How to Use a Muscle Massage Gun for Frozen Shoulders: Benefits and Tips

how to use a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulder

Are you in search of the best ways to use a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders?

Or maybe you're a massage therapist looking for a great way to help your clients with their frozen shoulders.

Either way, you've come to the right place!

Dealing with a frozen shoulder can present a whole lot of pain and discomfort to anyone experiencing it.

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition is characterized by stiffness and significant pain in the shoulder joint. Factors leading to a frozen shoulder can range from an injury to a medical condition like diabetes.

Considering the amount of pain and discomfort that come with this condition, it's only natural to want to find a way to soothe and alleviate the symptoms before they worsen.

One of the most effective ways to do this is with a muscle massage gun.

Widely popular for its efficiency in providing relief for muscle-related conditions, a muscle massage gun can help provide immediate relief from frozen shoulder related issues.

But while making use of one can certainly be beneficial, it's important to know the proper steps on how to use one effectively.

That's why we've put together this simple guide on how to use one for frozen shoulders. From simple steps to keep in mind to the benefits of using one, you'll find everything you need to know here.

So, without further ado, let's dive in!

Steps to Using a Muscle Massage Gun for Frozen Shoulders

From choosing the right massage head to setting the intensity level, there are several steps you need to take in order to get the most out of a muscle massage gun.

Follow these simple steps, and you should be able to get the relief you need.

Step 1: Pick a massage head

A first step to getting the relief you need from frozen shoulders is choosing the right massage head.

Quality massage guns like the Fusion Elite come with a range of massage heads that are designed for different body areas and muscle tissues.

For frozen shoulders, pick a massage head that's rounded and has a larger surface area. This can range from a standard ball head or flat head to the bullet massage gun head. You can also make use of a fork head that is designed for targeting soft tissue.

Once you've selected the right massage head, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Set an appropriate intensity level

With a massage head in place, setting an appropriate intensity level is next.

Keep in mind that a frozen shoulder is often accompanied by extreme pain and discomfort. As a result, you want to set an intensity level that will provide relief without making the area too uncomfortable or painful to bear.

For this, we recommend setting the intensity level at the lowest speed setting and slowly increasing it as you go. This will ensure that you don't overstimulate the area and, at the same time, get the relief you need.

Feel free to increase the intensity level as needed if you feel like it's not providing the relief you need.

Step 3: Position your device

Using a Muscle Massage Gun for Frozen Shoulders

As you can tell, our shoulder muscles are a complex web of intertwined muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

This means the angle at which you place the massage gun on your shoulder can make all the difference in finding relief from where you're feeling pain. For this, we recommend angling the massage gun at 45 degrees in order to get the best results.

This will help target the muscles and get to the root of any pain or discomfort you're feeling. Once your device is in place, move on to the next step.

Step 4: Start massaging

Now it's time to really get to work.

Whether you're doing it yourself or with the help of a licensed massage therapist, start by positioning the massage gun on the shoulder area where you feel pain.

With it in place, start massaging in circular motions. Make sure to keep the massage gun moving at all times and avoid staying in one spot for too long, except maybe if it's a trigger point.

Trigger points are painful spots that are often felt in areas with tight muscles. Spend between 10 and 30 seconds massaging these areas to help loosen them up.

Once you're done, move on to the next area and repeat the steps above until you've covered the entire shoulder area.

Step 5: Repeat the steps for all areas

Once you’ve completed the massage on your shoulder, you can then repeat the same process on all other affected areas.

You may find that other muscle groups around your shoulder are also tight and need to be relaxed as well.

Feel free to use the same steps from 3 to 4 on other affected areas and move the massage gun up and down your body.

Now that you have an idea of how to use a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders, what are you waiting for?

Grab a hold of yours and start massaging away to find relief from your pain and discomfort. Just ensure to follow the steps we've outlined above, and you'll be on your way to living a more comfortable and pain-free life.

Next, we'll dive in on what to do before making use of a muscle massage gun and how to take care of it after.

What to Do Before and After Using Muscle Massage Gun for Frozen Shoulders

Finding relief from frozen shoulders with a massage gun may seem easy, but there are a few things you should do before using one and even right after.

Let's go over each of them.

