Unraveling the Mystery People often come to my office who are in pain. Many of these people have been to the doctor. They've had X-rays or MRIs, but the doctor can find nothing wrong - no breaks, no tears, no pathology. It can be very frustrating because the patient wants a diagnosis. "If there's nothing wrong, why does it hurt?" Great question: If there's nothing wrong, why does it hurt? That's where I come in. I trace the pain to its source. I find the patterns. They are called "referral pain patterns", patterns that mimic something serious, but are, in fact, not medically serious at all. This process is called Trigger Point Therapy. It's one of my main modalities. Here are a few real-life examples:
Referral pain patterns often masquerade as something serious. I've seen clients cry tears of relief when they realized that their pain was simply referred from an active trigger point, and not from cancer or something else just as serious. Of course, I'm careful to be on the lookout for something that may actually be medically serious; I do refer some clients to their doctor. Still, according to The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Claire Davies, 75% of pain is due to myofascial trigger points. If you have "mystery pain" that is baffling to you or your doctors, you might look into Trigger Point Therapy as a possible solution. Robert Sherman is a state certified massage therapist in Carlsbad, CA. He specializes in treating old injuries and surgical scars with Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Ortho-Bionomy, which includes Phase 7 Healing. He can be reached at 760-826-3220.
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Effortless posture: it really is effortless! Would you like to stand up straight without even trying? You can. I see it every day in my practice. A client comes in somewhat bent forward, and leaves my office standing up straight. After their treatment, I have them walk down the hallway so we can both see our handiwork. As they pass by the hallway mirror, I have them look at themselves. They're amazed. Their shoulders are back, their head is on top of their shoulders, and it's happening with absolutely no effort on their part. Superficial Frontal Line. In the Myofascial Release world, there is something called the "Superficial Frontal Line". The term was coined by Thomas Myers, a Myofascial Release guru. www.anatomytrains.com. It is a line of muscles and connective tissue that runs from the neck down the front of the body all the way to the feet. These muscles often shorten when we are bent forward. Repeatedly bending forward, these same muscles can become stuck in that position. They become like tight rubber bands, pulling us forward. Our society bends forward. We bend forward to look at our phone. We bend forward to look at the computer. Children bend forward when they carry their backpacks. (We older folks had lockers, but that's another story.) Our bodies get used to this position, then the muslces and fascia get locked in this position. A string pulls the head up? Really? Young ladies are told by their mothers to imagine that there is a string fastened to the top of their head, and the are to pretend that the string is pulling her head up. This is supposed to correct the posture problem. It does help - for a second. But as soon as she stops thinking about it, her body bends forward again. That's because of 'muscle memory'. These muscles and fascia act like tight rubber bands. They are actually pulling the body forward. As soon as you stop thinking aobut it, bingo, the body is pulled forward again. What can be done about this? Simply put, release the muscles and fascia in the front of the body. The neck muscles, the pecs, the rib cage muscles, the belly muscles. I use three techniques to make good posture effortless: Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, and Ortho-Bionomy. These three help the body release the tension in these 'rubber band-like' muscles that make up the Superficial Frontal Line. Once they are released, voila, the body simply straightens up on its own. No effort, no thinking, just good posture. Effortless posture. For better posture, better health, and even a better golf game, please contact me to see how this might help you and your friends and family. Roberts Massage (760) 826-3220 Robert Sherman is a state certified massage therapist in Carlsbad, CA. He specializes in treating old injuries and surgical scars with Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Ortho-Bionomy which includes Phase 7 Healing.
Scar Tissue Pain Relief! There is a highly effective process known as Traumatic Scar Tissue Management that rids people of pain and restriction due to the aftermath of surgeries. In case you're not familiar with this topic, millions of surgeries are performed each year, and current statistics estimate that over 50% of post-surgical patients will experience scar-related complications. If you are one of those people, this information may help you get relief. The term "scar management" may suggest the beautification of a scar. But I am concerned with what is happening underneath the scar. Many people suffer from pain and restriction even years after their surgery. This applies not only to knee surgery, breast surgery, C-sections, and removal of organs such as the gallbladder and appendix, but also surgeries related to injuries. There is a very effective process that can give immediate relief, and in many cases, permanent relief, even after years of suffering. This process involves working with the fascial tissue that is directly below the scar. By releasing the stuck tissue that surrounds the scar, freedom of movement can be regained, and long-standing pain can be eliminated. A success story... Several years ago when I was volunteering at the San Diego Cancer Research Institute in Encinitas, a lady came in who complained that she could only lift her arm up to shoulder height; that if she tried to go higher, it hurt. It turns out that 6 months earlier she had lymph nodes surgically removed from under that same arm. I immediately felt the scar tissue under her arm where the surgery had taken place. It felt like a wad of chewing gum under her skin. I worked the area using myofascial release techniques, and after only about 30 minutes, she had a complete range of motion. She could lift her arm all the way over her head. Even better, there was no pain! Apparently, this restriction was due to the surgery itself. After any surgery, the cut skin and fascia need to grow back together again. Of course, with skin, there are stitches to help the skin grow back together in a healthy way. But with fascia, there are no stitches. It often reconnects itself haphazardly, causing adhesions and other stuckness and stickiness. This then binds on nerves and blood vessels causing pain and restriction. Fortunately, there are ways to work with scars to release adhesions and other stuck tissue that brings freedom of movement and relief from pain. This woman experienced it herself. If you are experiencing pain and loss of movement after a surgery, even years after, please contact me to see if this type of bodywork might get you the relief you are seeking. Robert Sherman is a state certified massage therapist in Carlsbad, CA. He specializes in treating old injuries and surgical scars with Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Ortho-Bionomy which includes Phase 7 Healing.
