This is a collection of posts about breathing muscles and the related pain patterns, restrictions, and self-care. This includes breathing pain while: coughing sneezing exercising sleeping breathing during yoga sitting at a desk and more…
Mid-back pain that extends extends upward, forward and stiffens the lower back requires some focused self-care. The trigger point for mid-back pain is easily aggravated when cycling. This is especially true when you bend over the handlebars with your head low. Consider changing up your cycling routine by using a recumbent for a while. OK. …
Self-Care – Mid Back Pain that May Stiffen the Low Back Read More »
Massage and bodywork for iliocostalis thoracis may involve more than local joint work and trigger point release. Overstretching of the iliocostalis is often due to chronic flexion of the trunk. In that case, pelvic balancing focus on the anterior thorax for lasting relief. In those cases, use these suggestions for palliative relief. Pelvic balancing and …
A chronically shortened pectoralis minor produces the distinctive protracted shoulder that does not lay down like the other shoulder when the client is on their back. It is easy to release with a little posterior static pressure on the greater tubercle while lifting displaced ribs off the upper thoracic vertebrae. Even in chronic cases, this …
This typically comes in one of two postures: rounded shoulders with short tight pecs and shoulder blades that lay close to the back or high and tight shoulder with overstretched pecs and shoulder blades that wing out. Working on a low desk with a laptop can also lead to the hooked shoulders and a short, …
Self Care – Pain in the Front of Shoulder When Lifting Arm Read More »
The pectoralis major is a broad, fan-shaped muscle made of flat overlapping strips that covers the anterior ribs. Pecs are often the victim of cervical problems. They are innervated by the brachial plexus and are intertwined with THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME. They also perpetuate THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME by holding pectoralis minor short, which entraps the brachial …
This trigger point pain pattern creates pain in the upper neck and tension when the muscle is compressed or stretched. You can get relief with some changes in your activity. As well, you can typically get lasting relief with a few simple exercises. An underlying chronic condition like fibromyalgia or structural problems in the upper …
Self Care – Neck tension when wearing a heavy coat Read More »
Scalene muscles produce a number of patterns that can be experienced separately. These strategies are great for relief from that tingling in your index finger and thumb with pain in the upper back, along the shoulder blade. Also, this can be helpful for the pattern in front of the shoulder that people get when relined. …
Self Care – Scalene Pain of the Torso, Arm & Hand Read More »
Serratus posterior superior produces an ache under the shoulder blade that is easily confused with the referral patterns of other muscles. It is involved in shoulder pain more than 90% of the time. It is distinctive when it produces the associated elbow and lateral wrist pain. Serratus posterior superior acts as a 5th scalene muscle. …
Serratus Posterior Superior – Massage Therapy Notes Read More »
Typically, people ignore this pain that can’t be reached under the shoulder blade until it becomes chronic. At that point, these trigger points are stubborn and require a little regular self-care for lasting changes. That almost always means some changes in activities. As well, stretching and exercises are needed to free the tight joints and …
Self Care – Can’t Reach Pain Under the Shoulder Blade Read More »
