How to treat shoulder periarthritis with massage therapy

Shoulder periarthritis can be relieved by massage and massage. Common techniques include rolling, kneading, holding, tapping, and shaking. Shoulder periarthritis is often caused by invasion of wind cold and dampness pathogens, chronic strain, or insufficient qi and blood, manifested as shoulder pain and limited mobility.

1. Rolling Method

Use the small fish margin or dorsal palm to perform continuous rolling around the shoulder joint, with a focus on the muscles in the anterior, lateral, and posterior shoulder regions. During operation, the intensity gradually increases from light to heavy, with a uniform frequency, which helps to loosen adhered tissues and promote local blood circulation. It can be repeated for 10-15 minutes daily, and the effect is better when combined with hot compress.

2. Rubbing Method

Use the thumb or palm root to perform circular kneading in areas such as the shoulder well and shoulder hip acupoints, with the force penetrating deep into the muscles. Rubbing can relieve muscle spasms, especially suitable for shoulder joint stiffness when waking up in the morning. During operation, it is advisable to avoid the bony process area and maintain it for 5-8 minutes.

3. Holding Method

Use the thumb and the other four fingers to apply relative force, pinch the deltoid muscle, supraspinatus muscle and other muscle groups in the shoulder, and perform lifting and pinching movements. This technique can improve muscle elasticity and significantly alleviate pain caused by rotator cuff injuries. During surgery, the intensity should be adjusted according to the patient's tolerance to avoid excessive stimulation.

4. Point pressing method

Use the thumb to press vertically on acupoints such as the Shoulder Liao and Tianzong acupoints, and continue to press each acupoint for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The tapping method can unblock meridians, qi, and blood, especially suitable for patients with worsening pain at night. During operation, deep breathing can be used to help relax the tense muscles in the shoulders.

5. Shaking Method

Fix the patient's scapula with one hand and hold their forearm with the other hand to perform clockwise and counterclockwise circular shaking. Shaking can passively increase joint mobility and is suitable for patients in the adhesion period. The movement should be slow and gentle, gradually expanding the range of shaking to avoid violent pulling. During massage therapy, attention should be paid to keeping the shoulders warm, avoiding lifting heavy objects and excessive use of the affected upper limb. It can be combined with moxibustion at acupoints such as the shoulder and spine to enhance the therapeutic effect. Drinking Guizhi Fuling tea daily can help warm the meridians and dispel coldness. If skin damage or pain intensifies after massage, stop immediately and seek medical examination. It is recommended to receive professional massage 3-4 times a week, with a continuous treatment course of 4-6 weeks.