7 Reasons to Use Massage Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a widely experienced musculoskeletal issue that can be caused by various factors, such as injury, age, overuse and stress.
Massage therapy is an effective and gentle way to manage shoulder pain. Not only does it relieve discomfort and stiffness, but it can also enhance mobility, flexibility, and general well-being.
Studies have demonstrated that regular massage therapy can effectively reduce shoulder pain. In some cases, it may even be possible to forgo medication altogether when combined with physical therapy.
1. Rotator Cuff Strains/Tears: A rotator cuff tear is an acute shoulder injury that can severely restrict range of motion and cause intense pain in the affected area. Seeking medical help and treatment as soon as possible is essential to help alleviate symptoms associated with this injury.
2. Athletes: Shoulder pain can impact athletes of all levels, potentially leading to reduced performance in sports. For athletes or those involved in activities involving your shoulder, massage therapy can increase range of motion and accelerate recovery time through increased range of motion.
3. Postural Issues: Shoulder pain can be the result of poor posture, placing undue strain on your muscles and joints. Left uncorrected, these problems could lead to overuse injuries or exacerbate existing shoulder discomfort patterns.
4. Shoulder Impingement: An impingement is a sore spot on your shoulder joint that develops when the tendons or muscles around it become overworked. This condition can be brought on by excessive use, poor posture or sudden movements.
5. Shoulder Tendinopathy: Tendons attached to the shoulder joint can become inflamed and weak due to overuse or repetitive movements. Rest, ice, pain medications and trigger point work may all help with treatment; however massage therapy is an effective way of loosening tight muscles and relieving pressure off tendons while relieving inflammation.
6. Shoulder Bursitis: Bursitis of the shoulder joint is a condition commonly experienced by athletes. This occurs when the fluid that lubricates your joint becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to pain and swelling in the area. In severe cases, opening your arm may even be painful.
7. Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Arthritis of the shoulder is a common issue and typically caused by overuse or wear-and-tear. While massage won’t reduce symptoms of arthritis, it can provide comfort in the joint by relieving pain and stiffness, decreasing inflammation and improving mobility.
8. Trigger Points: Shoulder trigger points can cause discomfort and pain when massaged. To get the most benefit from massage therapy, have your therapist focus on these areas for maximum relief.
9. The Shoulder Blade Triangle: There is a small spot on your shoulder blade that is particularly sensitive to touch at the junction between your upper and lower shoulder blades. Massaging this area can help alleviate shoulder pain and protect against future injury in that same area.