How to Relieve a Trapped Nerve in the Shoulder
How Soft Tissue Therapy and the EMMETT Technique Can Help Free Trapped Nerves
If you've ever experienced a sharp, tingling, or radiating pain in your shoulder, you might have a trapped or impinged nerve. This type of pain can be frustrating and even debilitating, making everyday tasks like reaching for a cupboard or putting on a jacket difficult. Fortunately, soft tissue therapy and the EMMETT Technique can help release the pressure on the nerve and get you moving more freely again.
What Causes a Trapped Nerve?
Nerves run throughout your body, carrying messages between your brain and muscles. Sometimes, they can become compressed or "trapped" by tight muscles, swollen tissues, or misaligned joints. In the shoulder, this can happen due to:
Woman sat working with poor posture
Poor posture – Sitting hunched over a desk for long periods can create muscle imbalances that pinch the nerve. Or sitting with a poor desk set up is a recipe for disaster.
Repetitive movements – Activities like lifting, typing, or sports can lead to muscle tightness and nerve compression.
Injury or inflammation – A sudden strain, overuse, or inflammation can cause swelling around the nerve, restricting movement and causing pain.
Why Is a Trapped Nerve a Problem?
When a nerve is compressed, it can’t send signals properly. This can lead to:
Sharp, shooting pain – Pain that radiates down the arm, often described as electric or stabbing.
Tingling or numbness – A "pins and needles" sensation or loss of feeling in certain areas.
Weakness in the muscles – Difficulty lifting objects or feeling as though your arm is losing strength.
Left untreated, a trapped nerve can lead to chronic pain and further movement restrictions.
How Soft Tissue Therapy and the EMMETT Technique Help
Soft tissue therapy works by releasing tension in the muscles and fascia (the connective tissue around muscles). This helps reduce pressure on the nerve, improving mobility and easing pain.
The EMMETT Technique is a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses light pressure on specific points of the body to relax tight muscles and reset the nervous system. It works quickly, often bringing immediate relief by:
Releasing muscle tension that may be compressing the nerve.
Improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the area.
Restoring movement so the nerve can function properly.
How It Feels – What to Expect
During a session, you might feel a gentle touch or a light pressure on certain points of your body. Many people experience a sense of relaxation and relief straight away, while others notice improvements over the next day or two. Unlike deep tissue massage, the EMMETT Technique does not require painful pressure to be effective.
Finding Relief for Shoulder Pain
If you're struggling with a trapped nerve in your shoulder, soft tissue therapy and the EMMETT Technique offer a non-invasive, drug-free way to ease pain and restore movement. By addressing the underlying muscle tension and nerve compression, these therapies help your body move the way it's supposed to—without discomfort.
If you're ready to feel the difference, book a session and take the first step towards pain-free movement today.
Sabrina is a movement specialist based in Worcester Park, UK, helping people overcome pain, move better, and enjoy active, fulfilling lives. With expertise in sports and remedial massage, personal training, and the Emmett Technique, she works with clients to relieve pain, improve mobility, and build strength. Treatments and training sessions take place in her private home treatment and training room. If you would like to discuss your needs, book a Discovery Call.