Before

Before using a massage gun, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you get the most out of your device. Let's go over each of them.

Warm up the area

Warming up the area before using a massage gun is essential, especially if you're dealing with a frozen shoulder.

This will help loosen up any tight rotator cuff muscles and make the massage more effective. To do this, try doing some light stretches or using a heating pad for 10 minutes to get your muscles ready. Other forms of heat therapy you can use are hot showers, hot baths, and heating packs.

Make sure the temperature feels comfortable and is not too hot for your skin.

Drink water

before using a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulder

Next on our list is hydration.

Drinking plenty of water before using a muscle massager will help your muscles relax and flush out toxins in the human body. It'll also help replenish any lost fluids during your percussive massage session.

If drinking water isn't enough, try adding electrolyte drinks to your routine. This will help replenish any minerals and salts in the body that may be lost during percussion massage therapy.

Wear comfortable clothing

What you wear to your massage gun session can also have an impact on the results.

For any shoulder-related massage session, it's best to wear loose and comfortable clothing like a tank top or t-shirt. Loose-fitting clothing will allow the massage gun to get proper access to the area, and movements from the device won't be restricted.

You can also remove any clothing you have on for better access. This way, you won't need to worry about the massage gun going over any layers of clothing.

Apply a lubricant for extra effect

Applying a lubricant to the area before using a massage gun can provide even more relief.

This will help reduce any friction between the device and skin, allowing for smoother movements. It's also ideal to use if you're dealing with a frozen shoulder as it'll help your percussive massage gun penetrate deeper into the affected area.

Make sure to use an oil-based or water-based lubricant for this purpose and avoid any body oils as they may cause damage to the device.

After

Once you're done using the massage gun, there are a few things you should do to ensure your massage session is a success. Let's go over each of them.

Cool down the area

Taking some time to cool down your shoulder after using a massage gun is essential to ensuring an effective massage session.

This will help reduce any inflammation and swelling while restoring the area back to its original state. To do this, try using cold compresses or ice packs for 10 minutes. You can also try taking a cold shower or bath or using a cooling gel.

Whatever method you choose, make sure the temperature is comfortable and not too cold for your skin. This way, you'll get the most out of your massage session.

Drink more water

Just as it's important to drink plenty of water before your massage, it's also essential to hydrate after.

Massage sessions cause you to lose fluids, which is why it's important to restore them to their original state. This will help reduce any inflammation and soreness while also helping to flush out any toxins.

You'll also want to replenish any lost electrolytes in your body with an electrolyte drink. This way, you'll get the most out of your massage session.

Get enough rest

Getting enough rest also plays a key role in the success of your deep-tissue massage session.

Your body needs time to recover after any form of physical activity, and this is especially true for frozen shoulder massage. Make sure to rest for at least 24 hours after using a quiet massage gun and avoid any strenuous activities during this time.

This will help your body get the most out of your massage therapy and ensure you're feeling better in no time.

By following these tips, you can make sure your massage gun session is a success and help reduce any tightness or discomfort in your shoulder.

Now let's take a look at some benefits of massage gun therapy for frozen shoulders.

Benefits of Using a Muscle Massage Gun for Frozen Shoulder

Dealing with a frozen shoulder can be a difficult process with lots of discomfort and tightness. Fortunately, there are several benefits that come with using a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders.

Some of them include:

Reduced inflammation and pain

A major benefit that frozen shoulder patients enjoy from using a massage gun is that it helps reduce inflammation and pain.

Like we've mentioned before, frozen shoulders can cause a lot of pain, making it hard for people to move their shoulders or even do everyday tasks. This is where massage guns can be incredibly beneficial, as they help reduce pain and inflammation by providing deep tissue stimulation to the affected area.

With rapid bursts of gentle pressure, areas of tightness and discomfort can be quickly eased, making it relatively easy for people to take part in everyday activities.

Increased circulation

Muscle Massage Gun Benefits for Frozen Shoulders

If you've ever experienced a stiff or frozen shoulder, it's likely that you've encountered an issue with circulation as well.

Poor blood circulation often leads to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can worsen pain and stiffness. Percussion massagers also help to increase circulation by providing deep tissue stimulation, allowing blood to flow more freely to the affected area.

