Lenny and Sal Pande
To make an appointment please click on the link below or call us.
BOOK ONLINE www.trinitypractice.co.uk Telephone 01747 851726