Declaration
A permission is granted from the client. In the case study, it will not include any personal information but only the medical issue and treatment suggestion as a guide. Please note that individuals are different in each case, you would need to diagnose and judge by your professionalism case by case. This case study is more for educational sharing.
Case Presentation
A client presents to Sparkle Beauty Spa & Massage – Hobart with complaints of severe right shoulder pain and stiffness on May, 2025. She reports that the pain started gradually and has progressively worsened over time. The pain is especially prominent when reaching overhead or behind her back. She notes a significant limitation in her ability to perform basic activities of daily living, such as dressing, reaching, and sleeping comfortably.
Upon physical examination, she demonstrates restricted active and passive range of motion in the right shoulder. Shoulder abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation are notably limited, with pain reported at end ranges. There is also palpable tenderness around the shoulder joint and signs of muscle guarding.
She was diagnosed with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) of the right shoulder couple years ago. This condition is characterized by inflammation, adhesions, and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule, leading to pain and restricted movement. She has Physio therapy every 5 weeks. Just came to ‘Sparkle’ during her holiday in Hobart.
Initial Treatment
Starting with a palpation in the initial treatment. The soreness and pain scale is shown as follows:
| Area | Pain scale (1-10) |
| supraspinatus muscle | 10/10 both side |
| levator scapula muscle | left 9/10, right 6/10 |
| upper trapezius muscle | left 9/10, right 6/10 |
| trapezius muscle | left 9/10, right 8/10 |
| shoulder blade | left 9/10, right 8/10 |
| lower back | 5/10 both side |
| calf muscle | 6/10 both side |
After the palpation, I found that her main issue would be the left shoulder, hardly move forward nor bend over. Right shoulder is also tight but not as bad. Lower back and lower limbs are tight but not her priority since she is on holiday, can only visit for limited treatment. I tried to fix as much as I can before she left.
Remedial massage technique is applied on the scapula muscle group, warm up with effleurage and friction. Stretching the shoulder blade and trigger point therapy under the armpit for releasing muscle tension. Once the muscle groups tightness release, I do rotation stretching of both arm with trigger point pressing under the scapular sutures. These stretching movement help to improve her shoulder mobility a lot.
By releasing muscle tension, improving blood flow, and stimulating the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving hormones), remedial massage can provide relief from the discomfort associated with frozen shoulder.
Second Treatment
The second visit is also her last treatment coz she has to flight away. This time I’m more focus on the upper body and stretching rotation movement to increase her arms lift forward angle.
Trigger points are pressed on supraspinatus muscles, petrissage on splenius capitis muscle and splenius cervicis muscle. Through targeted stretching and manipulation of the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, remedial massage aids in restoring the normal range of motion in the shoulder affected by adhesive capsulitis.
Remedial Massage Result
After two treatments, now her left shoulder (the one has frozen shoulder) can even lift higher than the right one. Very satisfied client, who is provided with a personalized home exercise program to continue the prescribed exercises and stretches. Consistent engagement in home exercises is emphasized to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and facilitate progress.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder is a challenging condition that requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to achieve successful outcomes. Through a combination of remedial massage therapy, patient education, home exercises, and monitoring, individuals can effectively manage and overcome the symptoms of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), restoring shoulder function and quality of life. Early diagnosis, timely intervention, and consistent rehabilitation efforts play a critical role in the successful management of frozen shoulder cases.
If you are facing frozen shoulder issues, welcome to Sparkle Beauty Spa & Massage – Hobart for a remedial massage. Sometimes even for old injuries, you will be surprised how soon it can be fixed.
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