I've got a new client, she's in her 20's and told me she had problems with her right shoulder, which she had had for about 5 years.
she's been driving for 9 years and in the same job for 7 years.
anyhow, both shoulders are quite crunchy, in the typical areas.
I managed to get rid of about 3 trigger points on her problem shoulder last night (her 2nd visit) but it is still as tense as a squash ball.
she also says she has problems on the lateral side of her shoulder girdle.
I suggested that she could see a chiropractor which she seemed interested in, as I can only do so much.
anyhow, she is happy to return every 3-4 weeks for me to work on her, I did feel we made a bit of progress last night.
on the first visit I placed a cup on the problem area but it was so awkward I didn't attempt it last night.
any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Maychang
How long are her visits? it sounds like you are obviously being effective as she would not rebook.
I would want to see her more frequently than 1once a month and for an hour each time if possible, due to the length of time this problem has built up.
Carry on targetting the triggerpoints and fiberous tissue on both shoulders neck and upper arms, she should be able to connect with/feel the improvements. Only when you both feel substantial improvement has been made then leave a 4/6 week gap between treatments. If after 4/6 treatments no improvement then I would try Reiki, if still no improvement refere on.
Cupping has a personel preference to it, I find it effective and don't mind the bruised look but most do.
Postural/driving positioning advice may also be required to get the best results.
Regards steve
thanks Steve,
I saw her 2 weeks ago, and by my instance last night, both appointments are for an hour.
She has booked on her own accord for 3 weeks time.
I told her how pleased I was and she agreed that we had made progress but I just wondered if I could give her more advice.
we've talked about posture and she admits she slouches, etc. I also asked her when was the last time she had her bra measured as wondered if that had an attributing factor to it.
anyhow, I'm going to have a look at my trigger point book to see if I can see a pattern.
any other advice appreciated.
Oh I also said I might use the heat lamp on it for the beginning whilst I do the general all over massage. its not something I generally do.
Last night I spent about 15 minutes on general massage and 45 on the shoulders/neck/lateral aspect of the shoulder girdle.
I agree with everything Steve said + the pecs need to worked to help the shoulders relax back into the natural position. I would also send her home with homework - stretching the pecs daily. I have a client with similar issues and found this combination works.
Only with constant work both with the therapist and self treating will this type of issue resolve.
Best of luck.
Sue
thank you Sue.
She knows she's in it for the long term and is happy to go ahead. I've suggested chiropractor to her too.
I'm not sports massage trained so apart from a few general moves, I don't feel qualified to start showing her specialised stretches.
do you think the heat lamp would help? If my hot stones had been warm I would have used some of those too. I may try the cups again but it was such an awkward position that it took a while to get one to latch on.
Have you not thought about referring to a Sports Massage Therapist or a Sports Therapist?
Why in particular are you advising a Chiropractor??
Sounds to me like some MET with some Deep tissue massage would be very beneficial?
Danny
Have you not thought about referring to a Sports Massage Therapist or a Sports Therapist?
Why in particular are you advising a Chiropractor??
Sounds to me like some MET with some Deep tissue massage would be very beneficial?
Danny
I don't know to be honest Danny, it just came out of my mouth.
I have been doing deep tissue and trigger point work on her.
I also asked her when was the last time she had her bra measured as wondered if that had an attributing factor to it.
I suspect this might be an issue with many women. Not just ill-fitting bras, but wrongly-adjusted bras. Once or twice, when appropriate, I've mentioned this to clients because I've noticed strap marks in the wrong place.
It's the sort of thing you have to be a bit careful about as a male therapist, though. The other day, just walking in the street, I came very close to raising it with a woman I saw whose bra was right up across her shoulderblades... it would have been good advice - but I'm not sure it would have been welcome advice from a male stranger!