This ensures that oxygen and other essential nutrients can reach the area, reducing stiffness and discomfort while helping to promote healing.

Improved range of motion

Third on our list of benefits people may experience from using a percussive massage gun for frozen shoulders is improved range of motion.

When dealing with a frozen shoulder, it's somewhat likely that moving the area can be difficult due to the pain and tightness associated with it. Using a percussive massager can help reduce this tightness and improve range of motion by breaking down scar tissue and releasing trigger points.

This very much ensures that people can move their shoulders more freely without being restricted by pain or tightness.

Scar tissue breaks down

With a frozen shoulder, scar tissue can be a major issue, as it can limit movement and cause pain in the affected area.

Scar tissue mostly forms because of poor circulation and tension, but massage guns can help break down these tough areas by providing rapid bursts of light pressure. This helps to increase circulation in the area while releasing tightness and tension, allowing the scar tissue to dissipate over a period of time.

What's more, this scar tissue breakdown can also help to improve range of motion, as we've outlined, allowing people to move their shoulders without feeling restricted.

Reduced injury risk

While a frozen shoulder can be incredibly painful, there is a chance of further injury if you don't take the necessary steps to reduce tightness and tension.

People dealing with this condition are at risk of rotator cuff tears or even tendon tears as a result of improper movement, especially if it's left untreated. Fortunately, making use of a compact massage gun like the Fusion Mini can reduce the risk of injury as it helps to relax stiff muscle knots and reduce tightness.

This allows people to move their shoulder more freely without putting it at risk of injury.

These are just a few of the benefits people may experience from finding relief from frozen shoulders through the use of muscle massage guns.

Lifestyle Changes to Maximize Using Massage Guns for Frozen Shoulder

While making use of a massage gun for frozen shoulders can offer great relief, it's important to take note of a few lifestyle changes as well. Some of these include:

Stretch regularly to reduce tightness and increase range of motion

lifestyle changes when using muscle massage gun for frozen shoulder

Stretching is a great way to reduce tightness and increase range of motion when dealing with a frozen shoulder.

This frozen shoulder exercise can help break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and even reduce the risk of further injury. Commonly used stretches for this condition include towel stretch, pendulum stretch, and towel shift, among others.

Let's dive into just how you can perform them.

Towel stretch

The towel stretch is a great stretch to help relieve shoulder pain and stiffness associated with frozen shoulders.

To perform this stretch, you’ll need a long towel. Hold one end of the towel in each hand and wrap it around your upper back while keeping your arms straight. Lean forward as far as you can comfortably go and hold the position for 10–15 seconds before releasing.

Perform this exercise two to three times for the best results.

Pendulum stretch

Another stretching exercise for frozen shoulders is the pendulum stretch.

Compared to the towel stretch, this one is much easier to perform. Standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, lean forward and allow your affected arm to hang down in a relaxed manner. Then, sway your arm back and forth in circular motions for no more than 10 seconds before releasing.

Repeat this exercise twice per day for maximum benefit.

Towel shift

Last on our list of stretches for frozen shoulders is the towel shift.

This stretch helps reduce shoulder pain and stiffness while improving range of motion in the affected shoulder area. To perform this exercise, you’ll need a long towel. With one end of the towel held in each hand, wrap it around your upper back and pull your arms apart as if you are stretching a rubber band.

Hold this position for a few seconds before releasing. Perform this exercise two to three times per day to ensure great benefits.

Add low-impact exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi to your routine to promote flexibility and relaxation

Besides stretching, adding low-impact shoulder exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi into your routine can also be beneficial for promoting flexibility and relaxation.

Both of these activities are gentle yet effective in increasing range of motion and helping to reduce stiffness associated with a frozen shoulder. Not only that, but both activities have been found to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the body.

By doing this regularly, you should be able to find relief from frozen shoulders.

Take frequent breaks from strenuous activities that cause pain or discomfort

Imagine putting your body through strenuous activities like lifting weights while dealing with a frozen shoulder.

Not only will this put you at risk of further injury, but it can also cause the condition to worsen. That's why taking time to rest and relax is essential when it comes to managing a frozen shoulder.

