【High School Boxer's Upper Arm Pain | Adjustment with Muscle Massage and Acupressure】

A high school boxer has been visiting my practice regularly for the past few months.

He reports pain from his right shoulder to his upper arm, along with a catching sensation during movement.

Boxing is a sport that puts significant strain on the arms and shoulders. Not only does the snapping motion of a punch engage these muscles, but also the guard position and quick evasive movements rely heavily on the shoulder area.

Extended training sessions and frequent matches can lead to muscle tension around the scapula and upper arm, restricting the range of motion.

Massage and Acupressure Treatments for Those Who Are Uncomfortable with Acupuncture

Since the patient was uncomfortable with acupuncture, the treatment focused on massage and acupressure techniques.

Loosening the Muscles Around the Upper Arm and Scapula

First, the tight muscles around the upper arm and scapula were carefully relaxed using massage and a scraper. The scraper is an effective tool for promoting blood flow. This helped increase muscle flexibility and improved shoulder mobility.

Acupressure for Deeper Muscle Layers

After loosening the surface muscles with massage, acupressure was used to target deeper muscle layers. Special attention was given to the shoulder joint’s range of motion, adjusting the deep muscles around the scapula and upper arm. By aligning the scapula, the load on the shoulder joint was reduced, supporting smoother punching movements.

After the treatment, the ease of shoulder movement improved, and the catching sensation during uncomfortable movements was greatly reduced. Since then, the patient has been visiting once a week, and after the fifth treatment, he reported that the catching sensation had almost completely disappeared.

The Importance of Early Care for Sports-Related Body Damage

In sports like boxing, the strain on the shoulders and arms is inevitable. Continuing practice while in pain can lead to further muscle tightness, restricted range of motion, and increased stress on other areas. Particularly, a reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint can impact the speed and power of punches. Therefore, it’s important to address discomfort or pain as early as possible. Regular maintenance helps improve performance.

If you’re struggling with shoulder or arm pain, feel free to contact us.

Daisuke Tazawa

BODYWORKS AZABU

◎ Treatment details shared with consent