Frozen Shoulder Massage

A Frozen Shoulder Massage is a focused therapeutic intervention for adhesive capsulitis.  Adhesive capsulits is marked by pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. This massage aims to relax tight muscles, reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and restore movement in the affected tissue over time.​

Signs & Symptoms

  • Deep, aching pain in the shoulder, often worsening at night or with certain movements

  • Marked restriction of active and passive shoulder mobility (especially abduction, flexion, external rotation)

  • Muscle tightness in deltoid, rotator cuff, upper back, chest, and neck

  • Compensatory upper body posture and movement patterns

  • Tenderness, thickening, or “stickiness” in the shoulder capsule and surrounding tissues.​

Contraindications

  • Avoid painful and forceful passive movement or deep tissue work during acute inflammatory stages

  • Do not use massage if there is recent shoulder surgery, infection, vascular compromise, or suspected trauma (fracture or dislocation)

  • Be cautious with clients who have complex medical histories, uncontrolled diabetes, or anticoagulant use. The therapist should consult a physician as needed.​

Assessment

  • Document onset, duration, pain pattern (especially night pain), functional limitations, and aggravating/alleviating factors

  • Palpate for muscle hypertonicity, fascial adhesions, and trigger points in the shoulder, neck, chest, and arm

  • Observe posture, compensatory movement, and “end-feel” in restricted range of motion

  • Rule out other pathology (rotator cuff tear, arthritis, nerve entrapment, etc.)

  • Assess stage (freezing, frozen, thawing) to guide pressure and intensity.​

Treatment

  • Gentle Swedish massage and effleurage to warm tissue and increase blood flow

  • Myofascial release targeting adhesions in the capsule and surrounding muscles, used slowly and progressively​

  • Trigger point and static pressure (hold/release) on deltoid, rotator cuff, chest, and upper back as tolerated​​

  • Deep tissue and mobilization techniques only if tissue is receptive, and never forcefully​

  • Incorporate passive stretching, pendulum movements, joint mobilization, and muscle energy techniques as symptoms improve

  • Manual therapy may be combined with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or light instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.​

Self Care

  • Daily gentle stretching and pendulum exercises for the shoulder joint (never force through pain)​

  • Self-massage to upper arm, chest, and scapular region with fingers or foam roller​

  • Application of moist heat or warm bath prior to exercise or massage session

  • Physiotherapist-guided shoulder mobility and strengthening routine

  • Maintain upright posture and avoid prolonged arm immobilization

  • Communicate regularly with care professionals for tailored home exercises, progressions, and safety monitoring