Sub-occipital release for Neck pain, Shoulder pain, Headache, and TMJ dysfunction

Poor postural habits can lead to neck pain, shoulder pain, headache and TMJ dysfunction. With the changing work environments from working full time at home, hybrid combinations and full-time office hours. We find that most people are guilty of working under less-than-ideal ergonomic conditions. Working on beds, sofas and even kitchen counter-tops for almost 8 hours a day. Even working from the office, we find ourselves in slouched positions over the desk. When you are working in the comforts of your home you try to find the most lazy-comfortableposition you can find. Slouching, shoulders hunched forward, chin/head protracted forward, gaze shifted downward at a device, these all can contribute to tension in the whole body.

Sub-occipital release is one of the manual therapy techniques we use when dealing with conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, headache and TMJ dysfunction. Sub-occipital muscles can be palpated at the base of our skull, when tight they often feel like taut bands, and these muscles are highly interconnected with our stress response. Symptoms of stress include shoulder contraction, teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw.

The treatment consists of the patient positioned in supine position (lying on your back), head and neck will be cradled, fingertips placed on the sub-occipital area, this is often tender or even painful but also feels very good and relieving. The release technique is held until the tissues relaxed and the patients feel improvement.

Treatment usually consists of 4-6 sessions to get the full benefit of the sub-occipital release. For any queries please do contact the clinic and Donna our physiotherapist will be very happy to assist you.