Do you ever feel a bothersome stabbing pain under your shoulder blade or tension in your upper back that simply cannot be "massaged away"? Although it might seem counterintuitive, for people with endometriosis, these symptoms often go hand in hand.
In my previous posts, I mentioned how physical activity is characterized and what it looks like when living with endometriosis. Today, we will explore why your shoulder blade is "talking" to your pelvis.
Fascia – The Connective Tissue Built from Collagen and Elastin
Our muscles, bones, and organs do not just hang in a vacuum. It is the fascia that transmits tensions. According to Thomas Myers' anatomy trains theory, our body is wrapped in specific fascial lines. For women with endometriosis, the most important ones are:
The Deep Front Line (DFL): This is our inner core. It connects the pelvic floor muscles, the diaphragm, and the paravertebral muscles. When something goes wrong in the pelvis, the tension travels straight up this pathway.
2. The Superficial Back and Front Lines: These are responsible for our posture and the balance between the front and back of the body.
3. The Spiral and Lateral Lines: These help us rotate and stabilize the torso
Why Does Endometriosis "Pull" the Shoulder Blade?
Endometriosis is not just about menstrual pain. It also involves adhesions, which act like internal scars. They cause the fascia to lose its glide and elasticity.
Imagine you are wearing a tight jumpsuit. If you pull it hard from the bottom (around the pelvis), you will feel the fabric tighten and tug at your shoulders. This is exactly what happens in your body – tension from below "pulls down" the structures at the top, triggering pain around the shoulder blade.
How to Help Yourself?
Understanding that the shoulder blade is part of a larger chain is the first step toward relief. To effectively fight the pain:
- Regulate pelvic floor tension:By relaxing the bottom, you allow the top to breathe.
- Take care of elasticity::Fascia loves movement, hydration, and touch (massage, foam rolling).
- Restore shoulder blade function: : Working on relaxation alone is only half the battle – the scapula must regain its proper mobility.
Regular work on fascial elasticity and taking care of your musculoskeletal system is your shield against pain. Your shoulder blade will thank you for it!