This can begin with simple things, such as taking a break from strenuous activities that cause pain or discomfort. You can also switch to low-impact activities or take a hot bath to help reduce stiffness.

Apply a cold compress to the area if it's painful or inflamed

Recall how a frozen shoulder can be incredibly painful and cause inflammation.

One way to reduce this is by applying a cold compress to the area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Doing this helps reduce swelling and pain while improving circulation in the area.

Applying a cold compress can be achieved by using a cold pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel. Just be sure to never put it directly on the skin so as to avoid frostbite.

Eat a nutritious diet full of anti-inflammatory foods

A good meal is essential to finding relief from any kind of ailment, and a frozen shoulder is no different.

It's important to eat a nutritious diet full of anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, walnuts, and leafy greens. These foods contain essential nutrients that help reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and promote overall wellbeing.

Feel free to add in a few supplements such as turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D to further reduce inflammation. This will make the healing process much easier and quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse through our frequently asked questions on how to use a massage gun for frozen shoulders below. Whether you're in search of tips, lifestyle changes, or just general advice, feel free to reach out to us if you have any more questions.

How often should I use a muscle massage gun for a frozen shoulder?

How often you use the versatile massage gun for frozen shoulders depends on the severity of your condition.

If it's mild, then you can get away with using it once or twice a week. However, if it's severe, then it may be necessary to use it daily or even multiple times a day.

Muscle massage guns can be used between 2 and 3 times a day, but it's important to remember not to overdo it. Follow the steps we've outlined in this article, and you'll be sure to find relief soon.

How long will it take to feel better when using a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders?

The amount of time it takes to find relief from a frozen shoulder when using a muscle massage gun depends on how often you use one and how severe your condition is.

Usually, the results can be felt after only a few uses. However, depending on the severity of your condition, it could take up to several weeks for any real difference to be seen.

In whatever case, it's important to be patient and consistent with your treatment. Don't give up too soon, because you may just be on the brink of finding success.

Besides a muscle massage gun, which massage tools can I use to treat frozen shoulders?

Besides the massage gun, there are several other shoulder massager tools that you can use to treat frozen shoulders.

One such tool is a foam roller. Foam rollers can be used to provide deep tissue massage, which helps to release tightness and tension in muscle fibers around the affected area. Additionally, foam rolling can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve a limited range of motion.

Another helpful tool is a lacrosse ball. This is great for targeting specific knots and areas of tightness. It can also be used to massage a larger area as well as pinpoint difficult spots.

Other massage tools that can help with frozen shoulder blade include massage sticks and massage mitts. Each of these items can be used to provide relief from shoulder muscle tightness and pain.

Are there any safety precautions to consider when using a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders?

Yes, there are some safety precautions to consider when using a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders.

It's important to be mindful of the pressure being applied and to only use it on areas that don't hurt or cause discomfort. You should also avoid using it directly over sensitive areas such as shoulder joints or the spine.

Other safety precautions include avoiding using the massage gun for more than 15 minutes at a time and never more than five times in a single sitting.

Additionally, you should always use the device on the lowest setting and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with it, as we've outlined in this article.

Conclusion

Hope this content helped you learn more about how to use a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders.

Finding relief with these impressive devices begins with understanding how often and for how long to use them. This starts with choosing the right massage gun head, setting the right intensity level, positioning your massage gun correctly, and using it safely.

By following these steps, you're sure to find the relief you need from your frozen shoulder in no time.

While making use of a massage gun can be incredibly beneficial for those suffering from this condition, there are certain steps one can take before and after to ensure the best results. This includes things like warming up before use, drinking lots of water, and wearing comfortable clothing right before use.

After your massage gun session, cooling down the area with ice, drinking water, and getting enough rest can help in the recovery process. Proven benefits that come with using a massage gun for frozen shoulders include reduced pain, improved blood circulation, improved muscle flexibility, and even reduced injury risk.

Making lifestyle changes can even help improve the success of massage gun therapy for frozen shoulders. This includes things like doing regular stretches, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and more.

Whichever way you decide to go, it's important to remember that taking good care of yourself is key. Drop us a message if you'd like to get more information on how to use a muscle massage gun for frozen shoulders.

We'll be more than happy to help.

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