How to Soothe Muscle Strain

provided by our partner Naturopathica

HOW TO SOOTH MUSCLE STRAIN
Poor ergonomic posture at the computer can lead to trigger points, areas of hyperirritability in the tissue which weaken muscles and cause loss of movement. Try these therapies for targeted relief.

TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE FOR UPPER BACK PAIN
To find the most common trigger point in the shoulders, place the heel of your hand on your opposite collar bone. Let the fingers lie loosely across the top of the shoulder. Keeping your hand firmly in place, swing your free arm gently forward and back. As your arm moves, you will feel the top of your shoulder blade bump into your index or middle finger. Gently press down on tender areas while slowly swinging arm back and forth to deactivate trigger points.

• For acute pain, apply cooling  Arnica Muscle & Joint Gel. Arnica is an ancient European herb prized for its ability to ease inflammation.
• For chronic muscle tension, apply warming  Sweet Birch Deep Muscle Rub. Sweet Birch is a traditional Native American remedy for muscle pain due to its high percentage of Methyl Salicylates.

A SIMPLE STRETCH EXERCISE FOR UPPER BACK PAIN
After trigger point massage, place right arm behind back, resting on the lower back with palm facing outward. Bend neck sideways to the left, stretching by gently pulling top of head with left hand. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.