Wellness journal
A stiff shoulder: what to tell your massage therapist
A good session starts with a good conversation. If your shoulder is stiff or hard to move, a few clear sentences help your therapist keep you comfortable.
Five things worth saying
- Where it is stiff, and what movements are hardest: reaching up, behind your back, across your body.
- What your doctor or physical therapist has said, including any movements to avoid.
- What makes it feel worse or better during the day and at night.
- Your pressure preference. Many people with a stiff shoulder prefer light to medium pressure.
- Your best position. Side-lying with a pillow in front of you is often more comfortable than lying face down.
What not to expect
A massage therapist does not diagnose or treat a shoulder condition, and a massage will not force a stiff shoulder to move. What a gentle session may do is help the muscles of the neck, upper back, chest and arm feel less tense, which may add to your comfort. If you have sudden pain, numbness, or weakness, see your doctor first.
Between visits
Take breaks from long stretches at a keyboard or steering wheel, keep your shoulders relaxed rather than hunched, and follow the exercises your care team has given you. See our frozen shoulder comfort page for how we approach a session.
Massage at Desert Zen is for comfort and relaxation. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for care from your doctor. Please check with your doctor first if you have a medical condition, and tell your therapist about it before the session.
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15920 N Oracle Rd, Suite 170, Catalina, AZ 85739 · Open daily 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM