It’s not just your shoulder

Many people come to the clinic complaining of shoulder tension or pain. They expect the problem to be in the rotator cuff, the shoulder blade, or a tendon. But in practice, the root often lies elsewhere — particularly in the dorsal spine (mid-back) and neck. The shoulder is made up of 5 different parts that need assessment.

🧠 How the Spine Affects the Shoulder:

• Your shoulder blades (scapulae) float over the ribcage and rely on the mid-back for support and movement.
• If the thoracic spine is stiff, the scapula doesn’t glide properly. This leads to strain on the shoulder muscles.
• The neck (cervical spine) provides the nerve supply to the arms. Neck tension or misalignment can cause weakness, tingling, or pain radiating to the shoulder or hand.

👣 Posture may be a factor (But It’s Not Just About Sitting Straight):

Modern life — laptops, phones, commuting — encourages a forward head and rounded shoulders posture.
This limits movement in the dorsal spine and overloads the neck and shoulders.

A classic sign: you feel the need to roll your shoulders, crack your neck, or self-massage throughout the day.

👐 Osteopathy Can Help:

Osteopathic treatment:

• Restores movement to the thoracic spine
• Relieves pressure in the neck
• Rebalances muscle patterns between neck, spine, and shoulders

We don’t just chase the symptom — we look for where the strain begins.

✅ Simple Things You Can Try:

• Take breaks every 30–40 minutes at your desk
• Stretch your chest and mid-back
• Use a lumbar support cushion
• Do shoulder blade “retractions” to counter slumping
• Book in for an osteopathic assessment

🏡 Clinic in Chiswick —