What's possible for you? A popular TV preacher, Robert H. Schuller, used to preach on Possibility Thinking. Forum instructors teach their students to go for Possibility instead of Expectation. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi presented a Vision of Possibilities for the individual and society. Yes, putting our attention on What's Possible can be inspiring. Three Client Success Stories... I once worked with a woman who had vertigo. After the treatment was over, she stood up exclaiming, "I can't believe it! The room's not spinning!" Then she ran down the hallway to her family excitedly telling them how happy she was that she wasn't dizzy. They were very happy for her, but frankly, they had no idea what she was talking about. You see, she wasn't a complainer; she and I were the only ones who knew. Until that moment, she had been suffering from vertigo for over 20 years. All that time she had no idea that relief from vertigo was even possible. A man came into my office for a general massage. In conversation, I learned that his neck hurt when he turned his head to one side. It had been that way for years. He had learned to live with it. I simply worked some upper chest muscles on the opposite side, and voila, no more neck pain. For years he had no idea that relief of his neck pain was even possible. A woman was referred to me for relaxation. During the intake I learned that she had had breast surgery and radiation. I worked the surgical scars through her clothing. When she sat up, her face lit up with the biggest smile. She was able to move her arm all the way back. "For ten years I could only move my arm this far back; now I can move it all the way back. I thought it was going to be that way for the rest of my life!" For ten years she suffered restriction with no idea that relief was even possible. What's possible for you? Do you have an ache or pain that you've been living with for years? Is it possible that you could be living pain-free? How about a friend or family member? Maybe they have an ache or restriction that you don't know about. Please refer them to me, and I will be happy to give them a free 30-minute session to see what's possible for them. Robert Sherman is a state certified massage therapist in Carlsbad, CA. He specializes in treating old injuries and surgical scars with Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Ortho-Bionomy which includes Phase 7 Healing.
![]() One of my clients recently had surgery to remove a cancerous growth on the skin next to her left eye. After it healed she could feel a nagging restriction when she blinked. This apparently was due to the connective tissue, or fascia, just beneath the skin bunching up. This often happens after surgery. The surgeon must cut through the fascia to get to the site of the operation. When the fascia starts to repair itself after being cut, it often does so haphazardly causing annoying restriction and sometimes pain due its pulling on muscles,nerves and other structures. I could actually feel the bunched up fascia through the skin next to her eye. Using Myofascial Release techniques I gently pressed and held the skin to one side for a few minutes. After about 10 minutes she had no more pulling or restriction or discomfort when she blinked. When I was volunteering at an integrative cancer center, I had the opportunity to work with a lady in similar fashion. She had just had lymph nodes removed under her right armpit. Post surgery, she could not move her arm without feeling restriction and some pain in that area. Through the skin I could feel the bunched up fascia. Once I felt that, I gently held the skin to one side - in the most comfortable direction for her - and after about 15 or so minutes the restriction was gone. She was happy that she would not have to live with that for the rest of her life! Simple techniques often get the job done. It's simply a matter of knowing where and how to apply them. ![]() This last month several clients told me that because of our working together they had better moods which led to better relationships and more earnings. The essence of their experiences were 1. The old pains were disappearing 2. They were not thinking so much about physical aches and pains anymore 3. They felt lighter physically and emotionally, and 4. "I guess those pains were really nagging at me; now that they are gone I see how much they were dragging me down." These were all people who had suffered injuries 5, 10, 15 years ago and more, and had been living with pain for all that time. One said that he now has better relationships with his clients. Another spent an entire day at the Del Mar Fair having a great time pain-free for the first time in years. Thank you, dear clients, for taking care of yourselves! ![]() I have the privilege of working with a lady in her 80's who had gotten a bit fuddy-duddy in her thinking after an accident several years ago when she injured her shoulder and back in a nasty fall on an escalator. When I began working with her she was using a cane and was very unsure-footed when walking. After just a few sessions she was walking without a cane which impressed her doctor and friends. However, one thing remained: she was still a little 'loopy' in her thinking - not quite all there, as she put it. A few weeks ago I visited her at her house with my massage table, which I had been doing every other week for some time. Just prior to this visit I had attended an advanced workshop on Ortho-Bionomy, a type of bodywork that helps the body come into balance. "Ortho-Bionomy" literally means 'the correct application of the laws of nature'. It is gentle and non-invasive - perfect for those who like pain-free bodywork. In this class I learned a new way to work with the shoulders: a gentle twist here, a little tweak there - all going by what feels good to the client. I learned how to work a particular part of the upper shoulder that is usually painful to the touch. Sure enough, hers were painful, too, so I