Soft tissue therapy in Summerland
I work on tight or sore muscles with my hands, as part of your chiropractic visit.
What is soft tissue therapy?
Your muscles, tendons and the tissue around them work with your joints, and when they're sore, everyday movement can feel harder. Soft tissue therapy is hands-on work on those areas. I use pressure and stretching on the spots that feel tight or tender, at a pressure you're comfortable with.
It's often part of care for neck and shoulder tension, back pain, tension headaches, repetitive strain and sports injuries. Sometimes I use a tool instead of my hands, such as cupping or Graston. It's one part of a plan, not the whole plan, and it usually sits beside adjustments and exercises.
Your visit, start to finish
Take a seat in the waiting room, and I'll meet you at your appointment time.
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I assess the area
I check the sore spot and the muscles around it that may be feeding into it.
I tell you what I found before I start.
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We find the right pressure
I work the area with my hands, using pressure and gentle stretching.
Tender spots can feel uncomfortable. Say so and I'll lighten up or stop.
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The joint, too
When it helps, I combine the muscle work with care for the joint it moves.
Some soreness can follow, a bit like after a workout.
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Exercises for home
I email you stretches and strengthening exercises after the visit.
Text me if the area feels worse instead of better.
Where I may use soft tissue therapy
I use it as one part of care for muscles that are tight, tender or slow to loosen up. If yours isn't here, text me and ask.
Neck and shoulder tension
Tight muscles along the neck and shoulders that build up through the day.
Read more BackBack muscles
Muscles beside the spine that feel tight, sore or knotted.
Read more HeadTension headaches
A band-like headache that comes with tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Read more ShoulderShoulder pain
Sore muscles around the shoulder blade and the top of the arm.
Read more JawJaw tension
Tight chewing muscles from clenching or grinding.
Read more LegsMuscle strains
Tight or strained muscles after sport, such as hamstrings and calves.
Read moreIs soft tissue therapy right for me?
Most people with tight or sore muscles can have it. Tell me about a few things before I start.
Often a good fit
- a muscle feels tight, knotted or tender to press
- stiffness makes turning, reaching or bending harder
- you like hands-on care and can tell me when pressure is too much
- you'll do a few stretches at home
Tell me first
- you bruise or bleed easily, or take blood thinners
- you've had a blood clot, or a leg or arm is swollen and painful now
- you're recovering from surgery
- you have broken skin, a burn or a skin infection in the area
- you have osteoporosis
None of these stop you booking. I'll go lighter or work around that area.
After your visit
Soft tissue work can leave muscles feeling worked. Here's what's normal afterwards, and the one sign to act on.
See a doctor that day if a calf, thigh or arm becomes painful, swollen and red or darker. Call 9-1-1 if you're also short of breath or have chest pain.
Tender is normal
The muscles I worked on can feel tender, and a few people bruise.
Keep gently active
A walk or a warm shower can ease any stiffness. You don't need to rest.
Stretch little and often
Do the stretches I email you a few times a day rather than all at once.
Text me
If you're sorer than you expected, or a bruise worries you. I'll reply when I'm between patients.
Your soft tissue therapy questions
Tell me what feels tight
I'll assess your movement and discuss whether soft tissue therapy could be part of your care. Book a Wednesday appointment online, or text or email me if you need help booking.