Frozen Shoulder Pain? Discover How Medical Massage Therapy in Orem, Utah, Can Help

Frozen Shoulder and How Medical Massage Therapy in Orem, Utah, Can Help

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. This condition can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life, but medical massage therapy can provide a path to relief. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, recovery process, and how targeted therapy can accelerate healing and restore mobility.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder develops when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and stiff, restricting movement. It typically progresses through three stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Increasing pain and gradual loss of motion.

2. Frozen Stage: Reduced pain but significant stiffness and limited mobility.

3. Thawing Stage: Gradual return of motion as the shoulder heals.

This condition can last anywhere from several months to up to three years without intervention, making it essential to seek early and effective treatment.

Who Is at Risk for Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder primarily affects adults between 40 and 60 years old, with women being more likely to develop it than men. Certain factors increase the risk:

• Shoulder Immobilization: Immobilization after an injury or surgery can lead to stiffness.

• Underlying Medical Conditions: Undiagnosed or pre-existing health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder.

• Age and Gender: Middle-aged adults and women are more commonly affected.

Statistics and Impact

• Frozen shoulder affects an estimated 2-5% of the general population.

• Up to 30% of individuals may experience the condition in both shoulders.

• Without treatment, frozen shoulder can result in chronic pain and long-term mobility issues, affecting daily tasks like dressing, driving, and work-related activities.

How Medical Massage Therapy Can Help

Medical massage therapy in Orem offers a non-invasive, effective way to manage and improve frozen shoulder symptoms. Here’s how it can help:

1. Pain Relief

Massage therapy helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by improving blood flow to the affected area. Techniques such as trigger point therapy, Neurosomatic Therapy, and myofascial release target tight muscles and tissues, providing immediate relief.

2. Improved Mobility

By addressing muscle tension and scar tissue, massage therapy techniques restore flexibility and increases the shoulder’s range of motion. Combining therapy with stretching exercises accelerates the thawing stage of recovery.

3. Reduced Recovery Time

While frozen shoulder can take years to heal naturally, regular medical massage sessions can significantly shorten recovery time. A customized treatment plan ensures optimal results.

4. Holistic Benefits

Massage not only treats the physical symptoms but also reduces stress and promotes relaxation, which aids overall healing.

Client Success Story

One client came to us with a diagnosed frozen shoulder. She was completely immobile and in excruciating pain. After just two sessions with our therapists, she regained more than half of her mobility, and her pain was significantly reduced.

During her next physical therapy appointment, she explained the techniques our clinic therapists used, which included accessing muscles through her armpit. Her physical therapist remarked, "That's a good massage therapist you've got there." Her progress highlights how targeted massage therapy can make a significant difference. While she still has a journey ahead, she is well on her way to recovery.

Tips for Preventing Frozen Shoulder

• Stay active with regular exercise to maintain joint flexibility.

• Follow post-surgery rehabilitation guidelines to avoid prolonged immobility.

• Be proactive about addressing any undiagnosed medical conditions that could impact joint health.

By incorporating massage therapy into your recovery plan, you can accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Frozen shoulder doesn’t have to limit your life—effective treatment is available to help you move forward.