Date: 11.01.19

Location: Plymouth Marjon University

Total amount of hours: 27

During this session, a female client aged 19 and participates in hockey 2-3 times a week. She has complaints of upper back pain, within the upper trapezius fibres, and a limited ROM at the right shoulder.

The session began with a light effleurage (pictured below) to the upper trapezius, which helped to warm up the muscle and prepare it for more deep tissue techniques. Petrissage was then applied to the area, which included techniques such as kneading and wringing. These techniques helped to identify any knots within the muscle.

Some knots were found within the upper trapezius, along the superior border of the scapula. Neuromuscular techniques were then applied to the affected areas. These techniques will help to deactivate myofascial trigger points, relax and normalise the muscle tissues. To perform this technique, pressure was applied to the area. Establishing with the client on a pain scale of 1-10 how much pain this treatment will cause by asking them to confirm when the amount of pressure applied reaches a 7-8 on the pain scale which was previously discussed. This pressure was applied for up to 30 seconds or until there is a feeling of numbness.

At the end of the session, the client said how the pain had subsided and there was an improvement in ROM at the shoulder.

A shoulder assessment can be carried out to help determine whether there are any problems with the joint which may be causing the clients pain. Also, assessing the ROM both before and after treatment is given, this helps to compare whether the treatment provided had been effective.