Knots in Knead Massage Therapy

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!

12/25/2023

10/24/2023

🔈 SERRATUS POSTERIOR INFERIOR - OVERLOOKED CAUSE OF LOWER BACK PAIN

You have a client who tells you this:

'I reached for something and suddenly I felt a sharp spasm in the lower part of my back, slightly to the side of the spine, at the bottom of the ribs, and when I breathe in really deep I can feel it'.

Based on the above description you should suspect that you might be dealing with the Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle.

💡 Where is the Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle?

The Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle connects the lower 4 ribs to four vertebrae (T11, T12, L1, L2) in the low back.

💡 What movements does the Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle control?

✔️ Forced expiration (breathing out when breathing hard)
✔️ Assists with twisting at the waist
✔️ Assists with straightening the trunk (standing up straight)

💡 Activities that cause Serratus Posterior Inferior pain and symptoms:

✔️ Twisting the body when lifting
✔️ Overreaching overhead or to the side of the body
✔️ Lifting something heavy using the back muscles instead of leg muscles
✔️ Sleeping on a sagging or too soft mattress

ℹ️ Trigger Points

Trigger points in the Serratus Posterior Inferior may cause an uncommon local ache radiating over and around the muscle.

This may extend across the back and over the lower ribs, even continuing through the chest to the front of the body.

This discomfort is typically described by clients as a nagging ache.

In many cases this pain remains after other trigger points have been inactivated. This should be a good indicator for the therapist to recheck the Serratus Posterior Inferior for undiscovered trigger points.

👩‍🔬 Stretching for self-release of the Serratus Posterior Inferior

Cross your forearms just above the wrist, at about chest height. Inhale deeply as you slowly raise them up until the area where the arms cross is level with your forehead. Now lower the arms as you exhale.

Do this once or twice, allowing for a brief rest (a few breaths) before repeating. Do this exercise set several times a day.

10/24/2023

🔊 RHOMBOID MUSCLE PAIN

Each one of us has had muscle pain at some point in our lives. Some people, however, experience worsening and commonly occurring muscle pain in certain areas. Among this is rhomboid muscle pain which is more common and worse than other pain and is one of the most frustrating pains. There are many people who don't know where exactly is rhomboid muscle situated, but they have felt pain in that region at some time or other for sure.
Pain of the rhomboid muscle is the pain, which is present in the upper back region, just beneath the neck and between the upper shoulder blades.

CAUSES OF RHOMBOID MUSCLE PAIN
Bending over awkwardly or twisting the body, or lifting too heavily at the gym.

TREATMENT FOR RHOMBOID MUSCLE PAIN
Rest is important in healing of the sprained rhomboid muscle. You should try to relax and rest as much as possible. The tear in the muscle occurs as a result of the body's straining against resistance. Rehab with gentle stretching exercises will help in gradually providing relief from rhomboid muscle pain, but be sure not to overexert. Having a professional massage will also be beneficial and may speed up the recovery process.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1 - Scapular squeeze
While sitting or standing with your arms by your sides, squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.

Exercise 2 - Thoracic stretch
Sit on the floor with your legs out straight in front of you. Hold your mid-thighs with your hands. Curl your head and neck toward your belly button. Hold for a count of 15. Repeat 3 times.

Exercise 3 - Mid-trap exercise
Lie on your stomach on a firm surface and place a folded pillow underneath your chest. Place your arms out straight to your sides with your elbows straight and thumbs toward the ceiling. Slowly raise your arms toward the ceiling as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Lower slowly. Do 3 sets of 15. Progress to holding soup cans or small weights in your hands.

PREVENTION OF RHOMBOID MUSCLE PAIN
Always warm up before any type of exercise, as warming up and stretching help in loosening the muscles and improving blood circulation and flexibility.