Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is characterized by a restriction in the mobility of the shoulder joint to the point that it feels locked in place. Certain movements are difficult or painful when your shoulder joint has a limited range of motion. You may experience swelling, pain, and stiffness. People aged 40 to 60 are more likely to develop the condition.
Creating a treatment plan that includes stretching and massage is essential if you want to regain mobility. An ideal treatment for frozen shoulder is to have it treated by a physician or physical therapist. But others also seek treatment through acupressure and massage.
Acupuncture treatment reduces aches, pains, and tension caused by trigger points. It stimulates the central nervous system and prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.
Five Pressure Points for Frozen Shoulder
Acupressure can also relieve pain by treating muscular trigger points. Trigger points are sensitive areas of the body where irritation and pain can occur. To relieve pain caused by a frozen shoulder, there are five pressure points that you need to be aware of.
Infraspinatus muscle. This is considered the best treatment to relieve pain on the shoulders. To find the right spot, consider the triangular shoulder blade, then look for the infraspinatus muscle. This is located under the ridge of the shoulder blade that spans full width horizontally. It is defined as large and flat, found below the skin. It is best to massage and rub this area firmly.
Teres minor. When you massage going right towards the outside edge of the shoulder blade, you will come to the teres minor muscle. This is the part where the arm meets the back. When massaged, it often produces deep, sickly aches throughout the shoulder.
The lateral edge of the infraspinatus. The muscle fibers here are parallel to the edge of the bone. It is relatively thick and easy to feel. During acupressure, push on them perpendicularly. It should look like you are pushing them across the shoulder blade to the middle of the back. The sensation comes from the stretch and the point of contact.
Tip of the shoulder blade. After you do the upper part of the shoulder blade, it is time to massage the very bottom of the scapula. It is very easy to locate by placing the hand behind the back. Even gentle pressure gives a good sensation on this area.
Biceps branchii. This refers to a large muscle in the upper arm just below the armpits. Aside from the area around the shoulder blades, you can also go down into the arms to apply pressure. This is linked to the subscapularis in your shoulder.
Relieve Frozen Shoulder to Restore Movement
Having a frozen shoulder will make it hard for you to move or perform daily tasks. Hence, it is important to find immediate relief so you can restore movement. With that, you may look for easier ways to treat it. If you plan to do stretches or massages, see to it that you consult your doctor first. Physical therapists know which massages and stretches are appropriate for treating shoulder problems. Their job is to ensure you're performing them correctly. Incorrectly doing exercises and massages may lead to more injuries.
Stretching and massage for a frozen shoulder should be done with caution. It is recommended to see a massage therapist if possible. Additionally, you can treat frozen shoulders yourself by doing a self-massage.
One of the most common massages to relieve frozen shoulders is using foam rollers. Lean on a counter or table while placing it beneath the armpit of your affected arm. Roll your shoulder back and forth to loosen the muscles in your shoulder by extending your arm out as if you are reaching for something. You can also place the foam rollers between your shoulder and neck.
Massaging the arm and shoulder with your good hand can also be an effective treatment for frozen shoulder. Slowly move your arm through a wide range of motion as you massage the shoulder muscles. The muscles in your shoulder along with the surrounding areas should be gently stretched.
Various electronic massage tools may also provide relief to some patients. By applying pressure to trigger points in your shoulder, you can ease tension and improve circulation.