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Frozen Shoulder treatment at the Myofascial Release Clinic UK
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Frozen Shoulder
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder - or Adhesive Capsulitis - is a condition in which the connective tissue at the top of the arm bone is literally stuck ('adhesive') in the shoulder joint, made up out of the bones on the top of the shoulder which form the hollow into which the arm bone fits (the 'capsule). The joint then becomes inflamed ('-itis') and it becomes increasingly difficult and ultimately impossible to move the arm without severe pain.
Myofascial release can help release a frozen shoulder by releasing all the fascia and connective tissue surrounding the joint, and rebalancing all the muscles involved in moving and stabilising the arm bone in the joint.
Symptoms of a frozen shoulder include the following:
- Chronic pain or stiffness in the shoulder, front or back
- Inability to move the shoulder without pain or stiffness
- Increasing lack of movement in the joint, either reaching across the body in front or reaching behind the body
- Inability to reach up higher than shoulder height
- Pain in the shoulder when lying on either side
- Pain traveling down the outside of the arm
Treatment for Frozen shoulder
Testing
First we test for movement and note what the range of movement is for the arm and shoulder, and, if there is movement, what the pain level is.
When we have this 'baseline' we release all the muscles surrounding the joint and involved in moving or stabilising the shoulder. Hands-on treatments include trigger point therapy, myofascial release, visceral manipulation and myofascial stretching.
Trigger Point Therapy
As we are releasing muscles we 'sweep' for Trigger Points, releasing each one as we meet them. These are areas of muscle fibres which are permanently contracted and painful on palpation. They refer pain to other areas and cause the brain to resist movement in their own immediate area. They have the effect of shortening and eventually immobilising the entire muscle. Once trigger points are released the muscle can function normally. Trigger point therapy is always accompanied by local fascial release, because if the fascia in the area of a trigger point has not been released, the trigger point is likely to return.
Myofascial release
After the muscles and Trigger Points have been released the whole area is revisited for fascial restrictions. Fascia is the membrane that surrounds entire muscles, muscle fibres, fibrils and smaller structures down to cellular level. When fascia is adhesed or restricted, movement is not possible without pain. MFR uses specific techniques to release fascia, deep down into the joint. Further trigger points may be found in the fascia itself. Nerves and circulatory vessels all move through the body wrapped in fascial membranes. If fascia is stuck, it squeezes the structures it surrounds, inhibiting movement and circulation. If fascia is not moving freely the whole area will experience pressure, malnourishment and ultimately painful restriction in movement and at rest.
Retesting
When as much soft and connective tissue around the joint has been released as is possible in one session, we return to the muscles to check that they are in balance, sweeping once more for any trigger points we any have missed. We aim to keep any treatment in balance during each session so that even if all adhesions are not released, the overall movement of the arm in the shoulder joint is balanced, preventing any further problems.
Moving the joint
When we have released muscle, trigger points and fascial restrictions we retest the joint for mobility noting again the range of motion and the pain on movement and at rest. This gives us information as to where there may be further adhesions and a starting point for any following treatments.
In normal circumstances it takes between 3 and 6, 55 minute sessions for there to be a substantial increase in pain-free movement of the shoulder. Between sessions the tissues will continue to free up, both through natural every-day movement and with specific, easy exercises we will teach you.
The Wider impact of frozen shoulder
Frozen Shoulder can cause problems in other areas which are compensating for the restrictions in the shoulder and arm. When the fascia and muscles around the shoulder joint are released we check the functioning of other nearby structures for possible restrictions.
Equally, Frozen Shoulder may be caused by other problems, so during the treatments we check that there are not also other areas of restriction which are actually causing the Frozen Shoulder problem or contributing to it.
Venue
London W1: Harley Street
Sussex: Bradness Gallery, Spithurst, Barcombe, Near Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5EB
Fees
London W1, Harley Street: £90 per 55 minute treatment
Sussex: £60 per 55 minute treatment
Email us for more details about how we can help you, or telephone Anne Cruickshank on 07890 212076 or 01273 400606.
Anne Cruickshank, BA (Hons), CThA, IACT,
The Myofascial Release Clinic UK
Sussex: Bradness Gallery, Spithurst, Barcombe, East Sussex, BN8 5EB.
London W1: Harley Street.
Telephone 07890 212076 or 01273 400606
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Please telephone us on 07890 212076
Home and main index
Myofascial Release What is MFR? How does MFR work?
Frozen Shoulder MFR to help regain mobility without pain
RSI Repetitive Strain Injury MFR and trigger point therapy for RSI
Headaches and Migraines Fascial release and trigger point therapy for headaches and migraines
Scar Tissue and Adhesions Non-invasive techniques to release scar tissue and adhesions
Low Back Pain and Sciatic Syndrome MFR to help Low Back Pain or Sciatic Syndrome, often caused by soft tissue injury, trigger points, adhesions or restrictions
Chronic muscular or soft tissue pain MFR to help with undiagnosed chronic soft tissue pain which is often caused by trigger points or restrictions and adhesions in the fascia.
Stress and trauma related syndromes Mind-body approaches for stress-related syndromes, emotional stress, panic attacks and physiological responses to trauma
Fibromyalgia and CFS Help through gentle Myofascial Release and trigger point therapy
Pilates Core stability, strength, flexibility and balance
Email us 
Postgraduate practitioner training in Myofascial Release is available at the Myofascial Release Clinic.
Click here for our RSI Clinics UK website
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