I had no idea how many people were walking around with shoulder pain and limited range of motion before I started working as a clinical massage therapist in the physical therapy industry. I’m finding that I’m working on just as many shoulders as I am backs and necks these days. This article will cover the fundamentals of shoulder pain and dysfunction, as well as how massage therapy can improve.
Since the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, it is extremely mobile, which increases the risk of instability and dysfunction. We are asking for trouble if we sit in front of a screen all day, slouch our heads, and never work out our backs and the backs of our shoulders! This is one of the main reasons that so many of us suffer from shoulder pain.
When can I make an appointment with a doctor
If you’re unsure, have it checked out! This is a good guideline to follow. If you have any doubts on whether or not you have a serious problem with your arm, you should see a doctor, physical therapist, or athletic trainer as soon as possible
Pain that lasts more than two weeks • Joint deformity • Pain followed by redness, swelling, and numbness • Sudden swelling • Loss of control or inability to use the joint
Is massage therapy a viable option
Yes, absolutely! An experienced clinical massage therapist will assist you with a variety of conditions. Massage therapy can benefit you if you are a non-surgical candidate (meaning your doctor thinks you don’t need surgery or encourages you to try the conservative route first). To be specific, a massage will not ‘cure’ your condition (arthritis, bursitis, tear, etc. ), but it will assist your shoulder in moving and functioning as it was intended, reducing stress and strain on the muscles and tendons and preventing potential inflammation. The following are some of the things that a clinical massage therapist can assist with:
Reduce the discomfort caused by Trigger Points
Loosen shortened musculature to help increase range of motion
Promote healing by using different methods to improve circulation and shorten healing times • Encourage proper body mechanics by muscle and trigger point work
What if I had to undergo surgery
Massage therapy might help if you’ve already had shoulder surgery, but you’ll need to be more cautious. Make sure your doctor and physical therapist have given their approval, and that the massage therapist you’re seeing is familiar with your doctor’s protocol and any contraindications. Remember that massage therapy is a supplement to your prescribed medication, not a substitute for physical therapy following surgery.
Call a clinical massage therapist to see if they can support you with chronic shoulder pain, shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to more traditional therapy, or if you’re trying the conservative route before surgery.
The shoulder is a complicated joint, and our everyday movements place us at high risk for injuries from repetitive motion and discomfort from bad posture. Shoulder pain is particularly difficult to manage because it limits our capacity to function, particularly for those who perform physical activities with their arms and hands. Just about half of the population suffers from shoulder pain at some stage, and only about half of those cases resolve within six months.
Here are some common causes of shoulder pain, as well as how and whether massage therapy can help:
Bursitis – Bursae are fluid-filled sacs found in joints all over the body, including the shoulder, that act as cushions between the joint’s bones and reduce friction between the muscles and the bone. Excessive use of the joint can cause bursa inflammation and swelling, resulting in pain. Although massage therapy cannot directly alleviate swelling or inflammation in the bursa, it can be used to relieve pressure on the bursa by releasing muscle and tendons in the joint. Ice may also be applied after bodywork to help reduce inflammation.
Tendonitis – Tendons are the connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Overuse of the muscle or joint will inflame the tendons, resulting in acute tendonitis in the short term. Chronic tendinitis may be caused by degenerative disorders or conditions such as arthritis or a repeated use injury. Massage therapy relieves pressure on the tendons by lengthening tendon and muscle tissue. Tendonitis may also be relieved with range-of-motion exercises, pin-and-stretch methods, and pressure on the attachments. During surgery, apply ice to help relieve swelling and inflammation.
Arthritis – Arthritis is characterised by swelling, discomfort, and stiffness in the joints. The shoulder is usually affected by osteoarthritis as a result of “wear and tear.” Although massage will not alleviate inflammation in the inflamed joint, it will relieve muscle tension in the surrounding area, allowing the joint to function more freely. When arthritis is in its acute stage, massage should be avoided because the inflammatory response is too strong, and it can cause more pain than it relieves.
Impingement – As the acromion (top of the shoulder blade) presses against the rotator cuff tendons and bursa, it “impaints” the shoulders regular function and movement. Massage may help to relieve the muscles that are causing the impingement or the posture that is causing the impingement.
Fracture – Sports activities and falls are common causes of broken shoulder bones, especially the clavicle (collarbone), humorous (upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade) (shoulder blade). If the client has had a fall or an impact and a fracture is suspected, they can see their doctor for scans (X-rays) to confirm the diagnosis. Massage can be avoided if you have a fracture.
Injury to the rotator cuff – Rotator cuff injuries are common in patients who perform repetitive overhead movements in their occupations or sports, and they cause a dull ache in the shoulder. Repetitive use of the elbow, as well as impingement from the acromion, can cause tears in the rotator cuff tendons. The degree of tearing is assessed, and the extent of damage is calculated by the physician. Adhesions and trigger points in the rotator cuff muscles may be treated with neuromuscular and myofascial procedures, minimising discomfort and improving function. Stretching the lower and middle trapezius, the rhomboids, and the serratus anterior can also help to improve mobility and function while also relaxing the surrounding muscles.
