That deep persistent pain right at the base of the shoulder blade is something at many people experience, especially if they are computer/desk workers. Long hours of flexing the shoulders, holding the arms in front of the body, can take its toll on the Latissimus Dorsi muscles.
The latissimus dorsi, which means widest part of the back, is that thick muscle that gives us that pleasing “V” shape when seen from behind. It originates on the iliac crest and thoracolumbar aponeurosis (a wide, thick field of connective tissue on our sacrum, ilium, lumbar spine and thoracic spine), continues over the inferior angle of the scapula, and inserts on the proximal anterior head of the humerus and intertubercular groove of the humerus. The lats perform several actions: adduction, extension, medial rotation of the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint; and adduction, downward rotation, and depression of the scapular. So you can see, it’s a busy muscle!
If you look at that illustration, you can see the “X” marks the location of trigger points, and the red stippling indicates where pain is mostly likely to be a cause of lat trigger points. You can see that that the pain is concentrated right around the mid back, but can refer all the way down the arm to the fourth and fifth fingers, as well as on the ribs.
Fortunately, there are good treatment options – myofascial release and trigger point massage are both excellent options for helping with latissimus dorsi trigger points. The trigger points are easily accessible and relative easy to deactivate.
An area of practice I’ve been in for about a year now is providing massage and bodywork services to our military veterans. As a veteran myself (USN 1988 to 1993), I understand many of the unique stressors and conditions that our military veterans have experienced during their time of service.
Many of our servicemembers and veterans carry injuries and emotional trauma unique to their situations. My work has evolved a deeply sensitive approach to their bodies and needs, and this area of practice is some of the most rewarding I do. Helping our military members and veterans feel less pain and stress from their time of service is profoundly humbling and gratifying.
Especially important is helping servicemembers to observe their bodies even during times when they might be remembering trauma during bodywork. Coaching breathwork, reassuring them of their safety and encouraging them to observe their thoughts and feelings during bodywork without losing contact with the present moment. Its like being a meditation coach and massage therapist simultaneously.
In the end, as work progresses, seeing our warriors lay down their armor and be themselves, watching deeply held and guarded patterns of tension melt away, and the trust develop to allow for deeper levels of work and easier daily activities of living makes this work fulfilling and helps spread peace in the world.
Ive been to alot of massage therapists and Paul is the absolute best its hard to find someone who does this with the same amount of attention and expertise.Whiterose Fortuna
The husband and I took Paul’s couples massage workshop for our date night! It was amazing! It was a completely new experience that was connective, interesting and fun. We learned techniques and got to apply those skillsets that made us realize just how much fun date night can be. Paul has a true passion for massage and appreciated his demonstrated genuine care throughout the session. He was not only excited to share his knowledge with us but incorporated his mastered knowledge of the body to help us understand how to give a professional massage to people we love the most. So glad we got to take this workshop. Enjoyed every moment.Cassandra Harris
Paul is wicked smart and is very knowledgeable about the body. And he totally geeks out over it! This makes his massages very effective! I’ve been getting massage for many years. Some really good. Some meh. I really enjoy deep tissue work. Paul is very effective!Nancy Johnston
Paul is a fantastic and knowledgeable massage therapist! He helped me by working out several areas of tension in my back and hips. I truly felt rejuvenated and considerably less tense after working with him.Caroline Basile
Paul knows how to work muscles I didn't know needed working.Timothy Koch
Thanks Paul very much for your superb service!! It hurt so good lol. I hope that we will get together soon. Great job and many more thanks!!Perry Trowbridge
Exceptionally knowledgeable when it came to addressing my long standing back issues and providing me the tools to help myself feel and stay better, besides being a great massage therapist.Bryan Sperrazza
A consummate professional. He loves and continually educates himself in the study of anatomy and massage therapy, and you'll feel it in all the best ways. Body, mind, and spirit. You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend.Steve Scott
can bring some relief, as well as a self-massage tool like a