Rounded shoulders can be caused by many things.
For example, you may hold stress in your shoulders, or you may overuse your upper body muscles. The best way to fix rounded shoulders is to learn good posture.
The good news is that it doesn’t require a brace or expensive exercise equipment. With proper training, you can have an aligned body and correct your posture in just 20 minutes a day.
Exercises To Correct Rounded Shoulders
If you’ve been experiencing rounded shoulders, you’re not alone.
This postural abnormality can develop from long-term slouching and overstretching of the muscles. This can cause the shoulder joint to rotate inwards and force the head forward, which results in tightness in the front muscles of the chest.
Fortunately, there are several exercises you can do at home to correct rounded shoulders.
One exercise for correcting rounded shoulders is the band pull-apart. This exercise aims to engage the muscles in the mid-traps and fix the rounded shoulder position. The band pull-apart should be performed with the arms straight in front of the chest and thumbs pointing up.
In addition to strengthening the muscles in the mid-traps, this exercise improves flexibility in these muscles. For best results, do this exercise for 10 minutes per day, ideally in the morning or nighttime.
Another way to correct rounded shoulders is to avoid hunching forward. If you must sit down for an extended period of time, try to sit up straight.
You can also try taking frequent walks and practicing stretches. Scapular slides on the wall are also a good way to correct rounded shoulders.
To improve the posture of rounded shoulders, you must adjust your lifestyle. Sitting for long hours is one of the main causes of rounded shoulders.
By maintaining good posture, you can prevent further complications like kyphosis and chronic neck strain. A chiropractor will help you correct the problem by performing simple exercises every day.
Whether you’re suffering from rounded shoulders because of improper driving habits or a heavy weight training program, you can fix the problem with a few simple exercises.
Changing your workstation can also help. While it’s important to practice good posture, it’s important to make sure to avoid excessive lifting of heavy weight.
Degenerative Joint Disease
The shoulders, also known as the scapula, are a complex structure that consists of the upper arm bone and the collarbone.
They are covered with cartilage on the ends, which cushions the bones as they move. The shoulder blade and collarbone are attached by two separate joints, called the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints.
Arthritis in these joints can lead to rounded shoulders and decrease range of motion in the shoulder joint.
One of the main causes of rounded shoulders is degenerative joint disease, which results in bone tissue dying. When the disease is advanced, it can disrupt normal movements and interfere with daily activities.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help prevent this disease from destroying your shoulder joint.
Surgical treatment options include total joint replacement, in which the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the joint and implants a metal prosthesis in its place.
The effectiveness of surgical treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Moreover, rounded shoulders are often accompanied by a forward head posture. This condition is often caused by occupations that require people to remain in static postures for long periods of time.
Those with this condition are at risk for developing thoracic kyphosis. Approximately 6% of the total weight of the human body is carried by the head. This weight is linked to the cervical spine and all other joints in the kinematic chain.
Arthroscopic surgery can be performed to correct rounded shoulders. In some cases, this surgery is done to correct the glenoid deficiency.
In some cases, this surgery can also address osteophytes and capsular contractures. The procedure requires a surgeon to remove some of the disease-causing tissue.
Arthritis
Round shoulders are caused by various factors, including arthritis and posture.
They restrict movement in the shoulder joint and can lead to pain and strain in the trapezoids, upper back, and neck. If you suffer from rounded shoulders, it is recommended that you consult a physician to find out the causes of this condition.
Arthritis in the shoulder is a progressive condition that damages the cartilage in the shoulder joint. When the cartilage is damaged, the bones rub against each other, which causes further damage.
In many cases, shoulder arthritis causes the shoulder to lock and slide. While this condition is not life threatening, it may limit daily activities.
To prevent rounded shoulders, it is important to learn how to maintain proper posture. A rounded shoulder is caused by excessive tension and strain on the shoulder muscles.
This puts undue stress on the joints and can lead to rotator cuff imbalances and dysfunction. Strengthening the muscles in the shoulder can help alleviate these issues and even prevent arthritis in some cases.
Ice and heat can also be used to relieve shoulder arthritis pain. You can purchase ice packs or use a cold therapy pad and place it on the shoulder several times a day.
Ice packs should be applied to the shoulder at different angles, such as the front, the back, and across the top. These should be applied for 20-30 minutes. If ice packs and heat are not effective, you should consult a physician.
Shoulders are stabilized by tendons and ligaments. These connect muscle to bone and help rotate the ball and socket of the shoulder. If you don’t take proper rest, these tendons and ligaments will become inflamed and cause pain and swelling. This inflammation will result in pain and stiffness when you lift your arm.
If you suffer from shoulder arthritis, physical therapy is not recommended. However, if you find that it interferes with your daily activities, you can still practice gentle exercises that can help alleviate the pain.
Performing exercises that strengthen the shoulder will not only decrease pain, but it will also improve the joint’s range of motion and strength.
Self-Massage Techniques
Self-massage techniques for rounded shoulder pain include a few different ways to stretch the muscles that cause the pain.
One method involves using a tennis ball. First, lay flat on the floor. Then, place the ball between the shoulder blade and the spine. Hold the ball there for a few seconds.
Then, slowly raise and lower your shoulders while gently stroking it in the direction you want. Repeat this technique for two to three minutes to help relieve the pain.
You can also try massaging the chest muscles. These muscles are often overstretched and cause pain. Self-massage exercises can help relieve this tension, which in turn can relieve back pain and neck pain.
While self-massage doesn’t replace professional massage, it’s a convenient way to relieve pain in between massage sessions. It’s best to consult a massage therapist if your pain persists, or if you feel it’s becoming a chronic problem.
Self-massage can be performed anywhere. The main advantage of this method is that it’s inexpensive and nearly free. Self-massage techniques help you rejuvenate your body and relieve pain by stimulating circulation and blood flow.
If you have a hard time locating the pain-causing muscles, try using a tennis ball, lacrosse ball, or your hands to massage the affected areas.
To use a tennis ball for massage, you can place it against the wall, and use a circular motion to work the muscles. Make sure to hold the ball in place while you’re massaging. Remember, you need to focus on the right muscle.
Often overlooked by massage therapists, the lower trapezius is the source of most mid and upper back pain. While most people give credit to the rhomboids for the tension between the shoulder blades, the lower trapezius is often the most troublesome.
Another great way to get rid of rounded shoulders is by using stretching exercises. Many exercise regimens focus on the chest and biceps, and neglect the back.
This will result in muscle imbalances and rounded shoulders. By working your entire body, you can improve your posture and prevent back and shoulder pain.
Takeaway
There are many different methods you can use to relieve rounded shoulder pain. Heat, ice, and self-massage are all great ways to reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching exercises can also help improve your posture and prevent future pain. If your pain persists, consult a doctor or massage therapist to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.