Shoulder pain isn’t always because of damaged tissue.
Inflammation is more often the cause of shoulder pain. And because it can be tricky, its cause generally hides in the deep.
Shoulder Pain that is pinpoint, arising from a very specific accident, is generally due to tissue damage. However, the majority of shoulder pain patients come in with general pain, no specific accident, and in a state of confusion regarding the cause. Inflammation is the culprit.
Inflammation is a silent killer. It builds slowly over time and, without warning, knocks us down over a seemly inconsequential actions. Reaching for the coffee pot, putting on a coat, and reaching for a purse are all simple actions that end with devastating shoulder pain. And it can be very confusing.
This is not the first post about shoulder pain and many of you have probably tried other treatments or even gone to physical therapy. The unfortunate truth is that many of you have had limited to no resolution. Hopefully that can change.
The subscapularis or arm pit mash is an exercise that unmasks the cause of inflammation at the shoulder. Releasing tension in the subscapularis with this exercise restores mechanics to the shoulder and reduces pain. Many times the improvements are fast and dramatic.
Why do so few know about this exercise? Simple, it isn’t very much fun.
The only way to attack the subscapularis is through the arm pit. That’s right, sliding a pvc pipe (with a cap on the end) along the rib cage and then into the depths of the arm pit. Eventually the end cap will contact and compress the front of the shoulder blade which is the hiding place of the subscapularis.
Confirmation of subscapular isolation occurs when you begin to sweat lightly and feel moderate nausea. Honestly folks, this guy has been hidden for years and the discomfort is real. Yet, when you finish your restoration work the pain either reduces or can be eliminated entirely.
