Can Shoulder Pain Be A Sign Of Cancer
Shoulder pain can be a sign of lung cancer. Although, this is very rare and frequently shoulder pain is due to other causes. However, lung cancer can cause referred pain to be felt in the shoulder region. If your shoulder pain has no set cause, it may be best to get it checked out by the doctor. Further, if you have other symptoms, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, its likely best to seek immediate medical attention 3.
Why Is There Shoulder Pain In An Ectopic Pregnancy
Surprisingly, shoulder pain at the tip is a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. Usually, this pain arises when youre lying down. While scientists arent entirely sure why this happens, they theorize that the bleeding during an ectopic pregnancy irritates a nerve located in your diaphragm. Consequently, this may create referred pain at the tip of the shoulder, where the shoulder meets the arm.
Types Of Massages For Pain
Before we dive into the massage techniques, it is important to note that one should be gentle when it comes to giving massages to someone else and to check in regarding the level of pain. Especially for sensitive areas such as the neck. If massages are performed with too much strength, it can cause more harm than good. Also, do ensure that movements are gentle and gradual to prevent injury. If you have long fingernails, an alternative would be to use your knuckles instead.
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Massage Therapy For Neck And Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta
Ying Wu ChengMin Fang
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy for neck and shoulder pain. Methods. Seven English and Chinese databases were searched until December 2011 for randomized controlled trials of MT for neck and shoulder pain. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed based on PEDro scale. The meta-analyses of MT for neck and shoulder pain were performed. Results. Twelve high-quality studies were included. In immediate effects, the meta-analyses showed significant effects of MT for neck pain and shoulder pain versus inactive therapies. And MT showed short-term effects for shoulder pain . But MT did not show better effects for neck pain or shoulder pain than active therapies. In addition, functional status of the shoulder was not significantly affected by MT. MT may provide immediate effects for neck and shoulder pain. However, MT does not show better effects on pain than other active therapies. No evidence suggests that MT is effective in functional status.
1. Introduction
Therefore, we performed an updated systematic review of all currently available data that included English and Chinese publications and conducted quantitative meta-analyses of MT on pain and functional status of patients with neck and shoulder pain to determine whether MT is a viable complementary and alternative treatment for neck and shoulder pain.
2. Methods
2.1. Search
2.2. Study Selection
2.3. Data Abstraction
2.4. Methodological Quality Assessment
What Does Perfect Spot No 14 Feel Like
More than any other perfect spot in this series, Spot 14 is obscure until you feel it. Spot 14 itself rarely aches or feels stiff, in my experience. Instead, people feel pain and tightness well lateral to Spot 14. Spot 14 lurks so far towards the inner edge of the shoulder blade that it almost doesnt seem like a shoulder spot, but thats its secret: rub it firmly, and almost anyone will feel the sensation spread laterally and penetrate through and around the rest of the shoulder.
Like most trigger points, Spot 14 will feel raw and burning if you are too hard on it, but it usually produces a sickly ache. Penetrating referral to the front of the shoulder can be surprisingly specific and isolated almost as if the shoulder is being touched in two different places at once.
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Why Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve Shoulder Pain
Although it cannot cure the conditions mentioned above, massage therapy can often help as a pain reliever for shoulder pain. It can relieve muscle strain, stress, and joint pressure, and can reduce nerve compression, which in turn reduces the spasms and contractions that cause pain. As long as surgery has not been prescribed to treat your shoulder pain, massage therapy can help: Decrease trigger-point pain Loosen the muscles to increase the range of motion Stretch joints for improved range of motion Promote healing by employing techniques that improve circulation
Causes Of Shoulder Issues
The ball and socket is formally known as the GH joint and is one of the two joints that comprise the shoulder. The other is the AC joint, located where the collarbone and the top part of the scapula meet. Arthritis in the AC joint is actually more common than arthritis in the GH joint.2 Articular cartilage covers both surfaces to allow them to move smoothly.
The rotator cuff is made of tendons that connect four musclesthe supraspinatus, the infraspinatus, the teres minor and the subscapularis3to the shoulder bones, keeping the GH joint in place. When one or more of the rotator cuff tendons are injured, the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between the rotator cuff and the acromion that lubricates the joint, can also become inflamed.4 There are two primary kinds of rotator cuff tears: a partial tear that damages the tendon, and a full-thickness tear in which a tendon is fully separated from the bone.
Adhesive capsulitis is more common in people older than 40, especially women, and studies have confirmed it as a common problem after breast cancer treatment.8 Immobility after a broken arm, stroke or surgery also increases the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis.9 Waslaski says one of his trademarks has become releasing various stages of adhesions in the joint capsules. We do a lot of work for that particular condition, in which myofascial adhesions can form deep in and around the joint capsule.
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Which Form Of Massage Is Most Effective For Back And Shoulder Pain
Sports massage, a firm, targeted form of therapy that focuses on the soft tissues, is one of the most powerful ways to deal with back and shoulder aches and pains. It can be incredibly effective for amateur and professional athletes as well as people who do not exercise regularly.
