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 »
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 »
Feeling some sensation into your torso and arm? Getting some sensation into the scalene referral areas while doing Stretches for Scalenes is a good sign. It doesn’t always happen but it indicates that the trigger points are activated by the stretch. It doesn’t happen as much when you use the ice, as ice inhibits that …
Self Care – Pain in the Upper Back, Index Finger and Thumb 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. …
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 »
One of my clients describes this as the best exercise for shoulder and upper back tension. He thinks that it should be the first exercise that I give people. Regardless of their problem. It really does reduce shoulder and upper back tension in a magical way. I noticed big differences over the 1st month that …
Self Care – Breathing Exercises to Reduce Shoulder Tension Read More »
These doorway stretches are classic because they’re quick, effective and can be done almost anywhere. It is easy to stop at most doorways on your way back from the kitchen, office, or bathroom. They stretch the extrinsic chest muscles. Even with minimal effort, a few stretches a day can offer notable relief and postural change. …
7
20
20
