Piers’ Journey: Relief from Chest and Shoulder Pain

Piers, a 46-year-old Director of a computer gaming company, sought our help for chest and left shoulder pain after a hospital discharge. Initially, doctors suspected a heart-related issue, but they ruled it out and identified a musculoskeletal cause.

Understanding Piers’ Pain

During our consultation, Piers recalled experiencing a “catching” pain in his shoulder three months prior while reaching for items in a cupboard. This pain had become persistent, evolving into a constant dull ache that disrupted his sleep. We checked his blood pressure, which was normal for his age group.

Diagnosing the Issue

Upon examining Piers’ shoulder, we found a problem with his biceps tendon. It was not gliding freely in its groove in front of the shoulder joint. As with many shoulder issues, neighbouring joints were struggling to compensate, leading to additional problems.

We identified high muscle tension around the rib head, where it attaches to the mid-back and breastbone. When Piers took a deep breath, he experienced mild discomfort in both his chest and mid-back. He felt relieved to learn that there were no structural issues or signs of arthritis in these joints.

Treatment and Recovery

It took two sessions to alleviate Piers’ pain and four sessions to address the muscular imbalance in his shoulder. We focused on improving his posture to minimize strain on the muscles extending from his shoulder to the rib heads. Using a hands-on approach, we stimulated the shoulder muscles and used manipulation to free the ribs.

Piers actively participated in his recovery by stretching his biceps and chest muscles, which often tightened due to his desk-based work. This combination of treatment and self-care helped him manage his chest and shoulder pain effectively.

Experience Relief from Chest and Shoulder Pain

If you’re experiencing chest and shoulder pain, consider how osteopathy can help. At Spritely Osteopathy in Cambridge, we provide personalised care to address your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey to relief and improved well-being.