So, You Have Shoulder Pain? Here's How We Manage It!

So, you have shoulder pain. The shoulder is easily the most complex joint in the human body, being comprised of four individual joints, as the shoulder is affected by 17 different muscles capable of producing 15 different movement actions. It is the most freely mobile joint and consequently a joint frequently injured and or strained.

Understand this, the more freedom of motion the less stability. To increase your stability, you must restrict motion. These opposite concepts are what muscle balance, and the distribution of tension and stress focus on.

Remember that your shoulder is impacted by 17 different muscles that connect the shoulder to other joints, such as the pelvis, rib cage, sternum, clavicle (collar bone), and the entire vertebral column. So, what does this mean and why is it important to understand this, you may ask? It would be easy for any one of these body segments (and the segments that affect those areas) to impact the shoulder, thus translating to- any part of the body can cause shoulder discomfort or malfunction.

So where do you start? The first step is to find exactly the type of sensation you have- is it achy, sore, sharp shooting, dull, numb, tingly, and or burning/hot? The type of sensation you have provides a lot of intel. Step 2: determine the location of the sensation. Is it pinpoint, over a body region, or in a trail fashion? Continuing onto step 3; determine how the sensation is brought on. Is it with movement or when you’re in one position? If movement, is with jerky movements, fast or slow movements? Does the pain happen with a specific movement such as in flexion when reaching for a glass or extension when you reach behind a chair while sitting? If in a still position ex. when you're standing, sitting, or lying down; how long into the position do you have to stay before the sensation begins? These pieces of information are all key in figuring out what muscles are suspected to be in play.

How would our therapists proceed?

You've given them the answers needed, now what? Armed with this info, it is time to begin with a full body sports massage- really feeling out the whole body. We're searching for tight, soft, spastic and stiff muscles. Once located, we begin to stretch, compress, and mold the tissue assessing for temperature, moisture and texture of the skin while manipulating the fascia scanning for adhesions. These assessments along with the testimony of the client, are how we understand the causes of a client’s complaint. This allows us to use the best styles and tools to approach each individual's condition.

Be ready to arm your therapist with this pertinent information so that they may better serve you!

If you are searching for or are a first timer, visit us here at Jade Oasis Wellness! We combine our understanding of the structure and movement forces of the body with a multitude of massage tactics and tools to provide you relief and relaxation!

Remember- Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional! Book your appointment online or give us a call at 425-679-6198. We look forward to seeing you!