The Frozen Shoulder Workbook: Trigger Point Therapy for Overcoming Pain and Regaining Range of Motion

by Clair Davies, David G. Simons (Foreword)

Author Clair Davies' own case of frozen shoulder led him to undertake an extensive study of trigger points and referred pain that eventually resulted in his best-selling Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. Now this renowned bodywork expert and educator revisits the subject of frozen shoulder with The Frozen Shoulder Workbook, offering the most detailed and comprehensive manual available for this painful and debilitating condition, a useful resource for self-care-with and without a partner-and for bodywork practitioners looking to expand their treatment repertoire.

Frozen shoulder, the syndrome name for several joint and tendon-related symptoms, is experienced as a loss of motion and pain in the shoulder and upper arm. It is most often observed in women between the ages of forty and sixty and individuals with type-two diabetes. Unlike traditional medical treatments for the condition, which rely on painkillers, steroid injections, and physical therapy and often do little to moderate symptoms or speed recovery, trigger point therapy can bring real and lasting relief. This gentle massage technique targets localized areas of tenderness in soft tissue. Put it to work for you to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and shorten recovery times.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference

296 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a massage therapist with a viral dislike for the way this problem is treated by the medical establishment, including physical therapists, medical doctors and chiropractors. Also written to be as confusing and convoluted as possible. However, some of the theory and suggested remedies resonated with me. And I have tried using the ball-in-an-old-sock method of self-massage for the back of my shoulders and upper arms, even though the pain seems to be in the front of my arm, and voila! It does help. So I'm taking the books advice with a grain of salt, using what seems to help, and still seeing the PT twice weekly and doing painful exercises to increase ROM. Someone could make a fortune figuring out how to prevent this malady, which seems to strike nearly every woman over 40 I have met! Who Knew!

[Joseph Gendron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare Davis does an excellent job of laying out the muscles and their associated trigger points that cause the stiffness and pain of certain arm movements. A once thru the book is necessary to take advantage of its usefulness as a reference book; now that I've become familar with the areas of sensitivity in the muscles that affect the movement of the arm, I can return to the book and delve deeper into both the pysiology of the muscle system affecting the shoulder and the muscles themselves. I still have a long way to go to rid myself of this affliction but I've learned a lot about the methods and approaches to correct this imbalance.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot more in-depth and specific than the Trigger Point Workbook, but less readable and less usable for a similar reason. I'd recommend this one only if you already have and are familiar with the Trigger Point Workbook.

[alicebme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of my pain was relieved, but my mobility remains limited. This book and its methods have given me some hope and a better quality of life. It is an important piece of my shoulder recovery.

[Stephen Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must've had the worse case ever for 'Frozen Shoulder' because utilizing techniques prescribed by book along with device recommended, did not alleviate from my 'Frozen Shoulder', therapy prescribed by book combined along with Acupressure, stretching, PT sessions have not melted this stubborn Frozen Shoulder.

[Agnes Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this comprehensive book! Clearly and easily explained the areas of pain and trigger points to alleviate the problem, as well as, outline different treatments available. It also reassured me that my current chiropractor understands and practices the trigger points, which have helped tremendously. Whereas my previous chiropractor simply cracked my neck and other areas. But never got to the root of the problem, which was why I stopped seeing him. A must read for anyone truly interested in understanding how the body works and how simple it is to stop the pain without wasting anymore time and money on common practices that are simply bandaiding the problem.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good review of shoulder anatomy and function, which is more complex than I had realized. Teaches trigger-point self-massage and describes shoulder physical therapy, alternative therapies and medical therapies from the point of view of a long-time practitioner of trigger point therapy. Unfortunately there were a few statements that were just patently false, but most of it seemed pretty well supported by research. A good short read on the subject, despite the anti-medical bias.

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had known about this book months ago! It could have saved me a lot of pain and hassle. Less than a week after starting and I am already seeing results. It is written in a way that is easy to read and understand. I have already recommended it to several people and hope they also see success.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Semi-helpful book. Seems a bit tough to accomplish most of these moves on your own, at least I wasn’t very successful and had a few painful days after the exercises. However, I was probably trying too hard. The stretching is helpful and the introduction was interesting. Not sure it was what I was looking for, but may be helpful to others.

[Bob Southwell]

Very good for understanding what is going on. Not so easy to self treat.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to the body and”trigger points” for frozen shoulder sufferers. Very well written and interesting. This is more of a reference book: there is too much information in this book to fully digest in a couple of sittings. My one criticism is that it is overly dismissive of other forms of “alternative” therapies such as acupuncture.