Also known as deep tissue massage, sports massage can be highly effective in dealing with:
- Relieving tension and stiffness
- Preventing delayed onset muscle soreness , the stiff, painful feeling that can develop hours or days after especially strenuous or unfamiliar exercise
Sports massage therapy techniques can also fill you with a sense of wellbeing because they encourage your body to release the mood-enhancing chemicals serotonin and dopamine. This helps you to feel more relaxed and less anxious.
With back and shoulder massage from an experienced, talented sports massage therapist you could:
- Finally get your life back to normal by dealing with your back or shoulder problem
- Give yourself the best possible chance of making a full recovery
- Try to stop the constant worry that your back is going to play you up
Can Massage Help With Shoulder Pain
Massage therapy can be part of your treatment plan when it comes to ridding your life of shoulder pain. In fact, research shows massage therapy is an effective and efficient treatment at helping alleviate pain and discomfort in the shoulder 10. The type of massage therapy used will depend on what is causing your shoulder pain in the first place. If your situation involves muscular tension contributing to aggravation of pain, your massage therapist may target these muscles to alleviate tension and reduce pain. Myofascial trigger techniques may also be used to release muscle knots contributing to your pain.
Want to find out if massage therapy is right for your shoulder pain? Book an appointment. At your first session, your therapist will perform an assessment of your complaint and ask questions regarding your pain and medical history. From there, they will determine the best course of treatment. Depending on your specific situation, techniques used may vary. Your treatment may include kneading, gliding, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, frictions, compression, cross-fibre massage, and more. The best plan for your shoulder pain is to combine massage therapy with other treatment options. Rid yourself of shoulder pain once and for all through a multi-disciplinary approach!
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Well Here Are Four Things You Can Do:
1. First off, you need to make a decision about getting help. So many people procrastinate for so long, thinking that shoulder pain will just go away with time, but then 6 to 8 months down the line theyre still putting up with it, and nothings changedor it gets worse.
2. Next, do the RIGHT exercises! One of the best things to help you ease your shoulder pain is to do the right series of progressed exercisesthe right exercises given to you by a physical therapist will help reduce pain, and allow you to move freely again quick, AND make sure that the problems dont come back any time soon.
3. Avoid sitting and sleeping in awkward positions for long periods! Have you ever woken up with a painful shoulder? Or, after a long day of sitting, felt tightness in your shoulders? Thats because one of the worst things you can do for shoulder pain is sit with bad posture and sleep in awkward positions. It would really help if you were given appropriate strengthening exercises for better posture, alongside hands-on treatment, to get you active and healthy as quickly as possible.
If you would like to know how the Physical Therapy team at Sports Performance Physical Therapy can help you live with less shoulder pain, we invite you to start with a completely free, no-obligation, risk-free Discovery Visit:
So the next question is
Where Is Frozen Shoulder Pain
In the case of a frozen shoulder, which literally means you cant move your shoulder due to built-up scar tissue, you may feel a dull ache in your shoulder. This ache and pain may get worse as your frozen shoulder progresses. It may be felt in the outer part of the shoulder or around the upper arm region. A frozen shoulder is notably characterized by the persons inability to move their shoulder or limited ability to move their shoulder actively or passively 2.
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Anterior Shoulder Pain: Self
Muscle: Latissimus dorsi
Lets start the massage of this area with the latissimus dorsi.
This muscle can cause pain in the front of the shoulder. For this area I recommend using a massage ball.
- Place the ball on the side of your chest, in the area of the lower half of the ribs.
- Press against a wall and roll the ball slowly around your body from the front to the rear, moving from your abdomen toward your back.
- Repeat this back and forth motion a few times and try to detect whether the muscle is tense or painful.
- Inspect the side of your body this way, all the way up to the bottom of your shoulder blade.
- Stop at each painful spot and work it for some time.
As an alternative, you can do the massage strokes vertically, i.e. with up and down movements.
This is somewhat more difficult because you can easily slip off the muscle but it is also slightly more effective.
Try both versions and decide which one feels better.
How To Perform A Frozen Shoulder Massage Or Stretching Routine
Shoulder pain from a frozen shoulder can make it difficult to move, but a frozen shoulder will typically only worsen if you stop using it. This is when a frozen shoulder massage or stretches can be beneficial. While it may be difficult, especially at first, keep moving in order to keep your shoulder from completely freezing. Always check with your doctor first, but once you get the okay, here are some massages and stretches you may be able to do.
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The Muscles And Their Trigger Points
The following chart from shows the 17 muscles and the number of those muscles that had trigger points. Looking at the chart, for Infraspinatus we see that nearly 60 out of 72 had trigger points. On the other end of the scale we see that about 20 triceps and 20 scalene muscles had trigger points, but this is still about 30 %.
