Massage Therapy Treatment for Frozen Shoulder

via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

3 hours 56 minutes
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Comprehensive Shoulder Rehabilitation

Overview

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Frozen shoulder can be painful, frustrating, and slow to recover from, often limiting everyday movements such as reaching overhead, dressing, lifting, or sleeping comfortably. By the end of this course, learners will understand the stages of frozen shoulder and how massage and soft-tissue techniques can be adapted to support pain relief, mobility, and recovery through each phase. Guided by Maureen Abson, LMT, this course explains the pathology of frozen shoulder, including how pain, stiffness, inflammation, and restricted range of motion develop over time. Learners are introduced to a structured, phase-specific approach that helps match treatment goals to the client’s current stage of recovery. Through studio-filmed demonstrations, learners explore safe positioning, soft-tissue techniques, movement progression, range-of-motion considerations, and client education strategies. Massage and bodywork professionals will gain practical tools for working with a challenging shoulder condition, while non-clinical learners will better understand why frozen shoulder can take time to improve and how targeted care may support recovery. This course offers a clear, practical framework for managing frozen shoulder with greater confidence and care.

Syllabus

Treating Frozen Shoulder - Part 1

Module 1 provides a clear and practical introduction to frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), followed by hands-on massage strategies designed to reduce pain and improve mobility. The instructor explains what happens inside the shoulder capsule during frozen shoulder, the three clinical phases (freezing, frozen, thawing), common symptoms, and how limitations in movement affect daily life. From there, the module moves into step-by-step manual therapy techniques focused on the shoulder, upper back, and surrounding fascia. You’ll learn how to assess tender or restricted areas, how to use slow warming strokes, static pressure, and press-and-release techniques, and how to adapt depth and positioning based on the client’s pain level and phase of recovery. Throughout the instruction, emphasis is placed on client comfort, safe positioning, and working with the shoulder’s current limitations — not forcing movement. This module provides the foundation for the broader treatment strategy used across the course.

Treating Frozen Shoulder - Part 2

Module 2 demonstrates how head and neck tension can contribute to shoulder dysfunction, pain, and limited movement. The instructor teaches a progression of head, scalp, neck, and jaw massage techniques designed to reduce overall muscle guarding and encourage relaxation of the upper kinetic chain. You will learn how to work gently around sensitive anatomical structures and avoid high-risk zones such as the carotid artery and anterior neck. Contraindications are covered in detail, including considerations for stroke recovery, dental implants, recent surgery, cosmetic procedures, and jaw tension. The module also teaches techniques for releasing the sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and upper trapezius — muscles that commonly tighten in clients dealing with frozen shoulder or referred pain. This module reinforces that treating frozen shoulder successfully requires addressing compensatory tension patterns beyond the shoulder itself.

Treating Frozen Shoulder - Part 3

Module 3 focuses on detailed hand and forearm work — an unexpected but powerful approach to improving frozen shoulder symptoms. The instructor explains how fascial continuity and tension patterns in the hand and forearm can directly affect the shoulder, upper back, and neck. The module includes precise, structured hand-massage techniques, working from fingertip to palm to forearm, using rolling, squeezing, line tracking, and static pressure. Special attention is given to caution points, including pregnancy considerations (avoiding the point between thumb and index finger), arthritis, recent surgery, damaged skin, or active inflammation. The instructor demonstrates how to warm the fingers, avoid painful joints, and follow the fascial tension lines that influence the shoulder. Therapists will learn how detailed handwork can produce surprisingly immediate improvements in shoulder mobility and pain when treating frozen shoulder.

Reflective Assignments

This module provides an opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned throughout the course. You will review key concepts, reflect on clinical relevance, and complete a short practice assignment and/or course reflection quiz. The goal is to reinforce understanding and strengthen your ability to integrate these skills into real-world client care.

Reflective Learning

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.