Struggling with Frozen Shoulder? Discover Effective Bodywork Solutions
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and restrictive condition that limits mobility, causes deep stiffness, and affects daily function. It often develops gradually over time, leaving many frustrated and unsure of how to regain motion.
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we specialize in Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Myofascial Release, and Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) to address frozen shoulder at its source, restore movement, and prevent long-term dysfunction.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint (the capsule) thicken and tighten, reducing mobility. This leads to pain, inflammation, and a progressive loss of range of motion.
Common Causes & Risk Factors:
🔥 Injury or Surgery: Immobilization after shoulder surgery, fractures, or injuries can trigger frozen shoulder.
🔥 Hormonal Changes: Menopause and perimenopause can cause collagen stiffness and reduced elasticity, making women more prone to shoulder restriction.
🔥 Autoimmune or Metabolic Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and inflammatory conditions increase the risk.
🔥 Postural Imbalances: Forward-head posture, rounded shoulders, and prolonged sitting create chronic tension in the shoulder capsule.
🔥 Fascial Restrictions: According to Tom Myers’ Myofascial Lines, tight superficial and deep front lines can impact shoulder mobility and function.
Dr. Janet Travell’s trigger point research identifies specific muscles responsible for frozen shoulder pain and immobility.
🔹 Subscapularis (Primary Frozen Shoulder Muscle)
Pain Referral: Posterior shoulder, down the arm
Common Issues: Rotator cuff dysfunction, limited external rotation
🔹 Supraspinatus
Pain Referral: Lateral upper arm, deep shoulder joint
Common Issues: Overuse, impingement, inflammation
🔹 Infraspinatus
Pain Referral: Posterior shoulder, down the arm
Common Issues: External rotation restriction, muscle guarding
🔹 Pectoralis Major & Minor
Pain Referral: Front shoulder, chest, down the arm
Common Issues: Rounded shoulders, fascial adhesions
🔹 Trapezius & Levator Scapulae
Pain Referral: Neck, upper shoulder, medial scapula
Common Issues: Postural dysfunction, nerve compression
Fascial Lines & Frozen Shoulder (Tom Myers – Anatomy Trains)
Fascial restrictions play a significant role in frozen shoulder, affecting movement far beyond the joint itself.
🔹 Superficial Front Line (SFL): Tension in pectoral fascia and sternum restricts shoulder mobility.
🔹 Superficial Back Line (SBL): Overactive trapezius and latissimus dorsi tighten shoulder movement.
🔹 Deep Front Line (DFL): Affected subclavius and scalene muscles limit scapular mobility.
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, Myofascial Release and FST (Fascial Stretch Therapy) help restore fascial elasticity and range of motion, reducing shoulder stiffness.
Myoskeletal Issues in Frozen Shoulder (Erik Dalton – Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques)
Erik Dalton’s Myoskeletal Therapy identifies structural imbalances that contribute to frozen shoulder, including:
✔️ Cervical and Thoracic Misalignment: Poor spinal alignment restricts shoulder movement and neural flow.
✔️ Scapular Dyskinesis: Weak or imbalanced scapular stabilizers cause compensatory shoulder dysfunction.
✔️ Neurological Impingement: Chronic tension in the brachial plexus leads to pain and immobility.
Using soft tissue therapy and joint mobilization, we target deep muscular and fascial patterns, restoring proper function to the shoulder girdle.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder & Timeline for Recovery
Frozen shoulder follows a predictable cycle of pain, stiffness, and recovery.
❄️ Freezing Stage (2-9 months):
Increasing pain, loss of movement
Sharp pain with motion, especially at night
How Bodywork Helps:🔥 Reduces muscle guarding and fascial adhesions🔥 Prevents further restriction
❄️ Frozen Stage (4-12 months):
Pain decreases, but stiffness remains
Severe range of motion limitations
How Bodywork Helps:🔥 Improves capsular mobility with FST and myofascial release🔥 Restores shoulder blade movement
❄️ Thawing Stage (6-24 months):
Pain fades, motion gradually returns
Strength and flexibility improve
How Bodywork Helps:🔥 Rebuilds neuromuscular coordination🔥 Strengthens weak and overstretched muscles
Realistic Expectations for Frozen Shoulder Recovery
✅ Soft tissue therapy accelerates progress but doesn’t provide instant relief.
✅ Consistent treatments (weekly sessions for 6-12 weeks) are necessary for long-term results.
✅ Stretching & mobility exercises are key to preventing stiffness from returning.
Other Conditions That Limit Shoulder Mobility (Especially in Menopause)
🚺 Menopause & Shoulder Mobility – Hormonal shifts cause collagen changes, making connective tissues less elastic.
🚺 Osteoarthritis – Joint degeneration limits shoulder movement and increases stiffness.
🚺 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) – Nerve compression causes shoulder and arm pain.
🚺 Rotator Cuff Tears – Chronic shoulder strain weakens movement patterns.
Soft tissue therapy combined with corrective exercises helps address these limitations, restoring optimal movement and function.
Self Release Resources Videos
At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to treating frozen shoulder using targeted techniques:
💆 Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy – Releases overactive muscles causing pain and stiffness.
