This is a retrospective case study of a client who came in for low back pain. I prefer to present the data in a story format without the SOAP charting jargon for those of you who are not familiar with charting terms. If you would like more information on the objective findings and exact treatment please contact me.
The study is a 57 year old female who works full time at UPS in shipment/package processing. She complained of low back, upper shoulder and neck pain. She described a feeling of her breath ‘taken away’ when laying on her back. Her job at the time was very stressful as it was the beginning of November and the busiest season for shipping. She describes to me what her job consists of daily. Lifting boxes with both hands and twisting to the left to place them elsewhere. Over and over again.
The postural assessment revealed a short leg of about 1 inch difference. The left side of the back was severely elevated in comparison to the right (see photo below). She also presented very limited neck, shoulder and hip ROM.
Over the next 5 months the client received a 30 minute treatment once a week. During the first month we were able to decrease pain symptoms in the low back, shoulders and neck with Swedish Massage and Trigger Point Therapy allowing her to lie flat on her back without the sensation of not being able to breath. We then addressed the leg length discrepancy and balanced the hips with Myofascial Release. Around month 2 the short leg length began to decrease and stay consistent of 1/2 inch. The following months consisted of maintenance massage over the entire back, shoulders, neck and hips.
At month 5 we were able to increase the time between massage to 2-3 weeks. The client began yoga at home, and exercised regularly. She was no longer feeling the neck and shoulder tension, some low back pain on occasion and commented that she was finally able to enjoy the massage without the presence of therapeutic pain.
This case study was 100% dedicated to finding relief through massage therapy. With patience and persistence she is now taking control of life with out the pain.
Alex Stenger is a licensed Massage Therapist practicing inside BalanceDiet Billings.
Website: billingsmassage.amtamembers.com
Contact: Office (406) 652-9142 Cell (406) 780-0535
Facebook: facebook.com/billingsmassage/
mthealingarts 
Wow! I need to tell my sister about you, who drives for UPS in Billings. It’s awesome to see your client’s health progress through therapy and exercise, not pain pills.
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Yes, please pass my information along to your sister. Driving for UPS is whole different animal, I’m sure. Thanks Becky!
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Wow. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Incredible what patience and perseverance can do in situations like this.
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The changes that massage can help the body make are impressive! What a transformation!
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When I was working at the embroidery shop, they had me doing tee shirt screen printing when it got super busy over there. Talk about repetitive motion! Yikes! Wish I’d have had you around to help during that time Alex, you’d have been able to fix me up!
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