Shoulder Assessments for Massage Therapists

Shoulder Assessments for Massage Therapists

Testing strength and range of motion as part of assessment of the musculature of the shoulder girdle is important and useful as a first step in reducing shoulder pain and improving shoulder function. There many assessment techniques that are used by massage therapists and physiotherapists (although obviously massage therapists are not permitted to diagnose conditions). Typically the assessment of the shoulder will include the following steps: 1. Visual assessment – including active movement of the shoulder. 2. Passive movement of…

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Massage for the Neck

Massage for the Neck

The vast majority of the clients I see will request that I spend some time working on the neck. Tightness in the neck can lead to headaches or just result in stiffness and limited range of motion. Turning your head to look to the side can become a challenge. With the stresses and strains we put on our bodies through our daily actions, the muscles of the neck often feel tight, sore and compromised. Sitting in front of computers, looking…

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Obturator Nerve Assessment Test

Obturator Nerve Assessment Test

Seated on corner of massage table with legs slightly splayed. Slump with hands behind back and bend forward with neck flexed, slight over pressure on head. Pull affected leg out to increase abduction. If abductors are tight then let head come up – if pain goes away then more likely to be nerve involvement. To stretch nerve then let head come up slightly and when client flexes head move leg in when head goes up then stretch leg out. 2.00…

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Subscapularis Massage

Subscapularis Massage

Subscapularis is part of the rotator cuff group and the actions include medial (internal) rotation of the humerus. When the arm is abducted then it stabilizes the humerus forward and down. The origin of the muscle is the subscapular fossa and it inserts at the lesser tubercle of the humerus. Image – https://www.mindmeister.com/images/download/8974083 Trigger Points – http://www.triggerpointnc.com/images/fig/Subscapularis.jpg Injuries to the subscapularis can include tears and tendinitis. In fact then subscapularis tendon is probably the structure most frequently injured in the…

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TMJ Massage

TMJ Massage

A significant number of people suffer from TMJ issues and massage can reportedly help in some cases.  Whilst I have some experience with relieving jaw pain through (trigger point) massage of the major jaws muscles such as the masseter, I do not claim to be an expert as such. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to email or phone me on 0434 631 987. The information on this page is primarily reviews of online TMJ massage videos…

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