The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body and because of this, it is also the most vulnerable. Making sure the muscles involved in shoulder movement are strong and balanced is of ultimate importance in avoiding shoulder injury.

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Rotator Cuff Injuries typically involve the posterior musculature; the muscles on the back of the shoulder: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major and minor, but also the latissimus and very often a tragically overlooked muscle called the subscapularis which lies sandwiched between the shoulder blade and the rib cage. If the balance of these muscles is not restored, the athlete or the average person is destined to shoulder pain which may radiate up into the neck or down into the arm.

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Other postural distortion conditions are very likely to be the cause of pain in the shoulder due to:

• Impingement Syndrome

• Upper Crossed Posture

• Forward Head Neck

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Most of these syndromes are exacerbated by the way we sit, stand and sleep. Do an experiment for yourself: Sit up nice and tall and move your arms out to the side and up over your head. Notice how far they go without pain or restriction. Now, slump over and do it again. Notice how limited your shoulder movement has become. Does that tell you anything? I hope so. If not, come to Nashville Neuromuscular Care and let our therapeutic massage therapist help you understand how the creation and maintenance of better postural habits will keep your shoulders moving fully and happily for years to come.