The other day, I had someone come to me with a chronic shoulder issue. They said, “Help!  I have a chronic shoulder issue…I may even need surgery!!” Surgery is always the last resort. Specific strength testing, and possibly an MRI may be necessary, but so many times, the shoulder simply gets locked up due to disuse, or chronic misuse. When the shoulder, or any joint, for that matter… finds itself in a cycle of partial flair ups and becoming mostly normal again, barring a “torn whatever”, or more complex internal or auto immune issue, I always find that chronic joint issues involves 2 things:

1. Compromised articulation (movement) of the two or more bones at the point of articulation/joint;
2. Tension of the “soft tissues” surrounding the joint, including: Muscles, tendons and fascial structures –  also including the joint capsule(s), and properly shaped, or misshapen cartilage and any scar tissue(s) associated with the specific joint etc….

Basically, the “soft tissue” is locked in a jumble, and “All Normal Movement” is prevented. This is the Joint’s “Perfect storm”:

1. Tightened soft tissue restricts circulation; fluids pool and the joint becomes essentially “dislocated”.
2. This stretches and distorts the “soft tissue”, muscles, tendons and fascial structures as inflammation and painful and/or restricted in movement set in.

Traction, and a gentle “realignment” of the bones in their unweighted state on the therapist’s table, will allow the “soft tissue”, muscles, tendons and fascial structures at the joint to relax. Further traction and joint repositioning using Shiatsu or other therapeutic modality will allow for the “soft tissue”, muscles, tendons, and fascial structures to become “reset” and “forget their precise positioning and functioning” in the chronic shoulder or other chronic joint issue. Why not come into Bradbury Massage for a free introductory 10 minute chair massage and consultation! Bradburymassage.com Feel Better Today!