Massage anyone?

Do you get massage?, if you are among the many that do get a regular massage than good for you! If you do not or have only had a 'spa' massage than let me tell ya' something. Missing out, left behind, too little too late....get the idea. massage is an integral modality for anyone to get on a regular basis. A good therapeutic massage (neuromuscular, deep tissue, Myofascial, ART etc) are absolutely phenomenal for relieving stress, increasing flexibility, decreasing pain and increasing blood flow. Athletes should receive a massage at least every other to every week, while others benefit from massage on a monthly basis. Massage is a great way to prevent stress and worsening of postural syndromes and it feels good. Treat your self to something that feels good and is good for you.

Responsibility

It NEVER ceases to amaze me that people do not take responsibility for their pain. You are a smart person, educated and have been active most of your life. Along the way you have learned a lot of things. But, as soon as PAIN sets in all of that intelligence is gone. i can not tell you how many times I have educated patients and clients on managing their symptoms. if your shoulder is sore ice and stretch it, maybe use an anti-inflammatory, get a massage. Pain will change how you think, and the second you experience pain the psyche changes and you do all the incorrect stuff. Heat generally makes it worse, no one remembers to stretch or self massage. But we all immediately run to the doctor or just sit there miserable.
Take responsibility for your pain, be proactive. ICE before you heat, stretch, use a tennis ball to self massage or go see a massage therapist.......be responsible.

A bowling ball on your shoulders

Many people that enter our facilities have at some time or currently are experiencing neck pain and or headaches. Today’s sedentary lifestyle, computers, phones, travel all force the head and shoulders forward of the bodies center of gravity. The average weight of the head is 10-12 pounds, for each inch that the head leans forward double the weight of the head, that’s right, 20-24 pounds. That’s a lot of extra strain that the posterior stabilizers of the neck and back must deal with.

Add to the equation car accidents, falls, and sporting injuries and there can be some major damage to the muscles of the neck. One thing that many people do not take into account is that many of the shoulder blade muscles have direct attachments into the cervical and upper thoracic spine. If these muscles are weak, the shoulders slump further and the cycle of poor posture and weak shoulder muscles continues.

For every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the body rounds forward the anterior musculature becomes very tight and overactive. This means the chest, frontal neck and upper abdominal muscles get very tight and will not relax. As a result the shoulder blade muscles we discussed get weak and lengthen from the unrelenting pull of the frontal muscles. We must stretch the frontal muscles and strengthen the posterior muscles to have any chance of success. This means no chest presses, bicep curls or crunches for the first few weeks of exercise. Often the Trigger Points that develop need to be addressed through soft tissue techniques to ‘shut down’ some of the overactive muscles and painful movement patterns that can develop. So your mom was correct, sit up and do not slouch.

When exercising try to never shrug your shoulders, keep your head up and chin slightly retracted/tucked. Perform pulling exercises more than you push and as always never be afraid to seek the advice of an exercise professional.