Samantha Gifford Therapy

18/09/2025

18/09/2025

🌾 A little soppy moment:

Training as a Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.

🌾 Along the way I’ve worked in 6 clinics across 3 countries, gained 2 diplomas, studied over 12 different modalities with brilliant teachers, kept up with CPD, worked with professional athletes, and met some amazing people.

🌾 I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and grateful to everyone who has taught me, supported me, and trusted me with their care 😊.

29/08/2025

26/08/2025

🔥 Winged Scapula – “The Floating Shoulder Blade”

💥 A striking sign where the shoulder blade juts out like a wing — often unnoticed until weakness or injury affects your movement!

📜 Name Origin & History
The term “Winged Scapula” comes from the visual resemblance of the scapula (shoulder blade) sticking out from the back like a bird’s wing.
First described in medical literature in the 19th century, commonly linked to injury of the long thoracic nerve affecting the serratus anterior muscle.

⚠️ Causes
💧 Long thoracic nerve injury (most common)
💧 Serratus anterior muscle weakness or paralysis
💧 Brachial plexus injury
💧 Direct trauma to shoulder/back
💧 Neurological conditions (e.g., poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy)
💧 Post-surgical complication (e.g., mastectomy, lymph node removal)

🗂️ Signs & Symptoms
🩸 Visible protrusion of the scapula from the thoracic wall
🩸 Shoulder instability
🩸 Weakness when pushing against resistance
🩸 Limited shoulder flexion and abduction
🩸 Pain or discomfort in shoulder/back area

🩺 Physical Assessment & Examination⤵️

1️⃣ Wall Push-Up Test – Increased winging when pushing against a wall
2️⃣ Scapular Observation – Compare both sides during shoulder movement
3️⃣ Manual Muscle Testing – Assess serratus anterior strength
4️⃣ Neurological Exam – To check nerve involvement

🩻 Radiologic Findings⤵️
📌 X-ray – Usually normal (used to rule out fractures or deformities)
📌 MRI – May reveal muscle atrophy or nerve injury
📌 EMG/Nerve Conduction Study – Confirms long thoracic nerve damage

⭕ Conservative Treatment ⤵️

✅ Pain management (NSAIDs if needed)
✅ Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
✅ Orthotic bracing (scapular stabilizing braces)

🧘‍♀️ Physiotherapy Management⤵️

🏅 Strengthening of serratus anterior (e.g., wall slides, dynamic hugs)
🏅 Scapular stabilization drills
🏅 Postural correction exercises
🏅 Stretching of tight pectoralis minor & levator scapulae
🏅 Neuromuscular re-education
🏅 Taping for scapular positioning support

🏠 Home Advice⤵️

✅ Continue prescribed exercises daily
✅ Avoid heavy lifting overhead until strength returns
✅ Maintain good posture at desk/work
✅ Use a mirror to monitor scapular movement
✅ Apply warm compress for tightness relief

Doctor of physical therapy

17/08/2025

14/08/2025

🌿Massage - a nervous system reset.🌿

🌿When people think of massage, they often think about muscles and trigger points. But there’s so much more going on.

🌿Massage communicates with your nervous system, not just your muscles and fascia. Gentle, targeted touch activates the Gate Control Theory — where pleasant sensations “close the gate” to pain signals in the spinal cord, reducing discomfort.

🌿It can also trigger a DNIC (Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control) response, your body’s built-in pain-dampening system. This is when new, controlled sensory input helps the brain quiet down other areas of pain.

🌿The result? Less pain, deeper relaxation, and a body that feels safer and calmer — far beyond just loosening tight spots.

🌿What to experience how a skilled therapist can release pain in your body and calm your nervous system? Book an appointment with me now by PM or calling 07780 747701.

13/08/2025

Excellent article of interest to all no matter what your current activity level. Key message - embrace gentle movement 🌿

Want to be healthier and happier, without spending hours slogging away in the gym? The answer could be a state just above total inactivity

13/08/2025

Key Points for Perfect Driving
Doctor of physical therapy