What’s Causing Your Chronic Shoulder Pain — And How Massage Can Help
Living with Chronic Shoulder Pain in Edmonton
Shoulder pain can sneak into your life slowly or appear suddenly, often making everyday activities like reaching, lifting, or even sleeping difficult. For many people in Edmonton, chronic shoulder pain is more than just a nuisance — it’s a long-term challenge that impacts work, mood, and physical ability. At Strive Holistic Massage in downtown Edmonton, our therapists work with clients experiencing shoulder pain caused by posture, repetitive strain, injury, and chronic tension patterns.
Let’s explore the most common causes of chronic shoulder pain and how therapeutic massage can help relieve it.
Common Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Chronic shoulder pain can be caused by a wide range of issues. Here are some of the most common ones:
Rotator cuff injuries: Microtears or inflammation in the muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint can cause ongoing discomfort.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): Stiffness and limited mobility caused by inflammation in the shoulder capsule.
Postural strain: Prolonged computer or phone use leads to rounded shoulders and upper back tightness.
Repetitive motion: Overhead movements in sports or work (plumbers, painters, athletes) can wear down the joint.
Nerve impingement: Tight muscles around the neck or scapula can compress nerves, causing pain referral into the shoulder.
Understanding the source of pain is key. Massage therapy can be highly effective when targeted toward the actual root cause — not just the surface pain.
Massage Techniques That Target Shoulder Pain
At Strive Holistic, we combine evidence-based techniques with clinical intuition to help relieve shoulder tension and restore function. Depending on the type and cause of your shoulder pain, your treatment may include:
Trigger Point Therapy: Releases hyper-irritated spots in the muscle that refer pain into the shoulder and upper arm.
Myofascial Release: Loosens tight connective tissue (fascia) around the shoulder blade and collarbone.
Cupping Therapy: Creates suction that improves circulation and decompresses deep muscular restrictions.
Deep Tissue Massage: Targets chronic tension patterns in the rotator cuff and upper back.
Sports Massage: Ideal for athletes or active individuals, helping address overuse injuries or mobility limitations.
We also guide you with stretches, breathwork, and awareness practices to support healing between sessions.
Why Personalized Massage Therapy Works
No two shoulders are the same. That’s why we tailor each session based on your pain history, body mechanics, and response to treatment. Some clients benefit from gentle release techniques, while others need deeper, more structural work. We focus on functional goals like restoring mobility, improving sleep, or helping you get back to workouts.
Our RMTs also understand the emotional toll of chronic pain. Massage can help regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and support trauma release in cases where pain is linked to old injuries or long-standing compensation patterns.
Shoulder Pain Relief in Downtown Edmonton
Our clinic is conveniently located inside Evolve Strength downtown — a wellness-focused space where your recovery is the priority. Whether you're dealing with a frozen shoulder, tension from desk work, or lingering sports injuries, we’re here to support your healing.
Book your massage for chronic shoulder pain and start your path to lasting relief.
Frequently Asked questions
What causes chronic shoulder pain that doesn’t go away?
Often it's due to posture, muscle imbalances, or unresolved injuries. Stress and repetitive use can also play a role.
Can massage therapy fix a frozen shoulder?
Massage helps by reducing stiffness and improving circulation, especially when paired with movement and stretching.
Is massage good for rotator cuff injuries?
Yes. Massage reduces inflammation and helps the surrounding muscles function better, aiding recovery.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients see results within 2–3 sessions, but chronic conditions may need ongoing care for long-term relief.
Can I do massage alongside physio or chiro?
Absolutely. Integrative care works best, and we’re happy to coordinate with your other providers.
