Do you find it difficult to get on top of shoulder tension? It is not always a case of massaging the tension away. This situation can commonly relate to a postural issue. A combination of manual therapy and postural support can be what’s needed to address it.
Often this occurs when a muscle is weak. This creates shoulder tension – the shoulder muscles are forced to over-work to compensate for the weakness.
An assessment of where the muscle weakness lies is needed.
Manual therapy can help encourage the muscles and joints to behave better. Well- placed advice and exercise can create the muscle balance required to stop forcing the shoulders to over-work, taking away the relentless feeling of shoulder tension.
You may be susceptible to shoulder tension if:
- You spend long periods of time at a desk and computer. Or spend long periods sitting.
- You have an occupation, a hobby, or a habit of looking down a lot.
- You recognise you find it difficult to, or don’t position your body well regularly.
- You are under prolonged stress – maybe you notice your breathing patterns have changed.
- You have a deficit in eyesight or hearing.
- If you struggle with jaw and/or dental problems.
- Chronic or acute respiratory problems – asthma, COPD, pneumonia, hayfever, the common cold…
- Surgery that alters body position, or maybe requires the use of crutches or other mobility aids.
All of the above require different solutions and methods to manage ongoing challenges. The solution is often not just about working on the shoulders, although this will likely be part of it.
Osteopathy is well placed to provide individual assessment and personalised solutions. Eliminating pain and discomfort.