🧘 Myofascial Release – Improves fascial elasticity and reduces adhesions.
💨 Lymphatic Drainage – Reduces inflammation and swelling for faster healing.
🦵 Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST) – Enhances joint mobility and fascial flexibility.
Book Your Frozen Shoulder Pain Relief Session Today
Don’t let frozen shoulder limit your movement or quality of life. Our expert soft tissue therapy at Elite Recovery Sports Therapy in San Juan Capistrano & Lake Elsinore offers targeted relief, improved mobility, and lasting results.
📅 Appointments fill fast—secure yours today!📍 Locations: San Juan Capistrano & Lake Elsinore, CA👉 Schedule Now
FAQs: About Frozen Shoulder
❓What does a session look like ?
What is frozen shoulder?A: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, causing pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. It progresses through three stages—Freezing, Frozen, and Thawing—lasting anywhere from several months to a few years.
❓ What causes frozen shoulder?A: The exact cause isn’t always clear, but risk factors include:
Injury or Surgery: Immobilization after fractures, rotator cuff injuries, or surgery can lead to shoulder stiffness.
Menopause & Hormonal Changes: Collagen changes during menopause and perimenopause reduce joint elasticity, increasing risk.
Diabetes & Metabolic Conditions: Higher incidence in people with diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases.
Poor Posture & Muscle Imbalances: Tight pectoral muscles, weak scapular stabilizers, and nerve compression can contribute.
❓ What are the symptoms of frozen shoulder?A: Symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time:
✔️ Stage 1 – Freezing (2-9 months): Increasing pain and stiffness, sharp pain with motion.
✔️ Stage 2 – Frozen (4-12 months): Pain decreases, but mobility is severely restricted.
✔️ Stage 3 – Thawing (6-24 months): Gradual return of movement, but weakness remains.
❓ What muscles and trigger points are involved in frozen shoulder?A: Dr. Janet Travell’s research highlights several muscles responsible for frozen shoulder pain:
Subscapularis: Deep pain and extreme tightness in the front shoulder.
Supraspinatus & Infraspinatus: Limited arm elevation and external rotation pain.
Trapezius & Levator Scapulae: Stiffness in the upper back and neck, contributing to restricted movement.
Pectoralis Major & Minor: Rounded shoulders that limit shoulder extension and rotation.
❓ How is frozen shoulder different from rotator cuff injuries?A: Frozen shoulder affects the entire joint capsule, causing progressive stiffness. In contrast, rotator cuff injuries involve muscle or tendon tears, leading to weakness, but not always stiffness.
❓ Can soft tissue therapy help with frozen shoulder?A: Yes! Soft tissue therapy helps release muscle tightness, break down fascial adhesions, and restore movement. Effective treatments include:
✔️ Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy: Releases deep muscular tension in frozen shoulder-related muscles.
✔️ Myofascial Release (John Barnes Method): Reduces fascial restrictions limiting shoulder mobility.
✔️ Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST): Improves joint mobility and flexibility
.✔️ Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: Reduces inflammation and swelling to accelerate healing.
❓ How long does it take to recover from frozen shoulder?A: Recovery varies based on severity, age, and treatment approach. The thawing stage can take 6-24 months, but with consistent therapy and stretching, many see improvements within 3-6 months.
❓ What are realistic expectations from soft tissue therapy?A: One session won’t "fix" frozen shoulder, but with a structured treatment plan (weekly sessions for 6-12 weeks), you can expect:
✅ Pain relief & reduced inflammation
✅ Gradual return of mobility
✅ Increased flexibility & restored muscle balance
❓ Are there other conditions that can limit shoulder mobility during menopause?A: Yes! Hormonal changes can contribute to:
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS): Nerve compression in the shoulder and neck.
Osteoarthritis: Joint degeneration causing pain and stiffness.
Tendonitis or Bursitis: Inflammation in the rotator cuff or bursa sacs.
📅 Book your frozen shoulder therapy session at Elite Recovery Sports Therapy in Lake Elsinore or San Juan Capistrano today!
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Trusted Professional Referral: Dr. Marisa Puente, Integrative Acupuncture
For clients struggling with Frozen Shoulder, I highly recommend Dr. Marisa Puente, Integrative Acupuncture, whose expertise in holistic healing and pain management complements my soft tissue therapy approach. Her targeted acupuncture treatments help reduce inflammation, release muscle tension, and restore mobility by stimulating the body's natural healing response. Acupuncture is especially effective in improving circulation, reducing nerve sensitivity, and accelerating recovery, making it a perfect complement to myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, and fascial stretch therapy (FST). For a comprehensive, integrative approach to Frozen Shoulder relief.
📍 Book a session with Dr. Marisa Puente on Google today! Schedule Here
Tiffany Sandoval
Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. I specialize in soft tissue therapy for professional and youth athletes, post-surgery recovery (shoulder, hip, and knee), and mobility restoration, using neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and FST to optimize performance, accelerate healing, and prevent injuries. Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.
Why Choose Elite Recovery Sports Therapy?
Over 13 years of experience in neuromuscular therapy
Convenient locations in Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano
Personalized care to help you achieve pain-free living
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