Common Injuries from Firearms Training
The forceful recoil and awkward postures associated with shooting firearms can lead to several musculoskeletal problems. Some of the most common injuries include:
Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Repetitive motions like raising and lowering your firearm can irritate or tear these tissues, leading to pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Shoulder impingement: When the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed, they can rub against the bony structures of the shoulder joint, causing pain and discomfort.
Neck strain: Holding your head in an awkward position while aiming can strain the muscles in your neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Trigger finger: This condition causes a finger to get stuck in a bent position. It can be caused by repetitive gripping of the trigger.
These are just a few of the many injuries that can occur from firearms training. If you're experiencing any pain or discomfort, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Important to note: A doctor can write a prescription for 1 year of massage therapy for veterans or anyone else who applies and insurance will usually reimburse you partial or full for treatment with a Licensed Massage Therapist.
How Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Can Help
Deep tissue techniques, such as Ashiatsu massage, can be a powerful tool for alleviating pain and promoting healing from repetitive stress injuries. Here's how it can help:
Improved blood flow: Massage increases blood flow to the injured tissues, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Reduced muscle tension: Massage can help to loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility, which can reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Pain relief: Massage can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Improved posture: Massage can help to improve posture, which can help to prevent future injuries.
Spinal Decompression: Ashiatsu massage can increase the space between the intervertebral discs by releasing years of deep tissue holding patterns and treating disc herniations.
In addition to Ashiatsu massage, other forms of soft tissue therapy that may be beneficial include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release techniques.
Specific muscles commonly affected by firearms training:
Upper traps: These muscles are located in the upper back and neck and are responsible for raising the shoulder blades. They can become tight from holding the head in an awkward position while aiming.
Levator scapulae: These muscles are located on the sides of the neck and help to elevate the shoulder blade. They can become tight from repetitive motions like raising and lowering your firearm.
Rhomboids: These muscles are located in the middle back and help to stabilize the shoulder blades. They can become tight from poor posture.
Pec major and pec minor: These muscles are located in the chest and help to pull the arm across the body. They can become tight from gripping the firearm too tightly.
Preventative Measures and Benefits of Massage Therapy for Veterans
Proper form: Make sure you are using proper form when shooting. A qualified instructor can help you ensure that you are using the correct grip, stance, and posture.
Warm-up and cool-down: Just like any other physical activity, it's important to warm up before you start shooting and cool down afterward. A few minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretches can help to prepare your muscles for activity and prevent injuries.
Strength training: Strengthening the muscles in your shoulders, neck, and core can help to improve stability and support your joints.
Rotator Cuff Strengthening: Perform external rotation exercises using a resistance band to enhance shoulder stability.
Shoulder Blade Squeezes: This exercise promotes proper posture and strengthens the mid-back muscles, crucial for maintaining a stable shooting stance.
Neck Stretches: Incorporate side bends and rotations to improve neck flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Listen to your body: If you start to feel pain, stop shooting and take a break. Don't push yourself through pain, as this can lead to further injury.
Schedule an Ashiatsu Massage or Fire Cupping Session: Receiving routine manual therapy treatments can improve your performance and physical longevity. Book here with Rebecca in Willow Park,TX.
Practicing shooting sports should not come at the cost of your musculoskeletal health. By recognizing the common shoulder and neck injuries associated with firearm use and implementing strategies such as soft tissue therapy, targeted exercises, and proper body mechanics, practitioners can enhance their performance and longevity in the field. Remember, prevention is key—invest in your physical health as much as your shooting skills.
References
O'Sullivan, K., McAuliffe, S., & Kearney, P. (2019). The impact of repetitive tasks on shoulder and neck pain among military personnel: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Health, 61(4), 323-334.
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