Shoulder Pain & Chronic Holding Patterns

Cause

Overall posture can influence the shoulders placement and when chronic holding pattern are developed the shoulder musculature begin to compensate and the fascial connections become restrictive. There is a consent state of tension held between the front and back, and sides of the body, this tension helps to keep us erect and aligned. When there is an musculoskeletal imbalance, the muscles being to work against each other in a tug-a-war manner. In the front to back relationship of the body, often times, the frontal fascia and musculature become locked in a shorten state, whereas the back musculature and fascial connections are being lengthened and locked in an elongated state. This imbalance will create dysfunction and compensation, and the body is taught to work against itself rather than working as a unit. When compensation and dysfunction are present in the body and not addressed appropriately, it will continue to build upon the dysfunction creating more compensation and overtime you are bound to get an injury or pain. 

Effects

Over the years I have seen many clients with shoulder problems and there are many common issues that can occur such as; shoulder impingement causing numbness and tingling, frozen shoulder, muscle strains, musculature imbalance, muscle and tendon tears, bursitis, and tendonitis. When the shoulders are not sitting properly and stacked upon the other loading joints misalignment is created, and ultimately pain and dysfunction of some form within the shoulders will occur.  

Treatment

At Structura are approach is to get the body functioning properly by bring the whole body into better postural alignment. We do this through visual assessment, functional testing, lengthening and organizing the fascial and muscular systems, and a unique set of muscle re-education exercises. By doing this, the client will gain an increase in range of motion and stability, enhancing the chance of the  shoulders to function at their optimal state. Do not be surprised when we work in areas outside of the targeted pain because typically where the pain signal is located is not where the cause of the pain is coming from. Structura’s integrative therapies will help to increase range of motion and break up connective tissue adhesions, leading to greater mobility. We encourage you to move as much as possible to avoid fascial tissue adhesion and restrictions.

The muscle re-education exercises are vital to the healing process and create the perfect combination with the bodywork. They are a series of gentle exercises and stretches that re-educate the muscles, re-minding them of their full potential and function to help bring the body back into proper alignment. 

The education clients receive at Structura is considered an extremely important part of the healing process. Becoming more aware of your personal holding patterns, increasing body awareness, and taking accountability of your personal health is part of the recipe. Client’s who take accountability in their recovery experience better and longer lasting results.