06/10/2026
🏋️ Client Case Study – Heavy Lifting & Muscle Tension
Today’s client came in with a common problem caused by the demands of his job. (Repetitive strain injury)
His work involves regular heavy lifting on his dominant left side, which means his body is constantly working to lift, carry & stabilise the weight.
During his assessment, I found:
🔹 Left upper back: Tightness around the rhomboids and mid-back muscles.
🔹 Mid-thoracic area: Increased tension from constantly working to keep his posture upright and aligned while carrying heavy loads.
🔹 Left shoulder & arm: Tightness through the deltoid and upper biceps from repeatedly using his dominant side.
🔹 Right lower back: Tightness through the Quadratus Lumborum (QL), which helps stabilise the lower back and pelvis while carrying and balancing heavy loads.
💡 Why does this happen?
When we repeatedly perform the same movement — especially lifting and carrying on one side — certain muscles can end up working much harder than others.
Over time, this can lead to tightness, stiffness & discomfort, even in areas that aren't directly doing the lifting.
That's why I assess the whole body, rather than simply treating where the client feels pain.
The aim isn't just to loosen tight muscles — it's to understand why they're becoming tight in the first place.
ACW Sports Therapy
Injury Rehabilitation Specialist
Here, we are using the heated suction cup to lift the superficial fascia and muscle whist stretching. So that we can gain a better range of movement & releive his tight lower back.
