Shoulder periarthritis refers to the degenerative changes and acute and chronic injuries of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, including tendons, ligaments, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It is mainly characterized by shoulder pain and functional impairment caused by local aseptic inflammation due to exposure to wind, cold, and dampness. It is more common in manual laborers, and massage therapy has good therapeutic effects. Let's take a look at the principles of massage therapy for shoulder periarthritis.
Principles of Massage Therapy for Shoulder Periarthritis
For patients with predominant early-stage pain, the focus is on dredging the meridians, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. For patients with late-stage adhesions, the focus is on loosening the adhesions, lubricating the joints, and promoting the recovery of joint function.
Simplified Massage Techniques for Shoulder Periarthritis
1. The patient should sit down and relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders. Massage the muscles of the shoulders, with emphasis on the front shoulder, deltoid muscle, and back shoulder. At the same time, perform passive abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation of the affected limb.
2. Hold the affected shoulder with one hand and grasp the wrist or support the elbow with the other hand. Rotate the shoulder joint around its axis, gradually increasing the range of motion, and repeat the operation.
3. Manipulate the shoulder joint.
4. Knead the shoulder for about 2 minutes, then hold the patient's wrist and slowly lift and pull the affected limb.
5. Use rubbing techniques to rub from the shoulder to the forearm and perform a pulling and shaking motion on the affected limb to end the treatment.
Acupressure Techniques for Shoulder Periarthritis
Apply pressure to acupoints such as Jian Jing, Bing Feng, Tian Zong, Jian Nei Ling, Jian Zhen, and Jian Yu. Adjust the pressure according to the degree of soreness and swelling. Use tapping and plucking techniques on adhesion sites or tender points to relieve spasm, pain, and detach the adhesions.
Jian Jing: Located on the shoulder, at the midpoint between the Dazhui acupoint and the acromion.
Bing Feng: Located on the scapula, at the center of the supraspinous fossa, directly above Tian Zong and concave when the arm is raised.
Tian Zong: Located on the scapula, roughly in the middle of the scapula, in the central depression below the acromion, parallel to the fourth thoracic vertebra.
Jian Nei Ling: Located on the inner side of the shoulder joint at the beak prominence, when the arm hangs down, at the midpoint between the front shoulder and the axillary anterior fold.
Jian Zhen: Located below the back of the shoulder joint, 1 inch above the posterior axillary fold when the arm is adducted.
Jian Yu: Located below the acromion, between the acromion and the greater tubercle of the humerus, in the central upper part of the deltoid muscle. It appears as two depressions in the shoulder when the arm is abducted or extended forward.
Precautions for Massage Therapy for Shoulder Periarthritis
1. It is recommended to take X-rays before treatment to rule out joint bone lesions.
2. The technique should be gentle and not use excessive force to avoid fractures, dislocations, and other injuries.
3. Pay attention to local warmth to prevent catching a chill, which may worsen the condition and affect the treatment outcome.
4. It is necessary to perform appropriate shoulder functional exercises and persist in them gradually and in a systematic manner.
