A Comprehensive Look at How Posture Affects the Shoulder
Shoulder pain is an all-too-common complaint, making routine activities like lifting, typing, and even sleeping difficult. It seems like every week we get a patient who comes to us with shoulder pain related to poor postural habits.
A lot of 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 physiotherapy, we call this regional interdependence. This means something in one area of the body is affecting 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 PhysioPlus Health Group have extensive training in identifying all the factors that are 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 our upper back and shoulder girdle work, which in turn affects the normal movement patterns in the entire upper portion of the body.
The classic signs of Upper Crossed Syndrome include:
Forward head posture: The head is positioned forward in relation to the shoulders.
Rounded shoulders: The shoulders are rounded forward, causing the upper back to appear hunched.
Increased thoracic kyphosis: The upper back has an increased curvature, leading to a rounded appearance.
Protracted shoulder blades: The shoulder blades are positioned more forward and away from the spine.
Weak deep neck flexors: The muscles at the front of the neck that help stabilize the head are weak.
Tight pectoral muscles: The muscles in the chest area are tight and may contribute to the rounded shoulder posture.
Weak scapular stabilizers: The muscles that stabilize the shoulder blades are weak, leading to altered movement patterns.
These issues often lead to shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and impaired muscle function. Although the signs are common in a lot of people, not everyone with these signs will have the same symptoms. This is why it is essential to consult one of our physiotherapists to identify your specific needs and design a tailored treatment plan that addresses your situation.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Resolving Your Pain
The first step to resolving your shoulder pain is a comprehensive evaluation. Our physiotherapists will 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, our physiotherapists will design tailored exercise regimens that address not only muscle length and strength but also neuromuscular factors. This could lead to more lasting relief and functional improvement.
Our team uses a functional approach that is rooted in neurology. We consider the interaction between your nervous systems, biomechanics of your spine and shoulder joints, as well as muscle function. This allows us to not only identify and address any imbalances in muscle length and strength but also from neuromuscular factors like muscle recruitment.
These exercises may include work on your 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 are holding and moving your body to ensure you have the tools to train your body in the proper movement patterns that help to correct imbalances and offer lasting relief.
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 PhysioPlus Health Group 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!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Join Us Today!
GROUP CLASSES
& 1:1 PILATES
Every Tuesday and Friday from 1-2 PM
NEW! EVENING CLASS NOW AVAILABLE!
Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 PM
• Increase core strength • Reduce pain and stiffness • Improve your posture • Reduce the risk of injury • Get active again..safely • Increase fitness level
Whether you’re already into Pilates or it’s your first time, this class is meant to make you stronger and be better prepared for your everyday activities.
Contact us today to book your class or a complimentary consultation with Monica where you can learn more about our Group and 1:1 Pilates Classes, discuss your personal fitness goals, and ask any questions you may have.
CALL: (647) 484-3345
Patient Graduation!
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Amanda
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Falls Prevention
Are you or someone you love at risk of falling? Are you unsteady on your feet?
Contact us today for your Fall Risk Assessment!
Go to the Pain, Not Through the Pain
The days of “no pain, no gain” are hopefully in the past. The idea of emphasizing pushing through discomfort to achieve results is not an effective solution for most people dealing with a painful condition, injury, or chronic condition. In fact, recent research suggests that a more holistic approach is effective and, indeed, safer for patients.
Pain is the body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. When a nerve ending is triggered, an impulse travels to the brain, alerting us that something is happening. It is a warning sign or an alarm. How this impulse is interpreted varies from person to person and is influenced by a multitude of factors.
Aggressively pushing through pain can worsen the underlying issues and potentially result in long-term damage. The key is getting help from someone who works with painful conditions every day. That’s where PhysioPlus Health Group comes in.
How Physiotherapy Can Help You Find Relief
In cases of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, applying excessive stress on already agitated tissues can prolong the healing process and even cause further injury. In comparison, going to the pain but not through it means cautiously approaching the edge of discomfort without crossing it, which can help your body progress without delaying your recovery.
The goal is to work within a “therapeutic window”: a range of activities that stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms without triggering negative responses.
At PhysioPlus Health Group, you’ll be educated about pain to help you understand your conditions better and actively participate in treatment. You’ll learn “pacing,” where activities are broken down into manageable parts, helping you to avoid extreme ups and downs of feeling good one day and an increase in pain and inactivity the next. Respecting the body’s pain signals and working within a therapeutic window aims to achieve long-term functional gains without the risks associated with pushing through pain.
