Pain Between Shoulder Blades
When you are in pain, treatment often requires more than just the affected area. Most people understand that headaches can be caused by neck and shoulder tension, but it can be a little bit more involved than that. In this blog post, we will be going over the connections between kinesiology, trigger point therapy, and massage. The focus will be on the interconnected nature of headaches, upper body tension and pain, and the areas I treat during sessions to offer the most comprehensive treatment plans for tackling these issues. The muscles involved in these treatment plans are the rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, levator scapula, serratus anterior, and trapezius muscles.
Kinesiology trigger point massage is a therapeutic technique that focuses on identifying and releasing trigger points in the muscles. Trigger points are small, tight areas within muscle tissue that can cause pain in other parts of the body, known as referred pain. Here's a detailed explanation:
What are Trigger Points?
Definition: Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers.
Causes: They can be caused by muscle overuse, injury, poor posture, stress, or repetitive strain.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include localized pain, referred pain, muscle weakness, and restricted range of motion.
Kinesiology and Trigger Point Massage
Kinesiology:
Study of Movement: Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, performance, and function, incorporating principles of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience.
Application: In the context of trigger point therapy, kinesiology helps in understanding how muscles interact and how trigger points can affect overall movement and function.
Trigger Point Massage:
Identification: The therapist identifies trigger points through palpation (feeling the muscle tissue) and assessing areas of pain and tension.
Techniques:
Compression: Applying direct pressure to the trigger point using fingers, knuckles, or elbows to release the tension.
Stretching: Stretching the muscle to relieve tension and improve flexibility.
Massage: Using various massage techniques like deep tissue massage to improve blood flow and promote healing.
Integration: Combining knowledge of kinesiology, the therapist can better understand muscle function and effectively target trigger points, ensuring comprehensive treatment.
Benefits of Kinesiology Trigger Point Massage
Pain Relief: Reduces pain and discomfort caused by trigger points.
Improved Mobility: Enhances range of motion and flexibility.
Muscle Function: Restores normal muscle function and reduces muscle stiffness.
Stress Reduction: Alleviates stress and promotes relaxation.
What to Expect During a Session
Assessment: The session usually starts with an assessment to identify problem areas and understand the client's pain history and lifestyle.
Treatment: The therapist will use specific techniques to locate and treat trigger points.
Feedback: The client may need to provide feedback about pain levels and sensations during the treatment.
Aftercare: Post-treatment advice may include stretches, exercises, or lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of trigger points.
Conclusion
Kinesiology trigger point massage is a targeted and effective approach to relieving muscle pain and improving overall movement. By combining the principles of kinesiology with trigger point therapy, therapists can offer personalized treatment that addresses the root cause of muscular issues, leading to long-term benefits for clients.
Treating a symptom of a condition can help in the short-term, but in the long-term, we need to address the causes, symptoms, and steps to rehabilitate and recover from these issues. Here at Massage Solutions, it is my goal to provide whole body, client centered treatment that is safe, educational, and constantly evolving to match your goals.
