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Repetitive Strain Injury/Tinnitus
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Question
You talked about the SCM possibly causing tinnitus. My tinnitus started after I started taking Pilates about three years ago. I am constantly being told I am extremely tight in my neck and shoulders. I have difficulty keeping shoulders down. Could Pilate be contributing to my tinnitus. Who would I seek medical advice from on this?
Hi Kathy,
The odds of a medical person looking at the SCM for tinnitus is rare, but the SCM causes ringing in the ears so often that it should be the first thing that is checked. Have you gone to a doctor and eliminated any other causes for the ringing?
The SCM originates on your collarbone and inserts into the mastoid bone at the back of your ear. I gather that you have already read the threads that discuss this situation, did you also go look at my website http://www.julstro.com? It will explain why repetitive muscle strain will cause pressure on bones and nerves. In this case the SCM will pull on the mastoid and upset the alignment of the tiny bones in your ear.
Fortunately the SCM is very easy to treat, you just need to apply direct pressure onto the muscle (make sure if you feel a pulse you move because you are on the carotid artery). Work on the muscle from your collarbone to your ear. If you have a hard time, you can either go to a massage therapist, or you can go onto my site because I've written a book called "Treat Yourself to Pain Free Living" that has pictures and text to teach people how to self-treat the muscles all over the body, including the SCM.
In any case, yes, Pilates can be the cause, but if you release the tension you can safely do Pilates without any problems.
Wishing you well,
Julie Donnelly
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Julie Donnelly, LMT
Expertise
I can accept questions that relate to chronic or acute pain caused by muscle spasms and contractions. Repetitive Strain Injury is actually Cumulative Trauma to muscles. Releasing the spasm &/or contraction will relieve the strain that is felt at the insertion point on the bone.
Experience
Since 199 I have been working with endurance athletes and individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions.
I have authored seven self-treatment books and three self-treatment DVDs and I have developed the Julstro System for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, Trigger Finger, and other Hand/Wrist pain.
I am a national and international presenter at conventions, seminars, and workshops. Principle topics are "Work Shouldn't Hurt" and "The Pain Free Athlete"
In 2005 and 2006 I was the massage therapist for ultracyclists competing in the Race Across America (RAAM) 3000+ mile race from San Diego, CA to Atlantic City, NJ
Publications
Triathlete Magazine, Endurance Magazine, multiple national and international trade journals.
Education/Credentials
Swedish Institute of Allied Health, NY, NY - Initial education in massage therapy
Licensed NYS Massage Therapist since 1989
SUNY Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, NY - B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Health Education
I was an Associate Professor helping to develop the massage training program for SUNY Rockland Community College
Past/Present Clients
Privacy prevents me from filling in this section without prior consent from my clients.
Life Experience: I have been specializing in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries since receiving my NY massage license in 1989. A personal bout with carpal tunnel syndrome was the catalyst to my developing a self-treatment that heals CTS quickly and without surgery. My work with endurance athletes was the inspiration to teach people how to self-treat so they could stop pains even during a race or heavy training day. Both of these situations ultimately became the products that are sold on my websites http://www.carpaltunneltreatment.org and http://www.julstro.com. I currently have a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC (http://www.SportMassageChapelHill.com)
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