Author name: trailblazersportsmassage@gmail.com

You don’t have to play tennis to get tennis elbow. Here’s what’s happening, why it hurts, and what we can do together. I hear it often in the treatment room: “It started as a little ache on the outside of my elbow, and now I can barely grip my coffee mug in the morning.” If […]

You’ve got that deep, nagging pain in your butt that shoots down the back of your leg. Google says sciatica. Your neighbor says piriformis syndrome. Your doctor might have said one, but the treatment doesn’t seem to be working. Sound familiar? These two conditions are genuinely easy to confuse — and research suggests they’re confused

Whether you’re projecting a route at a climbing gym or scrambling up the ridgelines a short drive from Kitsap County, your body takes a serious beating. Climbing is one of the most grip-intensive, full-body demanding sports out there — and most climbers don’t give their muscles nearly as much recovery attention as they give their

Recovering from surgery isn’t just about resting, it’s also about supporting your body’s healing process in the safest and most effective way. For many people, massage therapy can be an invaluable part of postoperative care. But timing and technique matter greatly, and in Washington state, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure your safety

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is one of the most common issues affecting people who work at a desk. Typing, mousing, and sitting in the same position for hours can overload muscles, tendons, and joints—leading to pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and upper back. The good news? Small ergonomic adjustments can make a

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially among runners, hikers, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet. That sharp, stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while? Classic plantar fascia irritation. With how common it is, it’s no surprise that

For many athletes, the off-season is seen as a time to rest, recover, and mentally reset. Training intensity decreases, mileage drops, and the pressure to perform takes a temporary back seat. But while your body may not be logging long runs or heavy lifts, this period is far from idle – and it’s one of

Shin splints – technically referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) – are one of the most common overuse injuries among runners, hikers, and athletes who increase training volume too quickly. That familiar ache along the front or inner border of your lower leg can disrupt training and, if ignored, lead to more significant

When you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or movement limitations, the number of care options can feel overwhelming. Physical therapy and sports massage are two of the most commonly recommended aids. While they’re often mentioned in the same breath, they serve different purposes and operate under distinct scopes of practice. Understanding what each modality does (and

Understanding the Three Gluteal Muscles The gluteal region is made up of three major muscles — the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Together, they play a critical role in stabilizing the pelvis, generating power for movement, and maintaining proper posture. Though often grouped together as “the glutes,” each of these muscles has a