Subscapularis Muscle

The Subscapularis is a triangle shape muscle that is part of a group of muscles responsible for the movement of the upper arm and shoulder that make up the rotator cuff.  Its the strongest muscle in this group of four rotator cuff muscles..  It is located under the shoulder blade (and behind the rib cage) with its function been to stabilize and rotate the shoulder joint and is the most used muscles in the shoulder.

It is a muscles that is most often injured especially in athletes and one of the commonly indicated muscles responsible for shoulder pain.  Some signs of a tight subscapularis muscle is often the inward rotation of the shoulders and a “rounded back.”

The inability to raise the arm fully overhead can also indicate a tight subscapularis.  Frozen shoulder may also be tied to an overworked subscapularis. 

Massage, friction therapy and stretching can make a great difference by eliminating tightness, restoring greater range of motion and freedom from pain.  This muscle can also be reached by working on it from under the arm pit.

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My Happy Place

It was not too long ago I was challenged with a "7 Day Grateful Challenge" on Facebook, which was just such a blessing to do sharing some of my life that I am truly grateful for. So when I was asked to share "My Happy Places" by my beautiful friend Erica Mathieson Langston, how could I refuse, knowing what a joy a similar project bought me.

Knowing the woman of God Erica is, I first took the time to read where she found her happy places and the thought that ran through my mind was " oh my word, so many of her happy places resonate with me, now I totally understand why she is such a special friend" and may I add the places that did not personally talk to me, put a broad smile on my face knowing my special friend had so many happy places to go, we truly are blessed!

It made me realize even though we all the same being, we are all on a different path of happiness!  Here are some of my happy places I get to visit.

My daily rut; and first happy place starts with being the first one awake in the morning, sitting in stillness with my morning coffee listen for God to speak to me.

My next happy step in the morning is taking my husband his cup of coffee in bed, as he lays there in contentment with our two dogs who love to snuggle on our bed.

When I step out the door for the first time I am in awe of the beauty around me, which I am blessed to take in every day.

I head out today (Thursday) to a very powerful Girlfriends Bible Study Group. To truly feel His love & Presence makes me feel like I'm in Heaven.

My happy child place is spending time been silly and funny with my gorgeous grandbabies who on many occasions take me into their wonderland.

Engaging in conversations with my family whether its the ones on a long-distance international call or taking time out to be with them here in the USA, is a happy place all around.

My work of massaging, it takes me to a place of calmness & peacefulness knowing that I'm able to help people with their aches & pain.

The smell of fresh Roses and Essential Oils brings a smile to my face.

Sitting on my sofa reading a good book or paging through one of my favourite magazines.

My boot camp class every morning at 7am.

The amazing friends I have in my life around the world, and the very many new friends I have recently befriended.

My Starbucks latte, walking in there and getting that coffee smell!

Turning on my worship music in the car, especially loud when I am needing it.

The best yet is putting my head down on my pillow at night, knowing; just knowing no matter what God has everything under control in my life and there is no need for me to worry or fear anything.

I know there is so much more for me to reflect on that brings me to a happy place, however I am truly happy & blessed to be exactly where I am at such a time as this.

Now that I've shared some of  my daily happy places I visit every day, I wish  for all of you who read this to just take this opportunity to reflect on a couple of your happy places, and share them with us on Facebook or on your blogs and tag me.

Go search for your happy places there are many.

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Occipital Muscle Group

The Occipitalis Muscles are a small group of muscles named mainly because of the attachment to the base of the skull (occipital bone).  This muscle group is responsible for moving the scalp back, keeping the head in its proper up-right position, raising your eyebrows, wrinkling your forehead and wiggling your ears.

These muscles can contribute to headaches, migraines, eye pain and neck tension if one is squinting or slouching excessively or even carrying a lot of daily tension; leading to tightened muscles over time.

Massaging these muscles along the occipital bone, as well as using longer massage strokes  down the neck can soften any tightness in this area. Applying pressure at certain trigger points, until the muscle resistance or pressure fades is a good method to use in conjunction with massaging.  Massaging this area is dramatically therapeutic with a deeply relaxing and satisfying sensation.
The occipital muscle group works really hard with all its responsibilities to the head and neck area so don't neglect it, get it taken care of as often as you can.

This area gets the greatest reviews than any other muscle group when it comes to massage.

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Sciatic Pain & Massage

The Sciatic Nerve, largest nerve in our bodies, runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg to the foot, connecting the spinal cord with the leg & foot muscles. Pain is typically felt from lower back to behind the thigh radiating down below the knee.

Sciatica is nerve pain from irritation of the sciatic nerve; mainly compression of the nerve.

The goal is to promote circulation in this area to reduce/relieve the pain and relax the muscles, releasing tension and help the body heal itself.  Massaging the following muscles can help with sciatic pain & improve mobility; quadratus lumborum, piriformis, psoas, hamstrings, quadratus femoris and the gluteal muscles.  

Massage helps boost endorphins, dopamine & serotonin which are “good” hormones that aid in calming the nerves, promote healing by providing natural pain management and help you feel better.

Stretching is another way to release the compression of the nerve roots which will be highly effective combined with a good massage.

Don’t walk your way through pain or rely on pain medication, treat it with massage and stretching; a natural way which is far better for your body.

Remember prevention is always the best way to go!!

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Hamstring Massaging - Prevention or Injury

The hamstrings are made up of 3 muscles, semitendinosus, semimembranosus & biceps femoris. These muscles are responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip, as in kicking a ball!  Getting regular massages will keep this muscles flexible and healthy, minimizing chances of injuries or strains.  A tight knot or lump will be detected early and worked out before becoming a weak point for future injury!

Injuries are often caused from over use and trauma.  One factor of hamstring strains is an imbalance between hamstring and quads; and massage helps by balancing the muscles on the front and back of leg.

Swedish and lymphatic massage will stretch the muscle fibres of the hamstring injury, speeding up healing, reducing pain and swelling, as well as minimizing scar tissue.

Eventually deeper (stripping) massage work with cross-fibre or circular friction can be performed  which will aid is building healthy scar tissue.  Deep strokes and kneading makes the muscle more pliable.

Tight hamstring do need stretching; and massage allows for the muscles to be stretched sideways or transversely which cannot be done by simple stretching.  By increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles will help them stretch more easily.

Don’t ignore this injury, get it taken care of as soon as you can.  However, remember prevention is better than cure, so stay flexible by regular massages.

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