A client presented at clinic with chronic shoulder pain and restricted range of motion. They’d been unable to put their put their arm behind their back (as if doing a bra clasp) or lift their arm above their shoulder since falling up their front step and jarring their arm as they tried to protect themselves.
In the year+ since, they’d been to see physio’s, physical therapists and an osteo.
Carrying out a simple eye test we discovered nystagmus in a few planes.
As I’ve said before a far, jarring or impact of any kind can have an effect on the very delicate extra ocular eye muscles, which can have a dysfunctional effect on many global movement patterns.
The primary pattern related to both the front and back lines, these were needed for overall intrinsic and neck stability.
The really cool find was a dysfunctional relationship between the oblique muscles of the right eye, having an effect on the right subscapularis, right latissimus dorsi and left gluteus maximus.
Here’s where it gets awesome. At the end of the session, the pain levels were barely there “just the shadow of an ache” they were able to reach behind their back comfortably and lift their arms above their head.
This is going to need patience and conscientious adherence to the homework programme, for a full recovery, but it’s a great first step, and a welcome relief from over a year of discomfort 👍🏻
Empowerment and self help are key philosophy’s in clinic. Understanding what’s going on, conveying that to a client, explaining how to work with your own body (rather than against it), laying out what to expect, but crucially how to spot and manage / rehab any early warning signs so they don’t become a problem is essential to true healthcare.
Image credit unknown
Experience the difference – A refreshingly different approach to pain and dysfunction, so you can breathe better, move better, to live better.