This session was conducted in open clinic. The client came forth complaining of neck and upper shoulder pain and mid/lower back pain. This lasted for 1 hour in the open clinic room.

Reflective Summary

When going through the consultation form, it was detailed by the client that they are a student, play the piano and go to the gym. They believe it is all of  these things, however, primarily stress from University, that gives them neck and shoulder pain, as this is when it began. The client stated that they had early morning stiffness in this area, and that is generally worse when staying still. It was also depicted that they hadn’t found any easing factors. Regarding the lower back pain, this is suggested to be delayed onset muscle soreness from their intensive gym session a few days prior to this session. Upon observation, it was apparent that the scapula, lower back and shoulder alignment were all equal, and there wasn’t any pain during palpation. The client also had a full range of movement within the shoulder (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation, protraction, retraction, elevation, depression), and neck (flexion, side flexion, extension, rotation).

For treatment, the client received a Soft Tissue Massage (effleurage, petrissage, and neuromuscular techniques), on the upper fibres of trapezius, levator scapulae, and other muscles of the upper shoulders and neck. Following this, the client received Soft Tissue Release on the upper fibres of trapezius.

Areas for Improvement

Within this session, I wasn’t very specific when observing and palpating the client regarding specific muscle and bony points.

What can I do next?

Ensure I check through all the relevant muscles, bony points and other structures relevant to specific joints (observation, palpation, range of movement).