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Shoulder problems affect 25% of the population. Trigger point therapy can be very effective for treating a range of shoulder pain issues. There are well documented protocols for treating rotator cuff tendinopathy, tendonitis, bursitis, and frozen shoulder syndrome.

Here I present a basic shoulder protocol, which should yield good results in terms of helping to alleviate symptoms for many common shoulder problems.

 

STEP 1: Study the anatomy and direction of the muscle fibers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEP 2: Sitting ICT to:

 

Supraspinatus

 

 

Upper Trapezius

 

Step 3: Massage area generously 

 

STEP 4: Side-lying ICT to:

 

Deltoid—stroking upward only and pausing on trigger points

 

 

Teres Minor—letting hand fall off the bed

 

 

 

Step 5: Supine ICT to:

 

Pectoralis Minor

 

 

 

Infraspinatus (STP). Initially this can be very painful, but ask patient to let their shoulder gently fall backward onto your applicator, with deep breathing.

 

This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.  

 

 

 

About Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education (NAT Global Campus) is a globally recognised provider of high-quality professional learning for hands-on health and movement practitioners. Through an extensive catalogue of expert-led online courses, NAT delivers continuing education for massage therapists, supporting both newly qualified and highly experienced professionals with practical, clinically relevant training designed for real-world practice.

Beyond massage therapy, Niel Asher Education offers comprehensive continuing education for physical therapists, continuing education for athletic trainers, continuing education for chiropractors, and continuing education for rehabilitation professionals working across a wide range of clinical, sports, and wellness environments. Courses span manual therapy, movement, rehabilitation, pain management, integrative therapies, and practitioner self-care, with content presented by respected educators and clinicians from around the world.

Known for its high production values and practitioner-focused approach, Niel Asher Education emphasises clarity, practical application, and professional integrity. Its online learning model allows practitioners to study at their own pace while earning recognised certificates and maintaining ongoing professional development requirements, making continuing education accessible regardless of location or schedule.

Through partnerships with leading educational platforms and organisations worldwide, Niel Asher Education continues to expand access to trusted, high-quality continuing education for massage therapists, continuing education for physical therapists, continuing education for athletic trainers, continuing education for chiropractors, and continuing education for rehabilitation professionals, supporting lifelong learning and professional excellence across the global therapy community.

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