A Trigger Point: What Is It? Trigger points in the trapezius muscle are common sources of pain and tension, often affecting the upper back, neck, and shoulders. The trapezius muscle, which spans from the base of the skull down to the mid-back and across to the shoulders, is highly prone to developing these sensitive areas…
Trigger points in the hamstring muscle are small, sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Located in the back of the thigh, these trigger points often develop due to overuse, muscle imbalances, or prolonged periods of sitting. They can lead to pain that radiates down the leg or up…
Introduction The infraspinatus tendon tear is a shoulder injury affecting the infraspinatus muscle, one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. This muscle plays a vital role in shoulder stability and allows for the external rotation of the arm. Tears in the infraspinatus tendon can occur due to acute trauma, such as…
What are Trigger Points? Trigger points, often called muscle “knots,” are sensitive areas within muscle fibers that can cause pain in other parts of the body. These tight spots form when muscle fibers contract and are unable to release, leading to localized tension and tenderness. Trigger points can be active, where they consistently cause pain,…
What is a Sensory Integration Therapy? Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and respond more effectively to sensory information. Originally developed to support children with sensory processing disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum, SIT focuses on enhancing the brain’s ability to organize and interpret stimuli from…
Trapezitis: What is it? Trapezitis, also known as trapezius muscle strain or trapezius myalgia, is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the trapezius muscle, which extends from the back of the neck to the shoulders and upper back. Neck soreness and spasms are further symptoms of trapezius, an inflammation of the trapezius muscles….
Bertolotti Syndrome: what is it? Bertolotti Syndrome is a condition characterized by the presence of a congenital anomaly known as a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). This condition occurs when there is an abnormality in the development of the lumbosacral junction, where the lumbar spine meets the sacrum. Four to eight percent of people may have…
What is a Lead Pipe Rigidity? Lead pipe rigidity is a type of muscle stiffness commonly associated with neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. It refers to a uniform resistance to passive movement throughout the entire range of motion, resembling the resistance encountered when bending a lead pipe. This condition results from the hyperactivity of muscle…
Dermatomes: What are they? Dermatomes are skin sites that receive sensory information from the Afferent nerve fibers that emerge from a certain spinal nerve root’s dorsal root. An external portion of a nerve that “communicates” with the spinal cord is known as a vertebral nerve root. The entire spinal cord is made up of nerve roots…
The Gate Control Theory of Pain, proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965, revolutionized our understanding of how pain is perceived in the human body. This theory suggests that pain is not merely a direct result of physical injury or tissue damage, but rather is modulated by complex interactions between sensory signals, nerve…
