CJS Muscle Therapy

23/02/2026

Not All Shoulder Pain Comes From the Shoulder 👀

As a Sports & Remedial Therapist, one of the most important things I assess is where your pain is really coming from.

Did you know that not all shoulder pain is soft tissue related?

For example, the gallbladder can sometimes refer pain into the right shoulder. This is thought to be due to irritation of the phrenic nerve, meaning the pain you feel in your shoulder may not actually be coming from the shoulder itself.

🚩 Possible Signs of Gallbladder Related Shoulder Pain:

• A dull, aching pain in the right shoulder or shoulder blade that isn’t aggravated by movement
• Intense pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades
• Pain that starts 30–60 minutes after eating, especially after fatty or greasy foods
• Nausea, vomiting, or bloating

This is why assessment matters.

While a Sports & Remedial Therapist doesn’t diagnose medical conditions, the right questions should be asked to ensure you receive the appropriate care. And sometimes, the best treatment we can provide is referring you to the right healthcare professional.

If your shoulder pain feels “different” or isn’t behaving like a typical muscle issue, it’s worth getting it properly checked.

Your body is always telling a story, so make sure you’re listening to the right one.

16/02/2026

Muscle Tears: What You Need to Know

Muscle tears are one of the most common injuries I see in clinic, and recovery time can vary significantly depending on the severity.

There are three grades of muscle tear (similar to tendon and ligament):

• Grade I – Mild tear
• Grade II – Moderate tear
• Grade III – Complete (severe) tear

Healing times vary dramatically. A Grade I tear may recover within 2–4 weeks, whereas a Grade III tear can take up to 6 months to fully rehabilitate.

Common Symptoms of a Muscle Strain:

• Swelling, bruising, or redness around the injured area
• Pain at rest
• Difficulty or inability to use the muscle (weakness in the muscle or associated tendon)
• Occasionally a 'popping' sound at the time of the injury
• A palpable gap or defect in the muscle (in more severe tears)

Key Considerations for Rehab:

• Ice: Previously a go to treatment, we now understand that excessive icing may interfere with the natural healing process. However, it can still provide short term pain relief due to its analgesic effect.
• Optimal loading: Early, gradual loading of the muscle can help stimulate tissue repair and improve recovery outcomes.
• Avoid early stretching: Stretching too soon can aggravate the injury and increase the risk of reinjury.
• Seek professional guidance: A tailored rehabilitation plan based on the severity of the tear is essential for a safe and effective recovery.

If you’re unsure about your injury, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference to your recovery.

09/02/2026

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver.

Mahatma Ghandi

02/02/2026

Ever left a massage bruised, tense, or wondering if that was “normal”? 😬

Pain is your body’s warning system, not a badge of honour.

🧠 Find out why connection, patience, and skilled touch beat brute force every time.
Click below to read the full blog 👇

https://www.cjsmuscletherapy.co.uk/post/should-sports-and-remedial-massage-be-painful

26/01/2026

Did you know that in the UK there are generally three main qualification levels in Sports & Remedial Massage?

🔹 Level 3
🔹 Level 4
🔹 Level 5 (the gold standard)

Not many people know the differences, so I've decided to write a short blog post so that you can better understand, and make more informed decisions when choosing a therapist:

https://www.cjsmuscletherapy.co.uk/post/what-do-sports-remedial-massage-qualifications-really-mean

'Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.' Kofi Annan

19/01/2026

Age teaches us many things, but one that stands out is this:
your body doesn’t recover as quickly as it once did… if you do nothing.

The good news? We’re all different, and there’s no one size fits all approach to staying well. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay.

Whether it’s regular exercise, a remedial massage, daily walks with the dog, or simply moving more with intention, consistent action matters.

What do you do to stay healthy, active, and pain free?

12/01/2026

Starting a new exercise routine? Set yourself up for success by keeping it simple and sustainable.

A helpful framework to remember is the F**T Protocol:

✔ Frequency = how often you train
✔ Intensity = how hard you work
✔ Time = how long each session lasts
✔ Type = the kind of exercise you choose

When you are progressing in your routine, it is important not to change all of these at once as it can lead to overtraining.

And don’t forget, rest days are not optional. Recovery is where the magic happens, allowing your body to adapt, grow stronger, and stay injury free.

Consistency + smart recovery = long term results.

**TProtocol

05/01/2026

“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” Robert Urich ✨

Every cell in your body is shaped by what you consume, how you feel, and the stress you place on it, both good and bad.

As we head into the new year, don’t just focus on what you can give up. Think about what you can do to positively impact your whole body. 💚

Every cell and system is connected, and even the smallest change can create a powerful ripple effect.

Start from the inside, your body will thank you for it.

01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

22/12/2025

Reduce Upper Back Discomfort by Strengthening Your Deep Cervical neck Flexors 💪🧠

Did you know your deep cervical neck flexors play a huge role in how your upper back feels?

When these small but powerful muscles are weak, your head can drift forward, putting extra strain on your upper back and creating tightness and discomfort.
Strengthening them helps improve posture, reduce tension, and support a healthier spine overall.

Want to learn how to activate and strengthen them properly?
👉 Watch my full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_8vJusGYaQ

A few minutes of the right exercises can make a big difference! Let me know if you feel the change. 💥

A great, simple exercise for anyone who suffers from chronic neck pain. The DCF (deep cervical neck flexors) are often weak in many people and this can be ca...

15/12/2025

A couple of weeks ago I took some time out and escaped to the New Forest. I didn’t capture many photos because I was too busy soaking up the scenery, but it was the perfect reminder of how important it is to switch off and recharge. 🌿✨

Taking care of your body and mind matters. Make time to rest.

08/12/2025

Don’t let pain put your life on pause.

If an injury is holding you back, now’s the perfect time to book that much-needed sports massage.

CJS Muscle Therapy is open until Friday 19th December and will reopen on Monday 5th January 2026.

Get your session booked and start feeling your best again! 💪✨