Rotator Cuff Injuries & Frozen Shoulder

No one likes dealing with shoulder injuries, and there are a few different types out there that may impact sufferers. Two of the most common and well known, and which share a few common symptoms, are known as rotator cuff injuries and a condition called frozen shoulder -- and massage therapy may be beneficial for helping ward off and recover from both. 

We're happy to help here at REMassage, where our wide range of massage techniques is useful for injuries or pain issues in numerous areas of the body. What exactly is happening in the shoulder with these two injury types, and how will our massage therapy techniques help relieve your pain and contribute to a quick recovery from them? Here's everything you need to know.

What Are Rotator Cuff Injuries and Frozen Shoulder?

Firstly, let's define these injury types and how they differ. The rotator cuff actually refers to a grouping of four small muscles, all of which attempt to help stabilize the arm within the shoulder socket. All four muscles work in concert to lift the arm, and any one of them being weak or injured can cause immense pain. This is particularly common in those who play a lot of sports which require overhead motions with the arms, such as tennis or baseball.

Frozen shoulder, on the other hand, is actually a condition whereby the shoulder becomes stiff and painful due to its connective tissue becoming overly thick and tight. This often happens due to inactivity following another shoulder injury, but it may also occur spontaneously without any other known cause. The condition is also more common in women than men, and those over the age of 40 are at a higher risk as well.

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Luckily, both these conditions (and often several related forms of shoulder pain, as well) will often benefit significantly from massage therapy. Here are some of the ways it shows benefits:

• Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is often a major component of both rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder, particularly in the early stages. Massage therapy can help reduce this inflammation by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage in the affected area.
• Improving range of motion: One of the main goals of treatment for both conditions is to improve range of motion in the shoulder area, as loss of range of motion is a common symptom. Massage therapy can help by breaking down the scar tissue which may have formed as a result of the injury.
• Relieving pain: Pain relief is another major benefit of massage for these conditions. Massage helps to increase circulation and release muscle tension, both of which can lead to reduced pain in the affected area.

So if you're dealing with shoulder pain, don't hesitate to give us a call here at REMassage. We'll be happy to tailor a massage therapy plan specifically for you and your needs, in order to help you achieve relief from your condition and get back to your life as quickly as possible.