Understanding Muscle Referral Patterns
We have treated many people who, upon initial discussion, seem to be describing symptoms that could sound like nerve related pain. These symptoms could include traveling or distal symptoms, aching and sometimes tingly in nature, as well as occasional numbness. We always make sure to thoroughly evaluate the spine to see if there is a radicular pattern in symptoms or a nerve entrapment, but these symptoms can also very commonly be muscle related referral patterns presenting similarly to nerve pain. This is why a physical therapist who understands regional interdependence and how things may or may not be connected is so important! We pride ourselves at Loon State Physical Therapy that we are very proficient in this evaluation process, so we can give you best answers but also treat this effectively!
A common muscle referral pattern we treat is arm and hand tingling/achiness that is actually stemming from the posterior rotator cuff. This pattern can seem like a neck related nerve pain, but a key difference lies in the evaluation. If neck movements do not reproduce or change the symptoms into the arm, the likelihood of this being a neck related nerve issue is very low. This is very key in understanding where the symptoms are coming from. Though not always then related to the posterior rotator cuff, it is usually the second place we go to assess. Deep and sustained pressure to the posterior shoulder can often elicit these symptoms, and if it does, we know we have this locked in and we will definitely eliminate this pain.
There are muscle referral pain patterns throughout the entire body, so as our physical therapists approach a physical therapy evaluation, we always keep these in mind. This is also why we firmly believe in receiving a physical therapy evaluation, so we can help you also gain more clarity on where your symptoms are coming from and how we can help them!
We would be happy to discuss further how Loon State Physical Therapy can be a teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best while eliminating pain! Our convenient Hopkins physical therapy, Edina physical therapy, and Stillwater physical therapy locations will happily welcome you to get you back to moving at your best. Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
We look forward to being your teammate through this recovery journey!
Andrew Eccles
Owner and Physical Therapist at Loon State Physical Therapy
