Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is pain or limited range of motion of your shoulder . This pain gradually worsens over time an then resolves itself. The resolve can take up to two years an the pain and loss of range of motion can be debilitating. 

So what can we do to help?

Stretching out the muscles surrounding the shoulder is key. The connective tissue benieth the scapula adheres to the bone and muscle underneath causing lack of mobility. Same for the GH joint ( shoulder .) Raising the arm out to the front, back and side helps increase the range of motion as well as breaking up that adhered tissue. Forward an backwards shoulder rotations move the shoulder joint helping alleviate some of the stiffness as well. 

Here are some examples of stretches 

So what causes frozen shoulder?

A fall directly on the shoulder or a medical procedure involving the arm are the most common. Having the arm immobile for long periods of time let's the connective tissue harden ( fibrosing ) causing tissues to stick together.

Massage helps to stretch out that fibrosed tissue. Pulling the connective tissue away from other structures and increases the range of mobility quicker then letting frozen shoulder run it's course. 

Frozen shoulder is common and can be treated. Thankfully for you we can help.

Nathaniel Porter-Gowan, RMT