Frozen Shoulder

[Who are you]

So far I have not delt with this yet.  A client has had surgery about 8 weeks ago on her shoulder.   It is now frozen and is suffering with much pain and discomfort.  She has been advised by her PT to get more massage to start loosening things up.  Her PT has done some massage on her too.  She tenses up as soon as I touch her.  I am looking for some suggestions on how to approach this and what techniques I should use.  Also, exactly what muscles I need to concentrate on.  I did work on her yesterday.  I did very light work around her whole shoulder girdle and some light compressions.  I worked gentle on her and she was in so much pain.  Any suggestions would be of great help.  

 

[kylelovesrootbeer]

My dad just had rotator cuff surgery about 6-8 wks ago.He had to have it redone because they started PT too soon. After this last one, they were more cautious. I am sure that you know this, but in case you don't, make sure that it isn't warmer to the touch than the rest of her skin. If it is, than she needs to see her DR. If there is any type of drainage, also.  She should be doing stuff at home to help loosen it up. It sounds to me like she isn't doing that. She may be in too much pain. My dad had the stiffness and that stuff for a little while, but as soon as he started doing his excercises the PT gave him, his shoulder loosened and feels much better. Those muscles need to be used by her. She has to work through the pain and get those muscles worked. It doesn't need to be much, but she needs to do something besides baby it. I hope this helps.

 

[Shylah]

Frozen Shoulder

Here are some links for you

http://www.massagemag.com/2004/issue108/assess108.5.htm

 

[Iko C]

Sandy, what type of surgery did your client have? If she had rotator cuff repair, supraspinatus and its tendon, and subscap are usually good to work.  She may have referred pain to triceps, so you could work that, too. Her doctor and/or PT may have a preset protocol as far as ROM restrictions and definitely weight restrictions. Frozen shoulders have a long recovery time and are very painful.  You might ask your client if you could consult with her PT. Good luckScav

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thank you so much for your help.  I was doing the right massage on her.  The article was so good, I will share this information with my client and let her know to be patient with her recovery.