Ravel Therapies Massage Limassol – Arm and Shoulder Pain Causes
Arm and Shoulder pain are very common complaints in our modern lifestyles. They often come about from our tendency to hollow out our body which presents as rounded shoulders and forward head position. Right from leaning forward to look at our screens for extended periods of time, to badly designed car seats, we are always leaning our bodies forward. This case study at Ravel Therapies Massage Limassol shows how we helped one client, Ms X from reducing her symptoms.
Shoulder and Arm Pain – Symptoms
Ms X complained from right shoulder pain, even sometimes at night when sleeping without a proper pillow. The pain would often go down her right arm and sometimes into her fingers.
Our Assessment
The visual presentation of Ms X matched the classic office worker “syndrome”. She had a significantly protracted (forward) right shoulder in comparison to the left one, and she also head her head in a forward position. As musculoskeletal therapists, we always aim to match two or more signs and symptoms prior to formulating a clear assessment and treatment plan. Sunil therefore performed a few nerve stretch tests also to check where the suspected nerve impingement may be located. A cervical compression test proved negative but a brachial nerve plexus stretch test was positive. Sunil therefore concluded that the most likely cause of the client’s symptoms was a condition known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and he formulated a treatment plan accorindlgy.
Arm and Shoulder Pain treatment at Ravel Massage Limassol, Cyprus
Sunil first provided myofascial release massage to treat the superficial muscles such as the Pectorails major (chest) and the upper trapezius (shoulder). The brachial nerve plexus travels in between two of three Scalenus muscles on the side of the neck before diving underneath a deep muscle in the chest called the pectoralis minor and then through the armpit and down the arm. The lateral neck and deep chest muscles were loosened using contract-relax cycles of muscle energy techniques followed by cross fibre mobilization friction massage. Finally myofascial release techniques were employed to help achieve a full release of muscle tone.
Immediately after the treatment, a change of posture was noted. This is quite common in such cases, and the client also reported a significant lessening of symptoms. Simple stretches were then provided to the client to help retrain the brain to reduce the length of the offending muscles, and the client was also educated on tricks to maintain a good sitting posture.
The Result
Ms X noted an improvement after the first treatment, and an even more significant improvement after the second one. By the fourth treatment, she reported that the pain was nearly gone, despite continuing to work long hours in the office. The long-term plan is to reduce the frequency of the client’s visits down to a monthly plan for 2-3 months, and then every 3-6 months for maintenance. The client has been advised to continue the stretching program at least 2-3 times weekly.
* Please note that the client’s personal details have been concealed for confidentiality purposes, but this report is a true, factually accurate case study.
Visit Ravel Therapies Massage Limassol
Ravel Therapies
Noe 3, Ayia Phyla
Limassol 3117
Cyprus [map]
Call : 97 783 383
Email : sunil@raveltherapies.com.cy
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Disclaimer : Please note that the contents of this article are the opinions of the author only, and do not constitute medical advice. If you have any symptoms of pain, please consider booking in with Ravel Therapies for a proper consultation.
