Question
  I am about to graduate in two months and I have this client who come regularly who has two bulging disks in his neck.  Most of his pain resides in his upper traps, supraspinatus, levater scaps, and SCM, but I sometimes have trouble easing up a lot of his pain.  Some of his knots are so deep within his neck, that I really don't know the best way to get them out.  
  Your promped response would be very much appreciated, considering I have him again next week.  Thank you very much!

Answer
Shandi:

Thanks for writing!

The bulging disc in his neck indicater his entire spinal cord is under a lot of compression. Both ends of the spinal cord are moving toward the middle.

When the pain goes into the shoulders, it is generally a tough situation. I know of no massage procedures that would help it except for Active Release Technique, which is a $1200 seminar.

Here is a synopsis of it.

>
> [Get ready to save a few thousand dollars.   If the
> muscle tension is taking
> place more in the tendonous attachment, then while the
> muscle is in its
> relaxed shortened state contact the tendon and
> approximate its attachment.   While
> maintaining this contact either have the patient
> (ideally) or passively
> lengthen the muscle.   For instance with a hamstring
> attachment at the ischium, hold
> the ischial attachment with the knee fully flexes, then
> maintain the ischial
> contact as the patient straightens their leg downward
> -- sometimes it will be a
> mix between active and endpoint assist by the doctor.
>
> When in the belly of the muscle allow the muscle to be
> lengthened and then
> hold the tissues away to keep them from approximating
> as the muscle is
> contracted.

  With the patient you are treating you
> might find all aspects of the
> muscle involved, meaning all tendonous attachments and
> proximal/distal muscle
> bellies.   With the hamstring you have virtually four
> different muscles to work
> with, so it helps to palpate and check ROM and
> determine where there is the
> greatest restriction and adhesions

This would do a lot to relieve the pain.

What else has this patient done besides massage? It sound like a chiropractic consultation might be in order. Go to www.sorsi.com, www.icak.com and www.soto-usa.com and look for a good chiropractor near you.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom