Numbness in the thigh, a case study, part 2


Acute pain, Back pain, Back surgery, Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Low back pain, Muscle information, Nerve entrapment, Numbness, Structural asymmetry, Surgery

A lower limb length inequality (LLLI) is a factor in the case of numbness in the skin on the outside of this man’s thigh. (Let’s call him Patrick.) Doing a quick check visually, there is a significant difference between the length of his legs, so he bought one of the little inexpensive heel lifts you’ll […]

October 16, 2010

Sciatica pain and structural asymmetries


Back pain, Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Low back pain, Pain relief, Sciatic pain, Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry, Uncategorized

When sciatica type symptoms get the better of you and nothing you do seems to make it better, here is something to think about from my checklist for corrective actions and treatments Part 1. Correct structural asymmetries with a heel lift, butt lift, foot orthotics, and make changes in misfitting furniture. This is more important […]

June 24, 2010

Sciatica relief checklist Part 1: Corrective actions and treatments


Back pain, Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Healing, Low back pain, Neuromuscular therapy, Pain relief, Sciatic pain, Stretches, Stretching (Active Isolated method), Structural asymmetry, Understanding pain

When sciatica type symptoms get the better of you and nothing you do seems to make it better, here is a guide, a checklist for suggested corrective actions and treatments. (Synthesized from my 19 years as a Neuromuscular Therapist in the Boston area and from the medical text by  Drs.Travell and Simons, Myofacial Pain and […]

June 21, 2010

Sciatica pain puzzle: A checklist of causes, Part 1


Arthritis pain, Back pain, Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Hip pain, Leg pain, Low back pain, Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

When “sciatic” type of symptoms won’t go away, what else can be considered as causes? Travell and Simons emphatically state that “Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis; it’s cause should be identified.” (Vol II, p. 173) Here’s a list of things you can check. Structural asymmetries: Anything that makes one hip higher will cause […]

June 15, 2010

Knee pain: Understanding the hamstring muscles


Back surgery, Knee pain, Muscle information, Piriformis syndrome, Repetitive strain, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Sciatic pain, Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

Knowledge is power. The better you understand the muscles of your knee the more empowered you will be to keep them out of pain. The last post discussed the quadriceps in the front of the thigh. The “hamstrings” are in the back of the thigh. Guys refer to them affectionately as “hammies” at the gym. […]

June 28, 2009

Restless leg syndrome: Perpetuating factors


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Hip pain, Leg pain, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry, Tips for therapists

According to Travell & Simons in their Trigger Point Manual, “In patients with chronic myofascial pain, attention to perpetuating factors often spells the difference between sucessful and failed therapy.” Perpetuating factors in the case of Krystal S. were an important consideration in reducing the need for continued treatment for restless leg syndrome at my Neuromuscular […]

June 20, 2009

Restless leg syndrome pain: Treatment of Krystal S.


Buttock pain, Chronic pain, Leg pain, Piriformis syndrome, Restless leg syndrome (RLS), Scoliosis, Structural asymmetry

When muscle tension and hyperactivity from Trigger Points are the cause of RLS, Neuromuscular Therapy is very successful in relieving symptoms and sometimes eliminating this disturbing condition. When an initial series of appointments works, but symptoms return, underlying or perpetuating factors need to be discovered. Treatment in the case of Krystal S. in my Neuromuscular […]

June 18, 2009