To fix your pain problem, you can’t just look at the spot where it hurts – you have to look at the entire integrated movement pattern.

If you have pain or movement limitation of your shoulder, the logical trail leads back to your shoulder blade – the scapula – and the muscles that support it.

The most common shoulder problems, including impingement, rotator cuff pain, labral tears, and more, can all be traced back to shoulder blade imbalances.

A thorough rehab program for shoulder problems has to include

• An analysis of your posture and pattern of muscle engagement when you move your arm
• Connective tissue treatment for the tendons and ligaments of the shoulder that are giving you trouble
• Analysis of your daily activities and athletic pursuits to determine where extra shoulder stress adds up
• Targeted strengthening exercises for the lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and the other muscles that anchor the scapula
• And, if poor alignment of the neck and upper back are contributing to your problem too, mobilization of the joints of the spine.

You can take a big step toward rehabbing your shoulder problem by taking a look at Dr. Lavine’s video – Top Five Exercises to Strengthen Your Shoulder and Prevent Rotator Cuff Injuries

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Deepen Your Body of Knowledge

Swimmers’ overuse injuries of the shoulder