Upper and Lower Crossed Syndromes. Permission Joseph E. Muscolino. Artwork: Giovanni Rimasti.

Thoracic Hyperkyphosis – The Critical Component of Upper Crossed Syndrome

For most of our clients who present with the postural distortion pattern known as upper crossed syndrome, it is important, perhaps absolutely necessary, to include thoracic spinal joint mobilization technique into extension as part of the treatment plan to address the thoracic hyperkyphosis.

Acromion Process and Head of Humerus. Permission Joseph E. Muscolino. Kinesiology - The Skeletal System and Muscle Function, 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2017).

Six Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Part 3

Another reason for shoulder impingement syndrome to occur is insufficient elevation of the clavicle. Most of scapular upward rotation is actually caused by elevation of the clavicle at the sternoclavicular joint, so if clavicular elevation is prevented for any reason, shoulder impingement syndrome can occur.

The Pectoralis Minor. Permission Joseph E. Muscolino. The Muscular System Manual - The Skeletal Muscles of the Human Body, 4th ed. (Elsevier, 2017).

Six Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Part 2

For scapular upward rotation to occur, scapular downward rotator musculature must lengthen. If scapular downward rotation muscles are tight, they might not be flexible enough to allow for scapular upward rotation, thereby causing shoulder impingement syndrome to occur.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Permission Joseph E. Muscolino. Kinesiology - The Skeletal System and Muscle Function, 3ed (Elsevier, 2017).

Six Causes of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Part 1

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition in which the distal tendon of the supraspinatus and the subacromial bursa become impinged between the head of the humerus and the acromion process of the scapula. Following are the six major causes of shoulder impingement syndrome.