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Hour- $135, 75 minutes $170, 90 minutes $200, 2-hours $265
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What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually, worsens over time, and then resolves, usually within one to three years. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood, but it often follows an injury or a period of immobility, such as after surgery or an arm fracture.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement. This limitation in movement can make even simple activities, like reaching overhead or behind the back, extremely difficult and painful. Clients usually report the inability, or decreased ability, to wash their hair, getting dressed, and other basic tasks.
Frozen shoulder generally progresses through three stages:
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Freezing Stage: During this stage, any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and its range of motion starts to become limited. This stage typically lasts from six weeks to nine months.
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Frozen Stage: The pain may begin to diminish during this stage, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult. This stage generally lasts four to six months.
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Thawing Stage: The range of motion in the shoulder begins to improve. This final stage can last from six months to two years.
Although it is very scary to lose your mobility Ashley provides things you can do at home to take control of your situation. Frozen shoulder needs persistent therapy from the therapist as well as the person affected. Manual therapy alone is not enough to break through the freezing stage so be prepared for homework.
Frozen Shoulder Massage?
Massage therapy can be a beneficial component in the management and treatment of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Most clients that come to see me with frozen shoulder have been trying to improve their situation with no results. After years of working with Frozen Shoulder I am confident we can better your situation using the treatment plan we created. We use a combination of myofascial release, manual therapy, and nervous system techniques that help get soft tissues moving. During this time we take notes before and after each session. Did those exercises work? Which ones felt as though did nothing? I can assess how you feel and tweak the take home exercises. We can then focus the session on the areas that need to loosen up so you are able to even do those exercises. The release of endorphins during a massage session also plays a key role in natural pain relief.
Frozen shoulder leads to reduced mobility so working the surrounding tissues is essential. Our Frozen Shoulder plan requires consistent sessions every other week in addition to exercises to strengthen the shoulder. This gradually increases the range of motion and decreases the tightness felt in the shoulder. Allowing for more fluid range of motion and ability to complete those basic tasks.
It’s important to note that while massage can be helpful, it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Tranquil Therapy has a treatment plan consisting of sessions every other week, strengthening exercises, and some mindfulness exercises. If you are not a client of ours it’s crucial to work with a massage therapist who is experienced in treating clients with frozen shoulder. As they will understand the complexities of the condition and the appropriate techniques to use within their own treatment plan. This plan may include physical therapy or sometimes medical interventions as advised by a healthcare professional.
What can I expect from my treatment?
Our strategic approach is designed to show you what your body is doing by pointing out holding patterns. We believe in teaching the “why” to our clients so they can make better and more informed decisions. Not only will you get great hands on care but you will also receive take home exercises that will prolong the treatment and strengthen the shoulder. We dive into how to loosen up your connective tissue so you can move better as well as why the exercises are so important! We have been treating frozen shoulder since 2014 with fantastic results! Check out the exercise basics video at the bottom of this page. This will help you get started but we highly recommend coming in and going through our Wellness Program. You can expect some myofascial release, trigger point therapy, exercises, stretches on the table, and assessment tests depending on what your body needs. Frozen shoulder has become a common work place challenge that when taken care of will leave you feeling like you can tackle any work day. Treatments can vary from person to person but strength training is recommended for a rounded treatment plan.
Are there benefits to a frozen shoulder massage?
The benefits vary from person to person since no treatment is the same for everyone. People often report less headaches, decrease in stress, more energy, life without constant discomfort or pain, and overall a feeling of wellbeing. Frozen Shoulder massage is great for painters, educators, graphic arts designers, coders, those that work in an office, restaurant, and anyone that uses their upper body for long hours. We peppered in how beneficial hands on therapy can be for frozen shoulder throughout this post. If you have specific questions that you want me to answer please feel free to email us at