Massage therapy for inflammation around the shoulder joint

Inflammation around the shoulder joint can be relieved by massage to improve pain and mobility. Tuina therapy for shoulder periarthritis mainly targets local Qi and blood stasis, meridian obstruction, and other issues. It uses techniques to loosen adhesions and promote blood circulation. Common massage methods include rolling, kneading, holding, pressing, and shaking, which should be performed by professional physicians.

1. Rolling method

Rolling method is a technique of continuous rolling on the shoulder using the palm, small fish side, or forearm. During operation, the elbow serves as the fulcrum, and the forearm drives the wrist joint to roll evenly, with the force gradually penetrating deep into the muscles. This method can relax spasmodic muscles such as the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles, especially suitable for the early stage of shoulder joint stiffness. During the massage process, it is advisable to avoid the area of the bony processes to prevent exacerbating the inflammatory response.

2. Rubbing Method

There are two types of kneading methods: finger kneading and palm kneading. Use the thumb or palm root to do circular kneading around the shoulder joint. Focus on acupoints such as the Shoulder and Shoulder Branches, and moderate pressure can unblock the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. Rubbing can break down adhesive tissue and improve inflammatory edema of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. It is recommended to perform each operation for about 10 minutes.

3. Holding Method

Holding method is a technique of using the thumb and the other four fingers to lift the shoulder muscles with relative force. Pinching the levator scapula muscle, trapezius muscle, and other areas can alleviate the difficulty of lifting the arm caused by muscle contraction. Attention should be paid to controlling the force during operation, based on the patient's tolerance for acid swelling. Excessive force may cause soft tissue damage.

4. Pressing Method

The pressing method uses the fingertips or elbow tips to continuously press specific acupoints on the shoulder joint. Frequently selecting acupoints such as Tianzong and Jianzhen outside the meridians, combined with respiratory regulation, can significantly alleviate nighttime resting pain. When pressing, it is necessary to apply vertical force and use vibration techniques. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute each time to help release joint capsule adhesions.

5. Shaking

Shaking is a technique of passively moving the shoulder joint in a relaxed state. The physician holds the patient's scapula with one hand and shakes their forearm in a circular or outward direction with the other hand, gradually increasing the amplitude. This method can gradually increase joint mobility, but it is contraindicated for those with obvious redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the acute phase to avoid aggravating joint cavity exudation. Massage therapy should be accompanied by daily maintenance, avoiding lifting heavy objects or excessive use of air conditioning to blow directly onto the shoulders. Moderate wall climbing and pendulum exercises can be performed, and blood activating ingredients such as black fungus and yam should be selected for diet. If skin damage or pain intensifies after massage, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Those with severe adhesion may need to combine acupuncture and moxibustion, traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and other comprehensive treatments. During the treatment, the shoulder should be kept warm to prevent cold and wet invasion.