Posture Could Be the Culprit Behind Your Shoulder Pain

No one likes dealing with shoulder pain. The discomfort and immobility can prevent you from doing daily activities like grabbing something off a high shelf or reaching up to brush your hair.

Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

POSTURE COULD BE THE CULPRIT BEHIND YOUR SHOULDER PAIN We’ll dig down to the source–and give you the guidance you need to correct the issue.

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Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

POSTURE COULD BE THE CULPRIT BEHIND YOUR SHOULDER PAIN

Meet Diana, Receptionist Extraordinaire Diana had worked as a receptionist and administrative assistant for years. She enjoyed her work, but it did require her to spend long hours sitting in front of a computer as she sifted through spreadsheets and calendar appointments. Her issues with shoulder pain began gradually. They had always been a little stiff, but the restricted range of motion had worsened in the last few months. She also noticed tightness in her chest and twinges of pain throughout her shoulders and neck. Diana tried to ignore her symptoms at first, thinking they’d eventually go away on their own. Instead, they became more frequent, worsening enough that Diana struggled to sit at her desk long enough to get any work done. That was when she came to visit us. Our Physical Therapists Were on the Case As always, we started Diana with a comprehensive assessment to help us understand the root cause of her discomfort. We took a health history, talked to her about potential injuries, and conducted several movement screens–including a postural screen. The postural screen was where we made headway. After reviewing Diana’s posture while she was sitting, standing up, and moving around, we noticed the following: • She held her head forward in relation to her shoulders, a stance called “forward head posture.” • She tended to round her shoulders, giving her slight kyphosis, or a hunched posture, in her upper back. • Her shoulder blades were protracted away from her spine. The signs were clear: Diana had developed upper cross syndrome. Upper cross syndrome is a condition marked by postural changes that have a waterfall effect throughout the body.

No one likes dealing with shoulder pain. The discomfort and immobility can prevent you from doing daily activities like grabbing something off a high shelf or reaching up to brush your hair. So, when your shoulder starts hurting, it’s important to figure out why. Often, shoulder pain stems from an injury. For example, take rotator cuff tears, in which the muscles and tendons that wrap the shoulder become damaged: these injuries are common and can result from a sudden traumatic injury like a fall or develop gradually. However, sometimes, shoulder pain might not have such a clear- cut cause. One of our patients learned this for herself–we’ll call her Diana. She was dealing with persistent shoulder pain and couldn’t figure out why. Fortunately, the physical therapists at Physical Therapy Specialties were on the case. And the culprit? It turned out to be Diana’s posture.

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POSTURE COULD BE THE CULPRIT BEHIND YOUR SHOULDER PAIN

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Diana’s postural impairments had impacted the muscles in her upper back and shoulder girdle. As a result, the movement in her upper body became impaired, leading to her pain and mobility restrictions. A Personalized Solution to Lasting Pain Relief Now that we understood why Diana was experiencing shoulder pain, we could develop a customized treatment to correct her posture and address the muscular impairments and imbalances that had led to her symptoms in the first place.

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The foundation of Diana’s treatment was a comprehensive therapeutic exercise program. We began by improving her shoulder’s range of motion through simple mobility exercises. After a few weeks, Diana was ready to begin strengthening the affected muscles. Using equipment like resistance bands and weights, we guided Diana through targeted exercises that addressed muscular weakness and imbalance. Throughout her program, we also helped Diana improve her overall posture. Like many people, she thought postural improvements were about “sitting up straight.” In reality, she needed to keep her spine aligned as she moved through different postures throughout the day. Because Diana had a desk job, we emphasized the importance of changing her posture regularly by taking quick breaks. Diana began using a timer to remind herself to get up every 30 minutes or so and walk around the office. While it took a little effort on Diana’s part, eventually, her pain receded, and her shoulders were more mobile than they’d been in years. To make sure she didn’t relapse, we provided her with exercises to do at home to keep her upper body strong. Is Your Posture Causing You Pain? Diana learned just how important posture is. If you’re struggling with persistent shoulder pain, call the team at Physical Therapy Specialties. We’ll dig down to the source–and give you the guidance you need to correct the issue.