took extra care to be extra gentle. For part of this session she was face up on the massage table; for another part she was face down. Usually she is 'loopy' after being face down on the table, but not this time. As she sat up after the massage work was done, she was surprised at how clear-headed she was - no fuzziness or sensations behind her eyes that she usually experiences after being face down. I spoke with her a few days later. She reported that the day after that session she got so much done! She was clear-minded, clear-headed the whole day - something that was unusual for her. I saw her again just last week, and did a little more of the same kind of work. Same result: clear-minded with no 'fuzzies of the brain'. She is happy! Wondering why she got this result it occurred to me that the nerves and blood vessels at the base of the neck going out to the shoulders most likely had been pinched all this time since her spill on the escalator. The gentle movements of Ortho-Bionomy evidently were able to release the tissues - muscles and fascia - that were impinging the nerves and blood vessels that feed the brain. With free flow of blood and nerve impulses, she regained her clarity. And the clarity has stayed put. Now she not only has relaxed shoulders, but mental clarity as well. ![]() A few months ago I had two female clients with the same issue. They were both in their 50's, and they each had pain in one of their breasts. One had had breast augmentation many years ago and recently had that checked out by her doctor who said that everything was OK, no problem as far as the operation was concerned. The other thought the pain may have been there becuase she needed breast reduction. The outcome for each lady after one treatment each was no pain. The solution for each was actually quite easy. Upon assessment, in both cases, I found that there were Trigger Points on the side of the shoulder...the same side as the painful breast. When I would press on the side of the shoulder near the underarm, the pain in the breast would become activated. In the world of therapeutic massage, that's an AHA. So in each case, I simply used Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release techniques to gently dissolve the tightness in the muscles and connective tissue. The result in each case was no pain. And three months later they are still both pain-free. One commented how nice it is to not think about it! It still amazes me how simple these solutions are when trigger points are involved. A trigger point is a place in the muscle or connective tissue that refers pain somewhere else. Trigger points can cause pain that seems very serious, and masquerades as all kinds of maladies and prognoses. I've had people on my massage table actually cry with relief that the pain they had been experiencing was not cancer, but just a place in a muscle that was causing the pain. JFK's doctor in the White House and the creator of Trigger Point Therapy, Dr. Janet Travell, used to say that 75-80% of all pain is due to trigger points. When I do my work I am the "pain detective", always wondering where the pain may actually be coming from. And when I find it, AHA! ![]() I've been working with a lady who has a little-known condition known as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). When a person with POTS stands up from a lying down position he/she gets lightheaded due to a sudden change in blood pressure and heart rate. Often a person with POTS will also experience leg cramping due to poor circulation of the blood. My client came to me this week experiencing severe leg cramping along with heartburn on the right side. She was very tired from not sleeping due to the leg cramps at night. Nothing was helping - magnesium, tissue salts, electrolytes. As I was assessing her condition I found that her belly area was rock-hard on the right side of her belly (psoas muscle). Often when the belly area is tight a person will experience lower back pain and sciatic-like symptoms down the legs. So with great care I worked at softening this area. As I worked, she reported strong sensations in her lower back and legs. As the muscles in her belly softened, the referred pain in her back and legs lessened. Perfect Trigger Point Therapy! After the treatment she stood up from being on the massage table. The leg cramping was gone and the heartburn was almost gone. She looked much more relaxed and at ease. The next day she reported that she had had a very restful night - over 6 hours of undisturbed sleep with no leg cramping, and her heartburn was gone. I do not know if this kind of work would help others with POTS, but I sincerely hope that those with this condtion will find a competent massage therapist and give it a try. ![]() It never ceases to amaze me that pain in the neck, shoulders and back could be coming from a trigger point in the area of the tailbone. Just this last week I worked with a lady in her 50's who was experiencing both hip and neck pain. I did all the usual treatment protocols, but she still did not get any relief. When that happens I ask more questions. It turns out that when she was a teenager she fell hard on her tailbone. Nice clue! So very gingerly I got her permission to check her tailbone. All nice and proper of course, through the sheet, and to the touch she did experience discomfort on the tip of her tailbone. Not surprisingly, at least to me, when I touched her tailbone she felt intense discomfort in her hip right where it usually hurts at night. Bingo! A trigger point on the tailbone with referred pain in the hip. I continued the treatment for another ten minutes, and after the session she felt loose and free. "I feel like I'm floating...." This is a perfect example of an old injury wreaking havoc for 40 years, and getting taken care of within just a few sessions. |
Robert Sherman
Robert is a Licensed and Certified Massage Therapist with over 23 years of experience. Archives
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