A Comprehensive Look at How Posture Affects the Shoulder
Many people know the old song about how the foot bone is connected to the knee bone (and the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone, and so on). In the world of osteopathic manual therapy, we call this regional interdependence. This means something in one area of the body affects another area. As the song says, it’s all connected.
Well, this is definitely true when it comes to the functioning of our shoulder joints. Poor postural habits and prolonged slumped postures put the shoulder in a vulnerable position, making it susceptible to pain or injury.
The good news is our therapists at Jenna Howe and Associates have extensive training in identifying all the factors contributing to your shoulder pain and, most importantly, how to resolve them one by one!
How Posture Impacts the Shoulder
One significant factor contributing to shoulder pain is Upper-Crossed syndrome (UCS). This condition is characterized by postural changes that affect how the muscles of the upper back and shoulder girdle work, which in turn affects the normal movement patterns in the entire upper portion of the body.
Upper-crossed syndrome has several signs and symptoms, including the following:
- Forward head posture
- Rounded shoulder and upper back
- Weak neck flexors and shoulder-blade muscles
- Tight pectoral muscles
These issues often lead to shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and impaired muscle function. Although these signs are common in many people, not everyone with them will have the same symptoms. This is why it is essential to consult one of our osteopathic manual therapists to identify your specific needs and design a tailored treatment plan that addresses your situation.
The Role of Osteopathic Therapy in Resolving Your Pain
The first step to resolving your shoulder pain is a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll conduct a thorough history and physical exam that includes an assessment of your posture as well as the function of your shoulder blade musculature to identify any obvious changes to muscle activation and movement patterns.
Based on the assessment, we’ll design a tailored treatment program blending manual therapy techniques with targeted exercise to help address muscle length and strength. This could lead to more lasting relief and functional improvement. Your program may include work on spinal joint mobility and strengthening exercises to correct any postural dysfunctions contributing to your conditions. Our team spends a lot of time educating you about how you hold and move your body to ensure you have the tools to train your body in the proper movement patterns that help to correct imbalances and address discomfort.
Take the First Step Towards Lasting Relief Today
If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, limited range of motion, or discomfort in your upper body, the time to act is now. These signs are not just distressing; they can have a long-term impact on your quality of life and overall well-being. Reach out to Jenna Howe and Associates today for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan designed to restore balance to your muscles, improve your posture, and, most importantly, alleviate your pain!
BA Psych., DOMP, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Neurokinetic Master Therapist
Staff Spotlight
Jenna approaches her clients with compassion, sensitivity and understanding and is dedicated to finding the root cause of her clients’ pain and discomfort and has a passion for health and wellness along with learning and educating.
Jenna has a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP), Diploma in Fitness and Lifestyle Management, a degree in Psychology (BA), and has several post-graduate certifications including Concussion Health, Cancer and Exercise Recovery, Certified Bowen Health Therapist, Master level Neurokinetic Therapist, Certified ANF Pain Therapist, and is a Certified Yoga Therapist. Jenna has a current membership with the National Manual Osteopathic Association.
Grilled Eggplant with Feta
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 large garlic clove, or 2 small cloves, pressed or minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/3 cup)
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Trim the ends off of the eggplant and cut it crosswise into 12 1/2-inch thick slices. Season just the tops of the slices lightly with salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic, and salt.
- Lay the eggplant slices on the grill with the salted side up. Grill, uncovered, for 5 minutes, then flip.
- Spoon or brush all of the garlic-herb mixture over the tops, sprinkle evenly with the feta, then cover the grill and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 5 minutes more.
- Transfer the grilled eggplant to a serving platter and serve hot or warm.
