Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis , is characterized by a gradual loss of mobility and worsening shoulder pain. It can take years to run its course, and some believe they can get the relief they need by getting a massage. But with frozen shoulder, a massage simply helps relieve tension and promote relaxation, benefits associated with improved circulation and reduced inflammation.
The benefits of massage on its own are limited and temporary. While getting a massage often relieves some pain and can temporarily forestall losses in range of motion, it does not cure frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder symptoms will quickly return unless properly treated by a specialist.
Book a Free Consultation. Frozen shoulder syndrome has three stages: freezing, frozen and thawing. Each stage can last anywhere from weeks to years and has distinct symptoms. If you decide to pursue massage therapy for your frozen shoulder, remember that, despite what you might hear from a massage therapist, it will not resolve your condition. It will only provide temporary relief from the symptoms you experience in the affected arm. During the freezing stage, which can last anywhere from two to nine months, range of motion restrictions are usually minor, but the shoulder pain and stiffness in the affected arm gradually worsens over time.
This stage usually lasts for four to six months, but it can take up to a year. When the shoulder is frozen, there is a loss in both the active and passive ranges of motion, which means that shoulder mobility cannot be achieved even when a physical therapist tries to move the affected arm.
This is usually due to the adhesions in the shoulder that prevent proper shoulder mechanics. Massage and general shoulder joint capsule mobilizations during the frozen stage can relieve pain and help forestall atrophy in the shoulder muscles of the affected arm, but they will not bring about the end of this stage any faster.
