Posted by (Mr.) Clair Davies on September 01, 2002 at 08:28:24:
In Reply to: side ache posted by Susan Langevin on July 06, 2002 at 18:24:06:
I'm a massage therapist who has treated many people who have suffered from the stitch in the side while running or under stress. I've had the problem many time myself. The side stitch is caused by trigger points in the serratus anterior muscles. These trigger points are located on the side, about a hand's width straight down from the arm pit. Pain can be felt anywhere in the side and is often referred to the midback. When bad enough, serratus anterior trigger points can severely limit your breathing. You can deactivate these trigger points yourself by massaging them with your fingertips or with a tennis ball against a wall. For more information about trigger points, go to www.triggerpointbook.com.