Massage for Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years.

The condition occurs more commonly in people with diabetes and in people who’ve kept their arm immobilized for a long period of time. Frozen shoulder occurs when the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (called the shoulder joint capsule) becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed. (The joint capsule contains the ligaments that attach the top of the upper arm bone [humeral head] to the shoulder socket [glenoid], firmly holding the joint in place. This is more commonly known as the “ball and socket” joint.)

The condition is called a “frozen” shoulder because the more pain that is felt, the less likely the shoulder will be used. Lack of use causes the shoulder capsule to thicken and becomes tight, making the shoulder even more difficult to move — it is “frozen” in its position.

Symptoms may start gradually and resolve within one or two years.
Treatment involves stretching and sometimes injecting corticosteroids and numbing medications into the joint capsule. In some cases, surgery is used to loosen the joint capsule.

Your risk of developing frozen shoulder increases if you’re recovering from a medical condition or procedure that prevents you from moving your arms — such as a stroke or a mastectomy.

Treatment for frozen shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises and, sometimes, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule. In a small percentage of cases, arthroscopic surgery may be indicated to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.

It’s unusual for a frozen shoulder to recur in the same shoulder, but some people can develop it in the opposite shoulder.

Athletes and Frozen Shoulder

Older athletes are more prone to suffer from frozen shoulder syndrome, also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, than their younger counterparts. Individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 comprise the majority of those diagnosed with this injury, with women more prone than men.

What sport has the most shoulder injuries?
Sports with the Highest Risk of Shoulder Injury
  • Tennis. Tennis requires a lot from your shoulder. …
  • Baseball and softball. Baseball and softball pitchers are at increased risk of shoulder injury due to the repetitive throwing motion. …
  • Swimming. …
  • Football. …
  • Volleyball. …
  • Handball
What sport has the most rotator cuff injuries?
Rotator cuff tears as a result of overuse are most common in older individuals and athletes competing in overhead sports such as baseball, tennis, basketball, golf, and swimming. Tears resulting from trauma are typically attributed to falls or collision sports such as football, lacrosse, and ice hockey.
How do you strengthen your rotator cuff?
Rotator cuff exercises
  1. Lie flat on the back, extend the arms and legs, and engage the abdominal muscles.
  2. Reach one arm toward the ceiling, lifting it until the shoulder blade comes off the floor.
  3. Hold for 5 seconds.
  4. Return arm to the floor.
  5. Repeat on the other side.
What happens if you don’t fix a torn rotator cuff?
Without any treatment—either rest and rehabilitation or surgery—rotator cuff disorders may get worse. Over time, you may have more pain. You may lose range of motion and strength in your shoulder, making it harder to do your daily activities.
Which muscle of the rotator cuff is most commonly injured?
The most commonly affected muscle is the supraspinatus. A combination of susceptible anatomy and a lifetime of wear and tear can cause mechanical abrasion and impingement of the supraspinatus on the acromion bone. Aging of the rotator cuff tendon.
Each one of these muscles is part of the rotator cuff and plays an important role:
  • Supraspinatus. This holds your humerus in place and keeps your upper arm stable. …
  • Infraspinatus. This is the main muscle that lets you rotate and extend your shoulder.
  • Teres Minor. This is the smallest rotator cuff muscle. …
  • Subscapularis.

 

Preventing shoulder injuries

If you play a high-risk sport, take steps to lessen your chances of injuring your shoulder. Always wear appropriate safety equipment. Do your best to perform swings, throws, strokes, and spikes with proper form, which can help prevent injury. Enlist in a strengthening program that helps all of the muscles of the shoulder, not just the ones that you use on a regular basis to perform your sport.

If you do experience shoulder pain, stop doing the movements that aggravate it and contact Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists. The sooner you address a shoulder injury, the better chance you have for a minimally invasive remedy and rehabilitation. Physical therapy, medications, rest, and, in extreme cases, surgery are all methods used to repair an injured shoulder.

How long frozen shoulder lasts

Frozen shoulder can take at least 1.5 to 2 years to get better. Sometimes it can be up to 5 years.

But the pain and stiffness will usually go away eventually.

