Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
Neurogenic TOS: The brachial plexus nerves are compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.
Vascular TOS: The subclavian artery or subclavian vein is compressed or restricted, resulting in symptoms like swelling, discoloration, coldness, or weakened pulse in the arm or hand.
Magnus the Adductor
The adductor magnus is a large, powerful muscle located in the medial (inner) aspect of the thigh. It plays a significant role in hip adduction and also assists in hip extension and stabilization. Here are the anatomy details, function, potential dysfunctions, and how bodywork can help address issues related to the adductor magnus:
Pectineus and Pubic Bone Dysfunction
The pectineus is a small, flat muscle located in the inner thigh region. It originates from the front surface of the pubic bone and inserts into the upper part of the femur (thigh bone). While relatively small in size, the pectineus plays an important role in hip flexion, adduction (bringing the leg toward the midline of the body), and internal rotation.
The Forgotten TFL
Origin: The TFL originates from the anterior part of the iliac crest, which is the curved ridge on the upper border of the hip bone.
The Forgotten Membrane
The interosseous membrane in the forearm is a fibrous connective tissue that spans between the radius and ulna bones. It serves as a stabilizing structure, maintaining the proper alignment and relative mobility of the two bones. Dysfunction in the interosseous membrane can occur due to various factors and may contribute to forearm pain, limited mobility, or reduced functional capacity. Bodywork can be beneficial in addressing and correcting these issues. Here are some details about the anatomy and potential dysfunction of the interosseous membrane and how bodywork can help:
Articularis Genus and Knee Dysfunction
Bodywork can help correct dysfunction in the articularis genus through various techniques, including:
Chemicals, Hormones and BodyWork
Reduction in Inflammatory Markers: Research suggests that massage and bodywork can decrease the levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Tigger Finger
Tendons and Sheaths: Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. In the fingers and thumb, these tendons pass through a series of pulleys and a protective sheath called the flexor tendon sheath.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Causes and Risk Factors:
Anatomic Abnormalities: Certain anatomical variations, such as a flat foot or a prominent bump on the inside of the ankle, can increase the risk of compression on the tibial nerve.
Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve prolonged standing, walking, or running can put excessive pressure on the tibial nerve, leading to irritation or compression.
The Longest Muscle and Interesting, Satorius
Hip and Pelvic Alignment Issues: As a muscle that crosses the hip joint, dysfunction in the sartorius can potentially affect hip and pelvic alignment, leading to postural imbalances and discomfort.
Subscapularis Is One Of The Forgotten
Function: The primary function of the subscapularis muscle is to internally rotate the arm. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint, particularly during activities involving throwing, pushing, and lifting. The subscapularis also assists in shoulder adduction (bringing the arm toward the midline of the body).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Here are some details about carpal tunnel syndrome:
Behind Fallen Arches
Overpronation and Weakness: When the anterior tibialis is weak or lacks sufficient strength, it can contribute to overpronation and fallen arches. Overpronation occurs when the foot excessively rolls inward, putting strain on the structures of the foot and potentially leading to imbalances and discomfort.
Latissimus Dorsi
Function: The primary function of the latissimus dorsi is shoulder extension, which involves pulling the upper arm downward and backward towards the body. This action is commonly seen in exercises like pull-ups, rowing, and swimming. Additionally, the lats assist in shoulder adduction (bringing the arm closer to the midline of the body) and internal rotation (rotation towards the body's center).
Dysfunction: When the latissimus dorsi muscle becomes dysfunctional or tight, it can lead to a range of issues. Common problems associated with latissimus dorsi dysfunction include:
Classic Piriformis Syndrome
Anatomy and Causes: The piriformis muscle is a small, deep muscle located in the buttock region. It runs from the sacrum (base of the spine) to the femur (thigh bone) and plays a role in hip rotation and stability. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to piriformis syndrome. Some potential causes or contributing factors include:
Obliquus Capitis Inferior
Postural Alignment: Bodywork practitioners can assess and address postural imbalances and alignment issues that may contribute to obliquus inferior capitis dysfunction. Corrective exercises, postural awareness, and ergonomic recommendations may be incorporated.
Popliteus and Knee Pain
Knee Stabilization: The popliteus plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint, particularly during weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, and jumping. It helps prevent excessive rotation of the tibia and provides stability to the knee during movements.
Dysfunction and Knee Joint Issues: When the popliteus muscle becomes dysfunctional or experiences excessive tension, it can contribute to various knee joint issues. Here are some examples:
Glutes and the Dysfunction
Hip Extension: The primary role of the gluteus maximus is hip extension, which involves moving the thigh backward from a flexed position. This action is important for activities like walking, running, climbing stairs, and standing up from a seated position.
Hip External Rotation: The gluteus maximus helps rotate the hip externally, which is the movement of the thigh away from the midline of the body. This motion is utilized during activities like kicking, turning, and lateral movements.