Free Workshop:
How to Improve Your Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance Problems Today!
If you or a loved one wants actionable advice on how to relieve dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance while stuck at home, I have some good news for you…
Our clinic is holding a FREE Online Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance Workshop for you.
Where: On a Secured Zoom Webinar
When: February 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm EST
Price: FREE
Our Vestibular Physiotherapist will walk you through a workshop specifically designed to address your dizziness, vertigo, and balance concerns…
We’re going to show you the secret to addressing your dizziness, vertigo, and balance, and teach you what to do NOW so you can start to feel better.
Plus, you’ll discover so much more, including…
- At the end, a Q&A so you can get answers to your questions
- How to recognize the difference between vertigo and dizziness…and why it’s important
- Common causes of vertigo and dizziness with extensive focus on BPPV (the most common cause of vertigo)
- How vestibular rehabilitation can help
- 3 things you can do NOW to TAKE ACTION and overcome dizziness and vertigo
FREE WORKSHOP
How to Improve Your Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance Problems Today!
To register or for more information, call:
647.484.3345 or click below.
Register Today!
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Anti-Inflammatory Ginger & Turmeric Carrot Soup
This delicious ginger and turmeric carrot soup is as comforting as it is healing. Packed with strong flavors like garlic, fennel, and ginger, and full of anti-inflammatory ingredients, this is the perfect winter soup.
Directions: Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven or saucepan. Add the fennel, leeks, carrots, and squash. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the veggies start to soften. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and sauté for a few more minutes. Add the broth and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Once the soup is cooked, add it to a blender and blend until creamy. You could also use an immersion blender. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Serve immediately with a dollop of coconut yogurt and enjoy!
https://www.simplyquinoa.com/anti-inflammatory-ginger-turmeric-carrot-soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup chopped fennel bulb (1 small head)
- 3 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped butternut squash (or more carrots)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (about a 2-inch piece)
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can lite coconut milk (14.5 ounces)
In-Home Physiotherapy
Are you recovering from an injury or trying to manage a chronic condition? We have great news for you!
PhysioPlus offers the convenience of In-Home Physiotherapy, allowing you to receive the personalized care you need in the comfort of your own home. Our team of Registered Physiotherapists and Physio-Pilates Instructors are here to help you every step of the way.
We’re providing the following in-home services:
- Physiotherapy Treatment
- Physio Exercise & Clinical Pilates
- Private Pilates
Our In-Home Physiotherapy services can help with:
- Post-surgical rehab
- Muscle & Joint Injuries/Pain, Arthritis
- Vertigo & Dizziness
- Senior care (fall prevention, general weakness & deconditioning)
- Post-stroke or Concussion rehab
- Fractures
We understand that mobility or transportation challenges can sometimes make it difficult to visit our clinic. That’s why we’re making it easier for you..we’re bringing the clinic to your home!
Do you have questions? We’re here to help! We offer complimentary 15-minute consultations where you can discuss your concerns and get treatment advice from one of our therapists. Just give us a call at (416)760-8280!
If you’re a runner struggling with injuries that are affecting your running, or you’re looking to improve your technique or form, then you’ve come to the right place.
At PhysioPlus Health Group, our running experts use running gait assessments to figure out how to reduce your pain while running, improve your gait efficiency and target your areas of risk so that you can keep running happily.
Our Running Program is for athletes, runners & active people who:
• Are in pain or injured • Want to improve their form and performance • Are working toward a race goal
What To Expect From Your Running Assessment?
• Running Analysis — slow motion, video capture frame by frame analysis
• Real-time cues and drills to correct bad habits that lead to pain & interfere with performance
• Foot assessment, shoe advice, custom orthotics
• Physiotherapy & Chiropody treatment for your specific problem or concern
Do you think you could benefit from
a running or gait assessment?
Request a consultation with one of our running experts, so you can get started on the first steps to running and moving at your best ability!
Call (647) 484-3345 today!
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2. Gut
The inside story of our body’s most underrated organ by Giulia Enders
3. Breath
The new science of a lost art by James Nestor
4. Why We Sleep
Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams by Matthew Walker
5. Outlive
The science and art of longevity by Peter Attia
Give Us a Call Today
If you’re living with pain and discomfort, it’s worth contacting PhysioPlus Health Group to set up an appointment to have your condition assessed. Our physiotherapists will do everything in their power to give you the pain relief you deserve, and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy — pain-free!
What are you waiting for? Relief is a click away, so reach out today to set up an appointment!