This joint is very mobile with almost 3D movement, having 3 bones offered up to each other, no direct secure bone fixing in a ball and socket type fixing – they are held in place by muscles, rather than a solid joint of bone fitting into bone.
Aside from an impact of wrenching injury, many things in day to day life are affecting shoulder stability
- Using a mouse at the computer
- Leaning on the car window
- Carrying a bag on one shoulder
- Asymmetric sports such as tennis/golf
What these do is allow the shoulder to drop forwards and the scapular wings and hangs away from the rib cage causing pain between the shoulder blades and neck.
The shoulder blade should be allowed to swing flush against the rib cage, so if posture is poor, and the shoulders are rounded and the chest tight and pulling forwards then the shoulder will be compromised in function because the shoulder blade will not be able to rotate as it should on the ribs. This can cause pain and tension in the muscles under the blade, as well as impingement in the shoulder joint itself leading to nerve aggravation.
Strapping can help to relieve discomfort and remind the patient where the shoulder should sit, however, it is an unrealistic long term option, the best solution is changing habits and corrective exercise work.
Understanding the Biomechanics by Assessing and Coaching will make a great start to the program. Continuing with Pilates and Personal Training will make definite inroads with shoulder issues.
You must be logged in to post a comment.