07/18/2025
Chris came to us frustrated and worried.
He had been training hard in the gym when his right shoulder began to ache. What started as a dull discomfort soon turned into sharp pain that stopped him from doing basic upperâbody movementsâbench pressing, overhead pressing, even pullâups.
His doctor initially diagnosed him with a partial tear of the pectoralis major and advised him to stop training. The news hit Chris hard; he thought his gym days might be over.
When Chris booked with us, he expected little more than a bit of pain relief. But during our massage therapy evaluation, we noticed patterns in his tissue quality and movement that didnât quite match a pec tear. His pectoral region showed strain and overuse, but the bigger red flag was how the back of his shoulderâthe rotator cuff complexâreacted during specific tests.
As we worked, we explained how the rotator cuff stabilizes and rotates the shoulder, breaking down what each muscle does in a way Chris could understand. We highlighted the role of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, and why pain can sometimes travel, making one area feel injured when the real issue lies elsewhere.
We shared our clinical insight and encouraged Chris to get a second opinion before considering any invasive treatment.
Chris followed through.
A surgical consult and advanced imaging revealed the original diagnosis was incorrect. His pectoral muscle wasnât torn at allâjust strained from overuse and compensation. The true issue was a partial tear in his infraspinatus, one of the key rotator cuff muscles.
Chris underwent surgery to have the infraspinatus correctly reâattached. When it came time for postâsurgical care, he returned to Relaxology.
Through careful, progressive massage therapy and education, we helped Chris manage scar tissue, restore range of motion, and rebuild confidence in his shoulder. Today, he is back to training smarter and stronger, armed with a deeper understanding of how his body moves and heals.
At Relaxology, we believe recovery is more than treatment; itâs about trust, education, and a comprehensive view of the body in motion. Chrisâs story is proof.
