Massage is a very effective therapy for relieving shoulder blade pain. There are many acupoints for massage, and patients can massage multiple acupoints for better results. What are the massage techniques for relieving shoulder blade pain and which acupoints should be massaged?
Massage Jianyu Point:
Location: This acupoint is located at the lower edge of the shoulder peak, between the shoulder peak and the greater tubercle of the humerus, in the upper center of the deltoid muscle.
Technique: Use one hand to hold the affected shoulder and vigorously massage the Jianyu point with the index finger for 3 minutes. A sore and swollen sensation is desirable. Repeat this process once in the morning and once in the evening.
Effect: This acupoint on the Large Intestine Meridian is used to treat conditions such as adhesive capsulitis, upper limb paralysis, and brachial neuralgia. It is suitable for shoulder blade pain.
Massage Jianjing and two other points:
Location: Jianjing point is located in the back of the neck, between the prominent bone that protrudes when the head is lowered and the middle point of the line connecting this bone to the end of the shoulder. Quchi point is located on the outer side of the elbow crease. Hegu point is located on the back of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the 2nd metacarpal bone.
Technique:
1. Sit down and use the middle finger of the left hand to massage the Jianjing point on the right shoulder for 1-2 minutes, then switch hands.
2. Massage the Quchi point by sitting down and using the thumb tip of the left hand to massage the Quchi point on the right arm for 1-2 minutes, then switch hands.
3. Massage the Hegu point by sitting down and using the thumb tip of the left hand to massage the Hegu point on the right hand for 1-2 minutes, then switch hands.
Effect: These points are used to treat shoulder and back pain, inability to lift the arm, neck pain, breast abscess, stroke, and scrofula.
Massage Tianzong Point:
Location: Tianzong point is located in the middle of the scapula, which is the triangular bone on the back of the shoulder.
Technique: Use the thumb pad to press and hold the Tianzong point with moderate pressure for 2-3 minutes.
Effect: Tianzong point is an important point for the circulation of Qi and blood. Pressing this point is effective for shoulder pain spreading to the back.
Massage Jianzhen Point:
Location: This point is located below the shoulder joint at the back of the body, 1 inch above the posterior axillary fold when the arm is adducted.
Technique: Use the thumb to massage the Jianzhen point on the affected shoulder in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction for 2 minutes, until a soreness sensation is felt.
Effect: This point on the Small Intestine Meridian is used to treat shoulder and arm pain. It is suitable for shoulder blade pain.
Massage Jianliao Point:
Location: Located in the shoulder area, behind the Jianzhen point, there is a depression when the arm is abducted.
Technique: Massage the Jianliao point on the affected shoulder in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with the thumb for 2 minutes, according to the patient's tolerance for pain.
Effect: Jianliao point is an acupoint on the Triple Burner Meridian, used to treat arm pain and difficulty lifting the shoulder. It is suitable for shoulder blade pain.
Massage Zhongfu Point:
Location: One-third of the way between the shoulder and the armpit on the back.
Technique: Slightly hold the shoulder with the hand and gently press the Zhongfu point with the thumb.
Effect: Zhongfu point is an important acupoint for relieving shoulder pain caused by leaning forward or long walks in high heels.
Massage Gaomang Point:
Location: This point is located on the back of the body, below the spinous process of the fourth thoracic vertebra, four finger widths apart on both sides (or three inches apart when spread out). It is on the inside of the scapula and will produce pain upon pressing.
Technique: Press the Gaomang point on each side 20-30 times. Pay attention to the strength of the massage and do not use excessive force. Adjust the intensity according to the patient's tolerance.
Effect: Gaomang point belongs to the Bladder Meridian and can treat shoulder muscle stiffness and pain.
Note: It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a licensed massage therapist before attempting any self-massage techniques.
