Understanding Your Shoulder

Your shoulder is your most mobile extremity and also one of your most vulnerable. All athletes require smooth and flawless shoulder articulation to excel at their sport. Having been a big wave surfer and triathlete, I, out of necessity, became a shoulder specialist.

The shoulder is comprised of 3 bones: scapula or shoulder blade, clavicle or collar bone, and humerus or arm bone. The shoulder rests on top of and slides over a portion of the rib cage and there are 5 joints in the shoulder. Amazingly, there are eighteen muscles responsible for shoulder motion and stabilization and each has a specific function. These muscles attach to and operate the arm: latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, coracobrachialis, supraspinatus, pectoralis major, teres minor, teres major, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and deltoid muscles. The 7 shoulder stabilizers are: trapezius, rhomboids major and minor, levator scapula, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and subclavis.

Every muscle does at least two things: stretch across a joint and articulate or move the bone opposite the joint. Muscle imbalances of any of the 11 + 7 muscles pull the shoulder toward the direction of tension, causing postural imbalance and joint misalignment.

Shoulder problems may be localized, occur over a wide area, or refer into the arms, hands, and neck. These problems all have one thing in common: shoulder and rib misalignment. All muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves depend on proper joint alignment, without which dysfunction and pain are inevitable. The rule to remember is "structure dictates function". Poor posture, repetitive use, and trauma are the most common cause of shoulder joint misalignment. 

If you're shoulder is bothering you come and get relief in just one treatment. As a shoulder specialist, I am an expert at getting people out of pain fast. Call me now at 831-425-1288.