Neck/Shoulder discomfort

[Erika USAF Mom]

Hello,

I have been a lurker for a little while, and I have enjoyed viewing this forum. I am a massage therapist that has been working out of my field the past 2 years in drug research. About two weeks ago I started my new job at a really nice spa that I have thus far really enjoyed working at. Anyhow, doing bodywork again has made me notice this area on my body that really bugs me. It is my left shoulder (I am right handed), that tries to draw up into my neck. If I don't have work done on it--like everyday, it remains about an inch to an inch and a half higher than my other one. I know my posture is a contributor, and I am trying to be mindful of that now, but my left shoulder has been higher than right one all of my life. I think that most people have this to some degree anyway, but mine causes me discomfort--never pain, but discomfort that prompts me to have my husband mash his elbow into the spots that make me want to melt. I do get massage once a week from a decent therapist (now that I have started back into massage), but this therapist I don't think, could fix it. Anyway, I am quite happy to work on it myself (going to get a theracane tommorow for greater ease). My problem, and the purpose of this longwinded post is to determine what is going on? I thought you folks might be able to give me some insight. I also love to pop my neck, and could not, not pop my neck because it feels so good to me. When I work my neck, I feel prompted to pop my neck, and I think I get a small pop in the same spot I think it is C2 or 3. Also, when my husband is mashing his elbow in this area, I can feel it in my face--it is pretty wild. It is not painful up into my face, but there is sensation there. The area that I poke and mash on is almost exactly into the crook of neck and shoulder and then back into the area, but not going much lower than Levator Scapulae, in fact LS seems to be the main culprit, but I know I have many crisscrosses of mucles going through that area. It also gives me great satisfaction to go in just past trapezius almost into the side of neck and mash on all of those ropey tendons and muscles. When I am done working myself, my shoulders look great as in they are almost totally level. This activity is something that I do (since I have resumed massage) at least once a day--usually 2-4 times a day, and it feels so good! Anyhow, does anyone have any input on what is going on here? I know something is shortening back up and causing the shoulder to move up, but are the sensations I am feeling in my face face caused by fascia? Thank you for taking the time to read this! I eagerly await replies!

Thank You,

Amanda

 

[blackroses4uever]

Amanda, I believe that your shoulder problem is indeed aggravated by our work. Having our arms in the positions they must be in definitely can cause a strain on the neck and shoulder muscles.
I've felt a correlation between working w/ my arms out in front of me on a client and feeling a pull up into the scalenes and sometimes even the platysma, etc. So yes, I think it's a big fascial issue for me.
I have loose ligaments and often try to do a little self-massage on my neck and sometimes minor readjustment of the vertabrae do occur. I do get a lot of relief when the ones that move are C2-C3.
I also really think Serratus Posterior Superior is a big culprit for a lot of people. It takes a lot of stress when we have forward head posture, which when you think about it is often a position we assume in our work.
As for the fascia in your face/neck/back... I am sure many on the board won't be surprised. But I'd recommend Myofascial Release & Unwinding.
Maybe even some hot stone massage?
Anyway, hope your shoulder's feeling better than ever soon!!!

 

[Unworthy King]

Thank you for your reply. Off the top of anyone's head--is there anyone in the Memphis, TN area that does MF release? I have never had that done before. I can call my school--but just the same if anyone has a suggestion, that would be great. What about neuromuscular therapy? I know there is a good practitioner here in town. I wonder if he could help.

Thank you,

Amanda

Scratch that I found and made an appointment....