Nomer's Therapeutic Massage

NECK PAIN, HEADACHES OR FACE PAIN? EAR AND SINUS SYMPTOMS? VISUAL DISTURBANCES? BALANCE PROBLEMS? ... STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLE (SCM) [ANATOMY, FUNCTION AND PATHOLOGY] The SCM is a paired muscle in the superficial layers of the side of the neck. It is one of the largest and most superficial cervical muscles. The name sternocleidomastoid tells us that this muscle attaches from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process of the temporal bone (Pic 2). The primary actions of the muscle are rotation of the head to the opposite side and flexion of the neck (Pic 3). The muscle tends to be overactive in many people we see. It is commonly recruited to help stabilise the neck/head when we adopt poor postures and positions (forward head posture). It is also an accessory muscle to breathing along with the scalenes, so having poor breathing patterns and habits will cause this muscle to overwork all day long and develop too much tension and trigger points. The SCM trigger points (Pic 4) can cause a variety of symptoms including headache and face pain, balance problems, visual disturbances, ear and sinus symptoms, and more body wide symptoms. They also can initiate trigger points in the jaw joint muscles. Additionally, the muscle can cause biomechanical problems in the cervical spine. It is the only muscle that creates such wide spread problems! The SCM is innervated by the accessory nerve (Cranial nerve No. 11 - Pic 5) which is content of the jugular foramen (a foramen in the base of the skull - Pic 6), where the accessory nerve can get compressed or entrapped. If so, it can lead to hypertension in the SCM. That's why it is very important to treat (release) this foramen to give the nerve enough space to work properly. If you suffer from headaches, or directly after any muscle release via fascial soft tissue work, it is very important to stay well hydrated. Pure water or Coconut water are the best options! #Physiotherapy #Osteopathy #Headaches #Pilates #Triggerpoint #Yoga #Sternocleidomastoid #Muscle #Pain See more

SHOULDER OR ARM PAIN? TRIANGULAR INTERVAL SYNDROME (TIS) [ANATOMY LESSON]... The Triangular Interval (also known as the lateral triangular space, lower triangular space and triceps hiatus) is a space connecting the axilla to the posterior compartment of the arm. It is one of the three intermuscular spaces found in the axillary space. The other two spaces are Quadrangular Space and Triangular Space. Triangular Interval (4) Borders superior: teres major lateral: lateral head of the triceps or the humerus medial: long head of the triceps Contents profunda brachii artery radial nerve Quadrangular Space (5) Borders medial: long head of triceps lateral: humeral shaft superior: teres minor inferior: teres major Contents axillary nerve posterior humeral circumflex artery Triangular Space (3) Borders inferior: teres major lateral: long head of triceps superior: lower border of teres minor Contents scapular circumflex artery Triangular Interval Syndrome (TIS) was described as a differential diagnosis for radicular pain in the upper extremity. It is a condition where the radial nerve is entrapped in the triangular interval resulting in upper extremity radicular pain. The radial nerve and profunda brachii pass through the triangular interval and are hence vulnerable. The triangular interval has a potential for compromise secondary alterations in thickness of the teres major and triceps. It is described based on cadaveric studies that fibrous bands were commonly present between the teres major and triceps. When these bands were present, rotation of the shoulder caused a reduction in cross sectional area of the space. Hypertrophy of the teres major can occur secondary to weight training and potentially compromise the triangular interval with resultant entrapment of the radial nerve. Shoulder dysfunctions have a potential for shortening and hypertrophy of the teres major. The triceps brachii has a potential to entrap the radial nerve in the triangular interval secondary to hypertrophy. The presence of a fibrous arch in the long head and lateral head further complicates the situation. #Anatomy #Physiotherapy #Osteopathy #Doctor