Adrian presented for physiotherapy on the 8th June, 2010 and was interested in the Chronic, Complex and Repetitive Pain Therapy services on offer at Lifestyle Therapies.

Background
Adrian had complaints of upper back pain that he had suffered for more than 14 years. His symptoms had progressively worsened in the previous four years and recently became unbearable. He also had a history of a frozen shoulder that occurred 12 months ago. Adrian was emotionally frustrated having to deal with the pain for so long with minimal relief after seeing several different therapists, including an acupuncturist, physiotherapist, multiple chiropractors, rheumatologist and musculoskeletal doctor.

On Assessment
On assessment, the findings included:
• Muscle tightness especially in the Upper Trapezius, Rhomboids, Posterior Scalene muscles.
• Tender on palpation in the upper thoracic region with hyperactive trigger points.
• Poor posture
• and weak shoulder stabilisers.

It was determined that Adrian’s chronic pain had caused inhibition to muscle activation and increased muscle tightness which resulted in weakness and poor posture. Adrian’s goal for treatment were to decrease the symptoms frequency and to return to doing specific exercises and stretches that he has not be able to do in a long time.

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