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One study found that the average person spends a third of their life at work–so if you’re looking to improve your health and wellness, you need to take your job into consideration! Unfortunately, many jobs can make this challenging. They force you into prolonged postures or require you to perform repetitive movements–both of which can strain your musculoskeletal system. At Physical Therapy Specialties, our physical therapists can work with you to find solutions to any work-related concerns. Here are a few of the things we might suggest: YOUR POSTURE AT WORK HOW TO IMPROVE

• Find your ideal posture. An ideal posture is one in which your spine rests in its natural alignment, whether sitting, standing, or moving around. This is something we can help you discover! • Take frequent breaks. As the saying goes, “Your best posture is your next posture.” Find ways to move your body throughout the day. If you work an office job, this can be as simple as getting up every 30-40 minutes for five minutes. But even if you have a job that requires you to stand for Your job shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. By making small adjustments to your posture, movement habits, and workspace, you can reduce strain and feel better both on and off the clock. At Physical Therapy Specialties, we’re here to support you with personalized strategies that fit your unique job demands and lifestyle. Let’s work together to make your workday healthier and more comfortable.

long periods (such as retail or factory work), you still need to take breaks. Shift your weight, put a leg on a bench, or do some quick stretches–we can help you find quick, simple ways to move. • Pay attention to ergonomics: The field of ergonomics focuses on improving your working environment for comfort and efficiency. Make sure your workstation (whether a chair and desk or a workbench) is the right height for your body. Use adaptive equipment as necessary. Our team can provide all the guidance you need!

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Come Back In For A Consultation Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or want to improve your health, a doctor referral is not needed. In the state of California, you have direct access to physical therapy!

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See our physical therapists for: • Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains • Back and neck pain • Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties

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PATIENT SPOTLIGHT What our patients have to say!

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“It has changed my life!” “I have had lower back issues for the past year. I had an epidural to ease some of the pain, but that didn’t help much! After four shockwave treatments, my pain is virtually gone. It has changed my life!” - Marilyn J. “I am so happy I did Shockwave/EMTT.”

“I received 4 sessions of shockwave on my neck. My neck range of motion improved within normal limits and has maintained to this day, two months later. I am able to turn my head to look over my shoulder when driving and now I do not need to turn my entire body. The tension I had in

Improve Your Health In Our Warm Water Therapy Pool! my head and neck areas is 90% less than when I first started the treatments. Due to the arthritis in my neck, I do feel stiffness that decreases with stretching of neck muscles. The soreness in my upper trap area has also lessened with stretching exercises. I would definitely recommend Shockwave and EMTT if one does not get complete relief of all symptoms because it does give you improved functionality and mobility. I am so happy I took I did Shockwave/EMTT.” - K. Merle

www.pt-specialties.com COME BACK TO PT Make an appointment today with one of our therapists and get back to the activities you enjoy — pain-free! 925.417.8005 Has a New Pain Started? Have you experienced an injury?

I n c r e a s e range of motion M o v e freely P r o t e c t joints R e d u c e pain O b t a i n cardio fitness V i t a l i z e muscle strength E n h a n c e flexibility and balance

Pool Therapy and Water Classes Offered Daily. Schedule is on our website.

Exercise Essentials Try these simple exercises to help keep you loose and pain-free... Share this with a friend or family member to help keep them healthy, too!

This exercise improves mobility, relieves back pain, and enhances functional movement.

DEAD BUG Lie on your back with arms extended toward the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees. Lower one arm and the opposite leg toward the floor while keeping your core engaged. Return to start and alternate sides for core stability. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps.

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

Who do you know that needs our help?

Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely

9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle

If you know someone suffering from aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Physical Therapy Specialties today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly for a Physical Therapy Consultation.

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CALL TODAY! 925.417.8005 3908 Valley Ave., Suite B Pleasanton, CA 94566 INSIDE: • Posture Could Be the Culprit Behind Your Shoulder Pain • How to Improve Your Posture at Work • Warm Water Therapy Pool! • Exercise Essentials

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