Date: 31.10.18

Location: Plymouth Marjon University

Total amount of hours: 11

In this session, a client who is 18 years old and plays water polo on a weekly basis was treated. The client had complaint of slight shoulder and neck pain after a training session in the swimming pool.

The session began with a postural assessment to determine whether there were any issues with posture, which will also allow me to decide on which area is affected and needs to be treated. From this assessment it was clear that the client’s right shoulder was more raised than the left. This could suggest a muscle tightness around the trapezius and levator scapulae. 

To treat this, a light effleurage was applied on the upper trapezius fibres to help warm up the muscle and prepare it for more deeper massage techniques. After effleurage, petrissage was then applied to allow manipulation on the muscle and get deeper into the muscle. The areas of the muscle massaged worked from the origin of this occipital protuberance, down the side of the neck and then working to one of the insertion points at the acromion. This helped to ensure that the main muscle was targeted which was causing pain for the client and helping to loosen the muscle, creating a better range of movement.

At the end of the session, the client said how the pain in the shoulder had decreased and found that their range of motion had improved.

A shoulder assessment can be carried out to help identify any underlying problems with the shoulder joint/muscles. Measuring the clients range of motion before and after treatment will also be effective when comparing whether treatment had been effective.