22/09/2025
🌿✨ Shoulder Decompression Arthroscopy & Massage Support ✨🌿
Have you ever heard of a shoulder decompression arthroscopy ? It sounds complex, but it’s a procedure many people undergo when shoulder pain limits their movement and affects daily life. Let’s break it down 👇
🔎 What is Shoulder Decompression Arthroscopy ?
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where tiny instruments are used to remove or smooth bone and tissue inside the shoulder joint. The goal is to create more space in the joint, reducing painful friction and irritation.
⚡ What Causes It ?
Common reasons people need this surgery include:
- Repetitive overhead movements (athletes, tradies, hairdressers, etc.)
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Bone spurs
- Rotator cuff irritation or tendonitis
- Chronic inflammation that doesn’t improve with conservative treatment
🤔 How Does It Happen ?
Over time, soft tissues (like tendons and bursa) become irritated when they rub against the acromion bone. This causes swelling, pain, and reduced mobility. If left untreated, it may progress to severe impingement or even rotator cuff tears.
🏋️ Can Exercise Help ?
Yes ✅ – gentle strengthening and stretching can:
- Improve range of motion
- Support tissue repair
- Reduce risk of reinjury
Here are some gentle examples often recommended in early recovery (always guided to your stage of progress):
1️⃣ Pendulum Stretch
- Lean forward slightly, supporting yourself with your uninjured arm on a table or chair.
- Let your recovering arm hang loosely toward the floor.
- Gently swing your arm in small circles (about the size of a dinner plate).
- Perform 10 circles clockwise, 10 counter-clockwise, once or twice a day.
2️⃣ Shoulder Blade Squeezes
- Sit or stand tall with arms by your side.
- Slowly squeeze your shoulder blades together, as if trying to hold a pencil between them.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
Repeat 10–15 times.
3️⃣ Assisted Shoulder Flexion (using a stick or broom handle)
- Hold a stick with both hands, palms facing down.
- Keep your recovering arm relaxed while the good arm gently lifts the stick upward, raising your sore arm.
- Lift only as far as comfortable, then lower back down slowly.
Repeat 10 times.
4️⃣ Wall Walk (Finger Climb)
- Stand facing a wall, about an arm’s length away.
- Using your fingers like a spider, gently walk your hand upward along the wall.
- Stop when you feel a gentle stretch (not pain).
- Slowly walk the hand back down.
Repeat 8–10 times.
⚠️ Tip: These movements should never cause sharp pain. Stop if discomfort increases and always progress under professional guidance.
🚨 Signs & Symptoms
- Shoulder pain (especially lifting the arm overhead)
- Clicking, catching, or grinding sounds
- Weakness when lifting or reaching
- Pain that worsens at night or with activity
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
💆 Can Massage Therapies Help ?
Massage is not a replacement for surgery, but it can support recovery, reduce discomfort, and improve progress when used at the right stage. Different styles may help:
Swedish Relaxation Massage → reduces overall muscle tension & stress.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) → gently reduces swelling and encourages recovery.
Remedial Massage → targets scar tissue, adhesions, and restricted movement.
Hot Stones Massage → soothes tight muscles and improves circulation.
Hot & Cold Stones Massage → helps with inflammation and muscle repair.
Scented Scrub Massage → promotes circulation & relaxation, helpful in overall recovery.
Massage should always be cleared with your surgeon and doctor after surgery.
🏡 Home Remedies That May Help
> Ice packs (early stage) to reduce swelling
> Heat therapy (later stage) for stiffness
> Gentle stretching (guided)
> Posture awareness
> Anti-inflammatory foods (omega-3, turmeric, leafy greens)
👩⚕️ Health Professionals Involved
> Orthopaedic surgeons (perform surgery)
> Physiotherapists (rehab exercises & strengthening)
> Professional massage therapist (pain, swelling, circulation, mobility)
> Occupational therapists (assist with daily tasks post-surgery)
> GPs & sports doctors (ongoing monitoring & medication if needed)
⚠️ Possible Complications
> Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
> Stiffness & weakness
> Infection (rare)
> Scar tissue formation
> Recurrent impingement if underlying cause persists
🧪 How It’s Tested & Diagnosed
> Physical exam (movement & strength tests)
> Imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound)
> Patient history (injury patterns, lifestyle, repetitive use)
🧩 Where to Seek Support
> Your GP or orthopaedic specialist
> Physiotherapy clinics
> Professional massage therapist
⚠️ Risks Involved
Like any surgery, there are risks:
> Infection
> Nerve damage (rare)
> Incomplete relief of symptoms
> Need for further surgery
> Reinjury if rehab is not followed
🌸 Takeaway: Shoulder decompression arthroscopy is often a last resort when conservative care isn’t enough. Massage therapies—when used appropriately, can be a gentle, supportive, and effective part of recovery.
✨ At Krissy’s Clinical Massage Practice & Co. in Maryborough QLD, I provide a range of therapeutic massage options that can help support post-shoulder surgery clients with relaxation, pain relief, and restored mobility.
