How to massage for frozen shoulder

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The disease known as periarthritis of the shoulder is also called frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, or fifty-year-old shoulder, as it most commonly appears in middle-aged and elderly people around the age of 50. It is characterized by spasms, tension, and adhesion in the shoulder muscles, and sometimes may also involve dysfunction of the shoulder joint. Thus, for the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder, massage techniques are generally employed. The purpose of the massage is primarily to relieve muscle tension, adhesions, and to relax the patient mentally. The technique must be gentle and not violent; local muscles can be massaged. On the affected side of the shoulder periarthritis, it can be found that the muscles are particularly tense. Massaging tender points gently can help relax these tense muscles, but one must ensure not to use rough techniques. Additionally, local acupoint massage of the shoulder can be performed, such as massaging common acupoints like Jianjing and Quyuan, which can also help alleviate pain. Simultaneously, combining these with physical therapy measures such as heat therapy, moxibustion, and acupuncture can yield better results.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Causes of Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder is caused by chronic strain on the shoulder, leading to aseptic inflammation of the muscles, ligaments, and even the joint capsule surrounding the shoulder joint. Symptoms include localized pain and limited mobility, often seen in middle-aged and elderly women. Once periarthritis of the shoulder occurs, it is important to determine the cause. During treatment, it is important to rest and engage in appropriate functional exercises. Because if rest periods are overly prolonged during the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder, it can lead to limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Therefore, appropriate functional exercises should also be performed during the rest and physical therapy process.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder

Patients with periarthritis of the shoulder typically exhibit symptoms of pain around the shoulder joint, which may affect their ability to lift their arms normally. This can interfere with daily activities such as washing the face or combing hair, which are common clinical symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder. Once periarthritis of the shoulder is diagnosed, it is necessary to actively treat it. Treatments can include using topical plasters that activate blood circulation and relieve stasis, and taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to alleviate pain. In cases with significant pain points, localized injections can be administered, and combined with physiotherapy methods such as acupuncture, electrotherapy, and cupping. It is also important to actively engage in exercises like wall climbing to improve shoulder joint function. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
1min 15sec home-news-image

How to massage for frozen shoulder

The disease known as periarthritis of the shoulder is also called frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, or fifty-year-old shoulder, as it most commonly appears in middle-aged and elderly people around the age of 50. It is characterized by spasms, tension, and adhesion in the shoulder muscles, and sometimes may also involve dysfunction of the shoulder joint. Thus, for the treatment of periarthritis of the shoulder, massage techniques are generally employed. The purpose of the massage is primarily to relieve muscle tension, adhesions, and to relax the patient mentally. The technique must be gentle and not violent; local muscles can be massaged. On the affected side of the shoulder periarthritis, it can be found that the muscles are particularly tense. Massaging tender points gently can help relax these tense muscles, but one must ensure not to use rough techniques. Additionally, local acupoint massage of the shoulder can be performed, such as massaging common acupoints like Jianjing and Quyuan, which can also help alleviate pain. Simultaneously, combining these with physical therapy measures such as heat therapy, moxibustion, and acupuncture can yield better results.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
1min home-news-image

Early symptoms of frozen shoulder

The patient is suffering from periarthritis of the shoulder, which is a type of aseptic inflammation. In the early stages, the primary symptom is a subjective feeling of pain in the shoulder, which tends to worsen at night. The skin and muscle tissues around the shoulder become adhesive and hardened, and touching the area can distinctly feel stiffness and hardening. At the same time, the range of motion in the shoulder joint decreases, and moving the joint can intensify the pain. Diagnostic clarity can be achieved through MRI scans and ultrasound examinations. In the early stages, topical plasters that reduce swelling and relieve pain can be used, along with acupuncture and moxibustion, and the application of analgesic medications. It is also necessary to strengthen shoulder joint function training under the guidance of a rehabilitation physician. Pendulum movements of the shoulder joint and arc movements can help alleviate pain and increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How to treat periarthritis of shoulder?

Periarthritis of the shoulder refers to the aseptic inflammation reactions in the soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules surrounding the shoulder joint, caused by chronic strain. This condition manifests with localized pain and limited mobility, commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly women. Periarthritis of the shoulder is a self-limiting disease caused by chronic strain-induced soft tissue inflammation. Upon its occurrence, it is advisable to immobilize and rest the affected area appropriately. Additionally, it is important to avoid cold exposure and utilize physical therapy, specifically infrared therapy, to alleviate symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used symptomatically to ease pain. During treatment, appropriate shoulder joint activities should be performed to prevent stiffness due to immobility. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)