Overuse Injury

Trigger point massage therapy.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

Trigger points are the clinical name for contracted muscle knots. These knots are the result of an overload stress placed on the muscle tissue. This overload can be from both acute or chronic stresses. When this happens some of the muscle fibers get locked together in a maximally contracted spasm that self perpetuates. These trigger points then cause symptoms such as pain, referred pain, stiffness, and weakness. They are one of the most common source of pain in the human body, and can even mimick symptoms of other conditions. Trigger points don’t go away on their own, they also can’t be treated with stretching, rest or rehabilitation exercises. A direct intervention targeted directly at the point itself such as trigger point massage therapy is the only way to release a trigger point.

Poor neck posture and pain.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

One of the most common causes of neck pain and headaches that I see in the clinic is poor neck posture. This posture presents itself as a neck forward head up posture. The neck is usually rounded forward and down but the head has to be tilted up in order to see what’s in front of you. This posture will cause all types of imbalances with a combination of strained and contracted muscles. This can lead to not only a stiff achy neck, but also headache pain as well. Trigger points often develop in muscles subjected to this type of chronic strain. These points will cause pain, refered pain, stiffness, and weakness. These points will also mimick numerous other symptoms. Trigger points are difficult to deal with as rest and stretching usually aren’t enough to treat them. Trigger point massage therapy is one of the proven methods of treating trigger points.

Neck pain and the trapezius muscle.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

The Trapezius muscle is a large diamond shaped muscle located in the back and neck. It is responsible for for a number of shoulder and neck movements and helps maintain proper posture. This muscle is probably the most common muscle that I work on in the clinic. It is frequently strained and develops trigger points easily. The trigger points in the upper portion of this muscle are the most common to be found in the body. Trigger points will refer pain into the upper back, neck, shoulder, and even into the head and temple causing headaches. Chronic trigger points in this muscle are also a frequent cause of a stiff neck.

Achy burning pain behind in the shoulder blade??

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

Achy burning pain felt along the length of the shoulder blade is very common these days. The Rhomboids are the muscles that retract the shoulder blade and help maintain good posture by keeping you shoulders from rounding forward. These muscles are often overworked and become chronically strained. As a result trigger points can form in the muscles. It’s these points that are responsible for the persistent achy restless pain felt along the shoulders. Trigger points are stubborn and won’t go away on there own. A theraputic approach like trigger point massage is required to treat the issue.