One of the most common injuries to afflict athletes of any skill level is shoulder pain. From the “weekend warrior” to the professional athlete, no one is immune to injury. The majority of shoulder problems develop from small injuries or microtrauma over a period of time, due to poor biomechanics or a muscular imbalance.

Microtraumatic shoulder injuries happen in a predictable pattern: impingement, tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injury. This leads us to the upper crossed syndrome (UCS). This syndrome is based on Dr. Vladimir Janda’s work in researching and understanding the predictable pattern of muscular compensation and postural imbalances in the body. He postulated that faulty movement patterns on a poor postural base contribute to habitual overuse in isolated joints. Therefore, this creates a self-perpetuating cycle of dysfunction and eventual injury.

UCS leads to a forward head posture causing strain to the muscular attachments of the shoulder and shoulder blade. The shoulders become rounded forward, so the shoulder socket becomes altered. The humerus (arm) now requires additional stabilization from muscles that are typically quiet. These muscles are behind your neck and attach into your shoulder blades. Someone who sits at a desk all day and is tying on a computer will know where these muscles are located! You will have a rounded posture and your neck is usually strained while sitting in your chair all day.

Muscular adhesions and trigger points (painful points in the muscle) develop in these muscles which will lead to muscle pain in the upper extremity. Massage, passive and active stretching and some strengthening exercises are all involved in the treatment of upper crossed syndrome.

Shoulder pain is a very common complaint, but it is usually not diagnosed correctly or even treated efficiently. Usually, there is an underlying, chronic shoulder instability that needs to be addressed before any strengthening or stretching program can be implemented. If you suffer with shoulder pain or dysfunction, there may be an alternative to surgery or medications to alleviate the problem.

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About the Doctor: Dr. Kelly Minicucci

Dr. Minicucci is a graduate of Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech. Dr. Minicucci is studying to become a Fellow and a Diplomate in the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture later on this summer.

Dr. Minicucci has her own practice, Total Health Concepts, located 1 block south of Chatfield on Kipling, and will offer availability on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The clinic offers massage therapy, Acupuncture with ElectroMagnetic Imaging diagnosis, Ear Candling, Reiki and Essential oils.

Dr. Minicucci is an avid outdoor enthusiast, with interests such as horseback riding, biking and skiing. She has taught various aerobics classes over the past 8 years and loves to both work out and motivate others.

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We offer ElectroMagnetic Imaging for accurate acupuncture diagnosis, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Raindrop Therapy (essential oils) and Ear Candling
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