What is the main cause of the frozen shoulder?
What causes frozen shoulder? Although many shoulder diseases involve pain and loss of motion, frozen shoulder is most often caused by inflammation (swelling, pain, and irritation) of the tissues surrounding the joint. The tissue that envelops the joint and holds it together is called the capsule.
What is the best treatment for frozen shoulder?
Treatment for frozen shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises and, sometimes, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule. In a small percentage of cases, arthroscopic surgery may be indicated to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.
What is frozen shoulder pain like?
If you have a frozen shoulder, you’ll likely feel a dull or achy pain in one shoulder. You might also feel the pain in the shoulder muscles that wrap around the top of your arm. You might feel the same sensation in your upper arm. Your pain could get worse at night, which can make it hard to sleep. Frozen shoulder is thought to happen when scar tissue forms in the shoulder. This causes the shoulder joint’s capsule to thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Movement may become stiff and painful. The exact cause is not fully understood, and it cannot always be identified.
What happens if the frozen shoulder is not treated?
If left untreated, a frozen shoulder may cause pain in the shoulders. Loss of mobility. Reduced range of motion.
Can stress cause a frozen shoulder?

Increased, or prolonged levels of stress or anxiety also are a source of inflammation. We are aware that tension gathers in our shoulders and causes tightness. Therefore, sustained stress or anxiety may also lead to a frozen shoulder.
Does frozen shoulder cause pain down the arm?
Adhesive capsulitis is the medical name for the condition most people know as frozen shoulder. This condition causes severe pain in the shoulder, and the pain often seems to run down the arm to the upper arm and elbow. Also, the shoulder typically stiffens, and it’s harder to move it.
What’s the difference between a frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tear?
With a rotator cuff injury, your arm’s range of motion may be limited, but you can lift it manually. In contrast, a frozen shoulder is characterized by a dull or aching pain and a limited range of motion makes it difficult to lift the arm past a certain point.

 

 

Is heat or ice better for frozen shoulder?
The frozen shoulder will respond better to cold than heat. So either buy ice packs that you can use or simply use a packet of peas (or similar). Do not apply this directly to the skin, but wrap in a towel or tea towel and apply to the area that is most painful.
Why is a frozen shoulder painful at night?
What happens in my shoulder when I have a frozen shoulder? Painful Phase Your body increases the blood flow to your shoulder to try and lay down new tissue. This causes a pain similar to toothache and is why your shoulder is particularly painful at night and can feel incredibly painful to lie on.
How do you sleep comfortably with a frozen shoulder?
  1. One Position is lying on the unaffected side and hugging on a pillow or cushion.
  2. For People who sleep on their backs all night, it is helpful to place a pillow behind the back to prevent accidental rolling over onto a frozen shoulder arm.
Can I work with a frozen shoulder?
During this phase, people gradually regain their range of motion. If you have a frozen shoulder, the pain and stiffness it causes may seriously interfere with your ability to do everyday tasks, such as dress and bathe, or even work.
How can I prevent my frozen shoulder from getting worse?

You should use your affected arm

In fact, medical professionals say that resting the shoulder may make the condition worse by allowing more adhesions to develop around the shoulder capsule. In addition, using the shoulder helps maintain muscle strength, which can prevent additional problems later on.

These photos taken through an arthroscope show a normal shoulder joint lining (left) and an inflamed joint lining affected by a frozen shoulder.

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly, and in three stages. Each stage can last a number of months.

  • Freezing stage. Any movement of your shoulder causes pain, and your shoulder’s range of motion starts to become limited.
  • Frozen stage. Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However, your shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.
  • Thawing stage. The range of motion in your shoulder begins to improve.

For some people, the pain worsens at night, sometimes

Causes

The bones, ligaments, and tendons that make up your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.

Doctors aren’t sure why this happens to some people, although it’s more likely to occur in people who have diabetes or those who recently had to immobilize their shoulder for a long period, such as after surgery or an arm fracture.

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder.

Age and sex

People 40 and older, particularly women, are more likely to have frozen shoulders.

Immobility or reduced mobility

People who’ve had prolonged immobility or reduced mobility of the shoulder are at higher risk of developing a frozen shoulder. Immobility may be the result of many factors, including:

  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Broken arm
  • Stroke
  • Recovery from surgery

Systemic diseases

People who have certain diseases appear more likely to develop frozen shoulders. Diseases that might increase risk include:

  • Diabetes
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Tuberculosis
  • Parkinson’s disease

Prevention

One of the most common causes of frozen shoulder is the immobility that may result during recovery from a shoulder injury, broken arm, or a stroke. If you’ve had an injury that makes it difficult to move your shoulder, talk to your doctor about exercises you can do to maintain the range of motion in your shoulder joint.

