Over 40 Fitness Hacks 380: Rick Olderman - Pain Relief: Understanding the Shoulder Blade's Role in Neck Pain and Headaches
Pain Relief: Understanding the Shoulder Blade's Role in Neck Pain and Headaches
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Rick Olderman - Fixing You Physical Therpay
In this podcast episode, Brad Williams from Over 40 Fitness Hacks interviews Rick Olderman, an expert in pain relief and biomechanics. They delve into upper body issues, focusing on neck pain leading to headaches and the role of the shoulder girdle system in this discomfort. Rick explains that while most bones are long, the pelvis and shoulder blade are exceptions, and they discuss how these bones affect overall body mechanics.
Rick emphasizes that the shoulder blade's correct resting and movement positions are vital for upper body mechanics. Dysfunction in the shoulder blade can transmit force into the neck bones, causing pain. He introduces the "armpit test," a simple assessment to determine if the shoulder blade is the source of neck pain or headaches. Rick provides step-by-step instructions, including lifting the armpits gently to relieve tension, often resulting in increased head movement.
The conversation continues with insights into common posture misconceptions, like the belief that squeezing the shoulder blades down and back creates good posture. Rick clarifies that the shoulder blades are not meant for posture and explains a more effective approach using core engagement to support posture. He demonstrates how improper posture strategies contribute to shoulder blade dysfunction and offers a method to decouple the relationship between shoulder tension and core activation.
Rick highlights the importance of ergonomic adjustments to complement posture changes and provides a comprehensive solution for chronic shoulder dysfunction, neck pain, and headaches. He encourages early assessments and education to prevent these issues and shares his website, rickolderman.com, where listeners can access his online programs and resources. The interview ends with Rick expressing his passion for educating practitioners and individuals to understand and address biomechanical problems for improved pain relief and overall well-being.
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