I’m often asked ‘do I have rounded shoulders?’ Most of the time the answer is yes to one or both shoulders, this is mainly due to our modern day lifestyles and learnt movement patterns we have learnt from those around us.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to start getting curious about your shoulders position –

• Do you hunch over your computer?
• When looking at your posture in the mirror, can you see the backs of your hand/s?
• Do you find it uncomfortable to stand with your arms hanging relaxed?
• Do your clothes hang differently?
• Has your head position moved forward?

When one or both of the shoulders are rounded forward, the range of motion at the shoulder joint significantly declines. The shoulder is also in a weakened position for doing basic lifting motions, this can then become more susceptible to injuries, nerve impingements from nerves running from the neck down the arm, and other pains associated with the forearm and hands.

Common pains and symptoms from rounded shoulders –

• Rotator cuff tears, labrum injuries, hand weakness or numbness.
• Tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, tendonitis.
• There’s usually stiffness in the shoulder or the vicinity of the shoulder blade, pain ranging from dull aches to sharp jabs and restricted movement of the arm.
• Neck pain, neck stiffness, TMJ.

How to improve rounded shoulders –

By using the right corrective exercises for you and changing a few daily habits you can improve your posture which will improve your rounded shoulders and relieve any pain symptoms. Follow the exercises below to get yourself started, this is a great routine to do every day if you have rounded shoulders and your head position is forward.

At Align Your Body, we help clients restore balance in their body and relieve chronic pain, by improving their posture. If you would like to know more, please get in touch for a free consultation, CONTACT US PAGE