Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common condition that affects many people, particularly athletes and those who use their arms for repetitive motions, such as painters, carpenters, and office workers. The condition occurs when the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder become compressed or pinched between the bones of the shoulder joint. This can cause
In order to perform normal, pain-free shoulder motion, it is necessary that there is adequate strength around the joint. While this sounds simple, normal shoulder motion depends on what are called “force couples” – opposing forces that act simultaneously on the shoulder during motion to provide stability. If these force couples are disrupted, abnormal motion
Many people are familiar with the concept of keeping the shoulders “down and back” to improve their posture. But this is sometimes easier said than done. This article will identify possible causes of elevated shoulder posture and provide some simple solutions that can improve it. Causes of Elevated Shoulder Posture The muscles that are primarily
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body. For everyday activities, it is important that we have the ability to reach overhead, behind the back, and perform internal and external rotation. If there is impairment of the muscles responsible for these motions or the mobility of the shoulder joint, significant
The Glenohumeral Joint The shoulder joint is primarily composed of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and the humerus and is medically referred to as the glenohumeral joint. This joint is the most mobile joint in the human body as it has considerable range of motion in multiple planes of movement. With this increased mobility
Have you ever noticed that one or both of your shoulder blades stick out away from your back, almost giving the appearance of wings? Although it may seem relatively harmless, this condition, known as scapular winging, is abnormal. The “wing” that you see is your shoulder blade which has pulled away from where it is
Do you ever have pain or difficulty when reaching overhead to get something off of a high shelf? What about when reaching your arm behind your back to bathe or put on clothes? Can’t participate in throwing activities without pain? If you answered yes to any of these, it is likely that you are experiencing
The rhomboids (rhomboid minor and major) are a muscle group found in the upper back that are a common cause of pain around or between your shoulders, as well as upper to mid-back pain. Anatomy of the Rhomboids The rhomboids are located directly underneath the large trapezius muscle. They originate at the thoracic spine and
Have you ever experienced pain when reaching overhead to grab a can out of a cabinet, reaching into the back seat of your car, or participating in your favorite sports like baseball, tennis, or swimming? Biceps tendinitis is a frequently seen culprit of pain at the front of the shoulder, especially when performing overhead movements.
