Angry rhomboid Magor!!

[caladin]

I have had a constant knot and some discomfort in what I beleive to be my rhomboid major. My girlfreind can feel the knot ad when she rubs it it moves a bit and allows me to feel it aroudn almost like a popping.. Then the pain subsides for a few hours but later on its back and sore as ever. Been going on three weeks. Would rather avoid going to doc since he will jsut perscribe muclse relaxers. Any tips!

 

[Powerathlete]

There is a lot that goes into treating your problem. Did this just start happening? Is it only on one side? You may have what is called a trigger point. In that case you would want to treat that trigger point and also find out what has caused it. Are there muscle imbalances, etc. With that in mind, ortho docs can do injections into the trigger point if necessary and a good physical therapist can determine what is causing your trigger point. A simpler approach at this time is to have your girl do what is called ischemic compression. Have her find the exact point that is painful. Now she will use something like her elbow to push down quite hard into that point. It will be painful and have her hold it for 45-60 seconds. Once she releases the pressure SLOWLY the blood will rush back into that point and you should notice some relief. Also, use ice or heat throughout the day.

 

[pretty ricky]

go get a good massage!

 

[blackjack]

my wife has the same problem. her knots have been there for over a year now, her problem is due to pinched nerves in her neck, wich she had surgery for. physical therapy only does so much. go to a neurologist, not a chiropractor .get an MRI if it doesnt go away. if somethings stressing a nerve it will only get worse.

 

[Powerathlete]

my wife has the same problem. her knots have been there for over a year now, her problem is due to pinched nerves in her neck, wich she had surgery for. physical therapy only does so much. go to a neurologist, not a chiropractor .get an MRI if it doesnt go away. if somethings stressing a nerve it will only get worse.

I don't see how pinched nerves would cause "knots" to develop. What kind of surgery did she have? Fusion? If so it would seem that her decreased mobility would cause the muscles to develop trigger points.

 

[blackjack]

the constant stress on the nerves was keeping the muscles in that particular motor unit contracted (spasming) all the time.
and yes it was fusion. C4-C5

 

[Powerathlete]

the constant stress on the nerves was keeping the muscles in that particular motor unit contracted (spasming) all the time.
and yes it was fusion. C4-C5

Okay, I can see the constant spasming causing those impairments. I wish your wife well and hope the surgery was a success. I've had a few patients who have done well with fusions and some who don't. Those who do not keep up with stretching of their neck musculature have ended up suffering the consequences.

 

[inked1]

you have given some good advice there powerathlete
what profession are you practicing in?

 

[Powerathlete]

Physical Therapy-currrently working in a sports medicine clinic

 

[inked1]

sweet, I am a PT student.

 

[caladin]

Thanks Guys! I will let you know how it pans out!

 

[Powerathlete]

sweet, I am a PT student.

Very cool! What year are you in? What school?

 

[inked1]

at sydney uni (australia)
just finishing my 2nd year
how long have you been out for? where did you study

 

[SCG2]

Active Release Techniques is by far the best method for treating these sort of soft tissue situations. go to www.activerelease.com to find a provider in your area.