Joint immobility and impingement syndromes

In a pinch? Massage treats joint immobility and impingement syndromes.

“Carpal tunnel”, “thoracic outlet syndrome”, “frozen shoulder” are all common phrases of the workplace. These conditions have similar cause: shoulders and neck muscles contract in response to work-load stress, and joints move in a limited range.

Muscles and fascia that hold contracted states for prolonged periods experience micro-tearing. Eventually scar tissue adhesions replace the micro-tears, and impinge upon nerves and joints.

The subsequent irritations of nerves or joints are called carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet, and frozen shoulder. Massage therapy treats the cause of these conditions, by breaking down adhesions that trap nerve and joint.

Weak postural muscles (core body strength), or an unsuitable ergonomic work station worsen muscle and joint stress, and increase the extent of micro-damage.

Good posture protects the body from mechanical stress and strain. Joints are most stable when positioned in equilibrium around a gravity line, and a good ergonomic station should reflect this. Even with a good ergonomic station, core body strength is needed to minimize the development of impingement syndromes.

Return to main Treatments page.