Performance Therapy — Shoulder

Common daily activities such as gardening can lead to active trigger points in latissimus dorsi which in turn can lead to painful and debilitating symptoms. Trigger points in this large muscle can be associated with a number of common conditions including: “Thoracic” back pain that is constant in nature and unrelated to activity Frozen shoulder Thoracic outlet syndrome Back pain turning in bed Dull ache under shoulder blade Sharp pain in the back of shoulder when resting on elbows Pain reported when lifting the arms (eg. reaching up to a shelf or changing a light bulb). These trigger points are...

The more time spent with a forward head posture, the more likely it is that one will develop neck and shoulder problems. Most neck pain that is not caused by whiplash or other trauma has a postural component as part of the underlying problem. Sitting atop the body, the health of the neck is subject to the curvature of the spine and the position of the head above. Neck pain is often associated with trigger points, and these may develop as a result of postural issues or by way of over-compensation for an injury or trigger points elsewhere in the body...

The shoulder can be a common site for the development of trigger points, restriction, and a number of other ailments ranging from the irritating to the excruciating.  Simple stretching routines may help prevent the development of active trigger points, accelerate the healing process, and provide pain relief. We generally try to recommend stretches that are easy to perform just about anywhere. Here are some of our favourite stretches for the shoulder. Always start slowly, work within your limits, use common sense, and don't forget to ask your therapist about trigger points!   1. Pectoral stretch Kneel on the floor in front of a...

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a frequently overlooked peripheral nerve compression or tension event that is often difficult to diagnose. It occurs when nerves and/or blood vessels become compressed in their passageway through the thoracic outlet which sits between your collarbone and first rib. In this video, Stuart Hinds demonstrates assessment and treatment of interface restrictions in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).

Rotator cuff tendinitis results from the irritation and inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles in the area underlying the acromion. The condition is sometimes known as pitcher’s shoulder though it is a common injury in all sports requiring overhead arm movements, including tennis, volleyball, swimming and weightlifting.