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I'll admit it, frozen shoulder syndrome (otherwise known as adhesive capsulitis) is a tough nut to crack. For some clients, even the smallest movements can prompt spasm, pain, and guarding. Fortunately, there are some ways of minimizing this.
My general protocol: Cradle the affected arm in the most comfortable position possible, then create a cuff around the shoulder using both hands. Provide gentle pressure using flat fingers and finger pads (fingertips can be too sharp at first), and apply gentle traction to the fascia as you rock the arm. Gently work with the pecs, trapezius, and deltoid as you continue warming and mobilizing the area.
Once you've gotten things a bit looser, start working with the rotator cuff. Crawl under the scapula using upturned hands and apply traction using flat fingers or finger pads. Go slowly, and track the client's face for any sign of pain. Proceed on to work on supraspinatus, teres, and eventually subscapularis (think of making a sandwich with your flat fingers and thumb pads, with the scapula as the filling). Go slowly, and let the presence of your hands do most of the work rather than trying to force anything.
At any time you can feel free to experiment with compression of the humerus into the glenoid fossa. This can make everything seem less painful, and it can reduce spasm. This will become important as you work with positions with greater external rotation.
Try applying pressure to the pectoral region, compressing the shoulder girdle down toward the table. This seems to allow greater external rotation without pain.
If you work patiently enough, this can be a very different experience than the typical treatment for frozen shoulder. It doesn't have to be torture! Let me know how this goes, and please consider making a video if you have techniques to share.
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