Shoulder Pain Is Often Caused By Pecs!

Many clients experience shoulder pain, this can often be due to the Pectoral muscles, or Pecs as abbreviated in our title, being tight. 

There are two pectoral muscles, major & minor. The pectoral muscles are located in the chest region near the shoulder. The function of these muscles is to stabilize the shoulder girdle against the rib cage during downward movements of the arm. Contraction of the muscles pulls the shoulder blade downward & forward on the ribcage 

When these muscles get tight, from either, over use &/or bad posture. When tight they can ‘pull’ the shoulder forward lengthening the muscles through the shoulders and can cause rounded shoulders. These shoulder muscles are generally the ones to feel ‘pain’ and therefore people believe the shoulders are the cause however this is not always the case. 

Tight Pectoral Muscles can also entrap nerves in the armpit region that cause pain, numbness, and tingling to travel down the arm into the hand. Numbness can replicate similar symptoms as Carpal Tunnel. 

Carpal Tunnel – when the medial nerve in the arm is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Pain, numbness or even paresthesia of some or all fingers can occur. Wrist surgery is often recommended by specialists. 

Massage is certainly a non invasive option and can provide relief and in some clients remove symptoms altogether. Massage will help soften these tight pectoral muscles and therefore having no impact on nerve supply. Here at the clinic we have massaged many clients with this condition and had positive results. 

Good shoulder posture is achieved from being aware of your shoulder position & regular stretching to soften these muscles

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