Nerve Impingement In Either The Neck Or The Shoulder & Tos
Another very common cause of shoulder pain is a pinched nerve. This can happen due to repetitive stress conditions that pull the head and shoulders forward. It can also happen due to an impact injury such as whiplash.
The nerves for the entire arm originate in the spine between the 4th and 7th cervical vertebrae. This set of nerves is called the Brachial Plexus. Brachial means arm in Latin. These nerves travel down through the upper shoulder underneath the levator scapula muscles. Then they pass under the scalene muscles of the front of your neck.
Next, under the pectoralis minor muscles, then between the subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles. There is opportunity for a nerve impingement by the bones or muscles of the spine, as well as any of the muscles the nerves pass between. Nerves that get impinged in between muscles of the armpit are often called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Overly tight muscles on one side can be a culprit as well as scar tissue sticking to the nerves due to injury
Impinged nerves can cause dull achy pain that travels throughout the shoulder, to sharp pain, weakness, or muscle cramping. It can also involve tingling, numbness, or burning pain. The pain can be constant or only occur with particular movements.
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Supports Range Of Motion And Flexibility
If youve ever had an impinged shoulder, you know that limited ROM is one of its most bothersome symptoms. You might be able to lift your arm a little but once you get past a certain point, acute pain and weakness can flare up.
Luckily, a good shoulder massage can support your flexibility while fending off discomfort. On top of that, cross friction massage can break up adhesions that may be causing you to feel achy and stiff.
Whats New In This Article
2016 Added a photograph of small massage balls. Added a new section about rotator cuff injuries. Miscellaneous editing. Started logging updates.
2013 Publication.
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Considerations Before Trying Massage
Massage is generally safe and relaxing, but you may want to avoid it or take precautions in certain situations. For example:
- If you have any medical conditions, check with your doctor first. Some conditions dont pair well with massage. These include uncontrolled high blood pressure, skin conditions, blood clotting disorders, and more.
- Avoid using too much pressure on any acute injury. While massage can often soothe shoulder pain, its best to avoid it when you have an acute, inflamed injury. For example, you wouldnt want to receive a deep tissue massage on a rotator cuff tear. Sometimes, its best to let your body heal before going in with pressure.
- Whether youre at a spa or self-massaging, remember to listen to your body. Working on tight muscles or trigger points can feel uncomfortable at first. But if youre feeling lots of pain during massage, its best to dial back and focus on other areas instead.
Frozen Shoulder Stretch Routines
As with any physical routine, talk to your doctor before taking up a new regimen. While its good to push yourself to recover, its important to avoid further injury.
Try the following frozen shoulder stretches at home once approved. Repeat each ten to 20 times per day, according to your own pace and pain level.
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Relaxation Massage Therapy For Your Pain
As the name suggests, Relaxation Massage therapy for shoulder pain centers on your relaxation. It focuses mainly on giving you quality time to recover from the daily stresses of everyday life. And just like other massage techniques, the benefits you receive from a Relaxation Massage typically last several days after you receive your treatment.
Many formal massage-therapy techniques are used based on the physical issues they resolve. The most common massage-therapy for shoulder pain technique is called Swedish or Classical massage, which is the core of most massage training programs. Other types of massage include:
- Sports massage to relieve sports-related injuries
- Clinical massage to relieve muscle spasms
- Eastern massage techniques that work with the flow of energy through your body
Take Shoulder Pain Seriously
Certainly, suffering from shoulder pain, whether it is acute or chronic, can make life miserable. Your first port of call should always be a visit with your primary health care practitioner. If they are unable to diagnose and assist you, they will likely refer you to a specialist for further examination and treatment.
In the meantime you may find much relief in performing a variety of massage techniques for shoulder pain, as outlined above. Just remember to check with your health care practitioner first, before attempting a new technique.
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What Is A Rotator Cuff Injury
Four muscles around the shoulder collectively make up what is called the rotator cuff. They are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. Together their tendons form a cuff like layer that surrounds the top of the upper arm bone called the humerus.
The head of the humerus attaches to the socket on the shoulder blade known as the glenoid fossa, where these two structures meet is your shoulder joint. Anatomically this is known as the glenohumeral joint.
For a more detailed look at the glenohumeral joint .
A healthy shoulder joint is a very mobile joint, and sacrifices stability for mobility. This leaves it vulnerable to injury and dislocation. Wear and tear, overuse and muscle imbalance can leave the rotator cuff vulnerable to weakness and tears.
Rotator cuff tears
A small rotator cuff tear might not be too painful or limit your movement and even a larger tear might not, but often they will cause pain and restrict your ability to move your arm in the normal way.
Rotator cuff tears are graded depending on their severity and may need surgery, although this study shows that surgery for rotator cuff tears was often no better at reducing pain and improving movement and function of the shoulder than receiving more conservative treatment approaches like physiotherapy, so it could be worth trying this first before deciding to have surgery.
Exercises for rotator cuff tears