How do you get rid of a frozen shoulder?
Sit or stand. Use your good arm to lift your affected arm at the elbow, and bring it up and across your body, exerting gentle pressure to stretch the shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this 10 to 20 times per day.
Is heat or ice better for frozen shoulder?
The frozen shoulder will respond better to cold than heat. So either buy ice packs that you can use or simply use a packet of peas (or similar). Do not apply this directly to the skin, but wrap in a towel or tea towel and apply to the area most painful.
How do you sleep comfortably with a frozen shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder Sleep Positions
  1. One Position is lying on the unaffected side and hugging on a pillow or cushion. …
  2. For People who sleep on their backs all night, it is helpful to place a pillow behind the back to prevent accidental rolling over onto a frozen shoulder arm.

Massage for a Frozen Shoulder

Is it OK to massage a frozen shoulder?
Massage and stretching are extremely beneficial for treating frozen shoulder pain. Massage helps to relieve tension and tightness so your muscles can relax. This helps to restore mobility and improve function. It also may help improve blood flow to the affected area and reduce inflammation.
How do I stop my frozen shoulder from progressing?
Can frozen shoulder be prevented? Gentle, progressive range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and using your shoulder more may help prevent frozen shoulder after surgery or an injury. Also, massage by a massage therapist like PRO massage can help a lot.

Exercises for Frozen Shoulder

Can exercise make frozen shoulder worse?
However, your physical therapist must use extreme caution because choosing the wrong exercises and/or too much resistance will almost certainly make your condition worse. Daily shoulder stretching is crucial but must be for prolonged periods to be effective.
These frozen shoulder exercises will help increase your mobility.
  • Pendulum stretch. Do this exercise first. …
  • Towel stretch. Hold one end of a three-foot-long towel behind your back and grab the opposite end with your other hand. …
  • Finger walk. …
  • Cross-body reach. …
  • Armpit stretch. …
  • Outward rotation. …
  • Inward rotation.

Always warm up your shoulder before performing your frozen shoulder exercises. The best way to do that is to take a warm shower or bath for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a moist heating pad or a damp towel heated in the microwave, but it may not be as effective.

In performing the following frozen shoulder exercises, stretch to the point of tension but not pain.

Forward Flexion – Supine Position
External Rotation – Passive Stretch

1. Pendulum stretch

Do this exercise first. Relax your shoulders. Stand and lean over slightly, allowing the affected arm to hang down. Swing the arm in a small circle — about a foot in diameter. Perform 10 revolutions in each direction, once a day. As your symptoms improve, increase the diameter of your swing, but never force it. When you’re ready for more, increase the stretch by holding a lightweight (three to five pounds) in the swinging arm.

2. Towel stretch

Hold one end of a three-foot-long towel behind your back and grab the opposite end with your other hand. Hold the towel in a horizontal position. Use your good arm to pull the affected arm upward to stretch it. You can also do an advanced version of this exercise with the towel draped over your good shoulder. Hold the bottom of the towel with the affected arm and pull it toward the lower back with the unaffected arm. Do this 10 to 20 times a day.

3. Finger walk

Face wall three-quarters of an arm’s length away. Reach out and touch the wall at waist level with the fingertips of the affected arm. With your elbow slightly bent, slowly walk your fingers up the wall, spider-like, until you’ve raised your arm as far as you comfortably can. Your fingers should be doing the work, not your shoulder muscles. Slowly lower the arm (with the help of the good arm, if necessary) and repeat. Perform this exercise 10 to 20 times a day.

4. Cross-body reach

Sit or stand. Use your good arm to lift your affected arm at the elbow, and bring it up and across your body, exerting gentle pressure to stretch the shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this 10 to 20 times per day.

5. Armpit stretch

Using your good arm, lift the affected arm onto a shelf about breast-high. Gently bend your knees, opening up the armpit. Deepen your knee bend slightly, gently stretching the armpit, and then straighten. With each knee bend, stretch a little further, but don’t force it. Do this 10 to 20 times each day.

Starting to strengthen

As your range of motion improves, add rotator cuff–strengthening exercises. Be sure to warm up your shoulder and do your stretching exercises before you perform strengthening exercises.

6. Outward rotation

Hold a rubber exercise band between your hands with your elbows at a 90-degree angle close to your sides. Rotate the lower part of the affected arm outward two or three inches and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once a day.

7. Inward rotation

Stand next to a closed door, and hook one end of a rubber exercise band around the doorknob. Hold the other end with the hand of the affected arm, holding your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Pull the band toward your body two or three inches and hold for five seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times, once a day.

more info at:

https://www.hyderabadshoulderclinic.com/how-should-i-sleep-with-frozen-shoulder-pain/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15359-frozen-shoulder
Therapeutic Swedish Massage, Sports Massage Therapy in Santa Barbara, Goleta

*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.
Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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