Frozen Shoulder, which would be referred to in the medical literature as Adhesive Capsulitis, is a somewhat common ailment. This condition is not limited to over 40 women, however, there does seem to be a higher number of incidences with this section of the patients diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder clearly gets its’ familiar label from the symptom most people would describe as a shoulder that can’t move, or severely diminished range of motion. The reporting of this notable symptom would undoubtedly be the major factor in your physician’s decision to diagnose Adhesive Capsulitis. More times than not, this disabling condition will often come about after a relatively long phase of immobility of your shoulder/arm. Conversely, people who are also diagnosed with Diabetes, both Overactive and Underactive Thyroid Disorders, Tuberculosis, and Parkinson’s Disease are also inclined to have Frozen shoulders, even when no periods of immobility have been reported.

The triggering component is not ultimately going to help the shoulder heal and repair. The reason the condition occurs in the first place is due to the connective tissue around the shoulder’s capsule thickening and tightening. When it tightens around the joint of the shoulder it will inhibit even the strongest shoulder from changing positions.

Helping Frozen Shoulder resolve can be a prolonged process filled with moderate to severe capacity of discomfort. The most important thing that is needed in order to “unfreeze” the shoulder is motion, which of course, the shoulder will not want to perform, and it can be painful. The majority of orthopedists will first advocate for physical therapy. The specificity of Physical Therapy exercises that are designed to limit the pain and increase range of motion can help but mingle those exercises with massage may help even more.

Massage has the ability, when aptly performed, to bring blood flow to the afflicted shoulder. Massage performed regularly also has the ability to break up adhesions (scar tissue) which may also start to form in the shoulder over time. Both the added blood flow and prevention of scar tissue can assist in the healing process. Massage can also help limit and soothe some of the severe pain that some patients experience as they begin their rehab back to the normal range of motion.