QuestionHello I read one of your posts and I was able to relate to the lady who was asking a question...My problem is that my upper back muscles and chest are really really tight and I get this tingling sensation on my right shoulder blade and when I raise my hands to take off my shirt I get a pain in the right chest just above my breast and under my armpit, also when I sneeze or cough it hurts on my right side of the neck and right side of the chest ....I've been going to chiropractor and i get adjusted which have helped tremendously with my neck pain but the pain in my right side when I undress is still there I've had about 2 massages but i really don't feel they are helping me other than to relax at the moment...I need HELP can you please HELP me, thank you
AnswerDear Tania,
If you feel the massages have not helped that's probably because they are too light or working in the wrong areas (or both.) Perhaps they worked mostly where it hurt. In that case, they were just rubbing symptoms rather than helping you get rid of the cause of your painful tight shoulder.
If the massage doesn't 'meet the muscle' it doesn't help the muscle to relax. I'm guessing that your rib muscles and upper chest muscles are involved as well as the muscles on the outer side of your shoulder blade (under your armpit.) Also, the muscle that is wedged between your shoulder blade and ribs might be 'too tight' and causing your symptoms, too.
Look for a massage therapist who practices St. John Neuromuscular Massage Therapy or Neurosomatic Therapy. You might have good relief from a Rolfer or Hellerworker, too. They all practice deeper forms of massage and will probably look at your posture before creating a plan of action.
When the shoulder muscles are relaxed you can start to strengthen your back. You could actually start now but you will have more benefit after.
Here's the link to an article to help you find a skilled massage therapist:
http://simplepainrelief.com/2009/11/22/how-to-find-a-massage-therapist-who-can-r
I hope this helps you get started feeling better quickly!
Kathryn
