by Clay Cox, Certified Advanced Rolfer™

Introduction

In most health-care disciplines, the best idea is to not treat pain complaints without a clear and accurate assessment of the problem. The easiest way to arrive at an accurate assessment is after a complete case history has been taken and reviewed and after a thorough physical examination has been rendered. In any type of pain management, if this explicit process is followed, the risk to the client’s welfare is minimized.

Neurological entrapment symptoms are due to nerve damage as a result of chronic mechanical compression. Most neurological entrapments are classified as syndromes. It is common for this compression to occur in the body’s more narrow passages or in tissues that have been compromised in some way. It is a biomechanical issue and not an issue of pathology.

Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical DictIonary1 defines a “syndrome” as a group of symptoms, signs, laboratory findings and physiological disturbancs that are linked by a common anatomical, biochemical, or pathological history. Syndromes that Rolfers most often hear about in their treatment rooms include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), piriformis syndrome, and perhaps thoracic outlet syndrome. Less frequent diagnoses include dorsal scapular entrapment, long thoracic entrapment, and pronator syndrome.

The primary purpose of this paper is to present the clinical features of some of the more common mechanically induced neuropathies. This paper is not meant to be construed as a treatment guide or a substitute for appropriate examination and/or care. It is very important to recognize the gross signs of a systemic disease that mimics neuromusculoskeletal problems and to be in a professional position to refer out to the appropriate physician promptly...

For a complete complementary copy of this article, please contact Clay Cox at: claycoxnaz@gmail.com or 520-323-0188