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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
1min 5sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder

The early symptoms of periarthritis of the shoulder are pain in the shoulder and limited movement of the shoulder joint, especially the action of raising the arm, which is clearly restricted. Therefore, for the treatment of this condition, it is encouraged that patients engage in functional exercises early on. If one fears the pain and dares not to move the shoulder joint, it will lead to stiffness of the joint and atrophy of the surrounding muscles. Generally speaking, periarthritis of the shoulder is a self-limiting disease with a typical duration of about one year. If you can raise your shoulder and perform normal activities within a year, then there will be no residual sequelae afterwards. However, if within a year, the shoulder joint becomes stiff and its movement becomes limited, then after a year, the symptoms of shoulder pain will significantly improve, but there will be some loss of range of motion in the joint. Therefore, for all patients with periarthritis of the shoulder, early functional exercise is encouraged to avoid symptoms such as joint effusion, joint stiffness, and muscle atrophy.

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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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Causes of Periarthritis of Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder is mainly caused by chronic damage and degeneration of the joint which leads to chronic wear and tear, as well as aseptic inflammation in the tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule around the shoulder joint, resulting in pain and limited mobility around the shoulder. To diagnose periarthritis of the shoulder, it is first necessary to rule out limited mobility of the shoulder joint due to trauma, such as injuries to the rotator cuff and other related conditions. Imaging studies like MRI can also be used to clarify and rule out rotator cuff injuries and other conditions, and a clear diagnosis can be made in conjunction with physical examination and etiology.

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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 Li Jin
Orthopedics
1min home-news-image

What should I do about periarthritis of the shoulder?

Periarthritis of the shoulder commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients. The causes of the disease are mainly due to degenerative changes in soft tissues, chronic injuries caused by long-term overexertion, poor posture, or improper treatment recovery after shoulder injuries. Patients with periarthritis of the shoulder may experience pain and limited movement in the shoulder. It is important to rest, keep warm, and use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications. Traditional Chinese Medicine that promotes blood circulation and removes stasis can be used to improve symptoms and promote recovery. Additionally, treatment can include hot compresses, physical therapy, massage, pain point blockade, and exercises to enhance the function of the shoulder joint. These methods can actively improve symptoms. If conservative treatment is ineffective or if functional impairments occur, surgical treatment may also be considered.