The functioning of the shoulder is complex in many ways …
‘The shoulder’ in the broad sense is NOT ONE joint but a joint complex (3 articulations) with numerous sliding spaces and multiple muscles and tendons at the crossing of the cervical and thorax.
Its extension in space is the hand so the same function of the upper member … Proof is it is not possible to completely immobilize this complex!
The perfect function of this complex implies a harmony between all these elements, some of which have a conscious action and others act in an unconscious or automatic way.
The factors of disharmony are very numerous, most often in connection with a misuse of the shoulder complex (repeated physical gestures, inadequate posture, following a contusion of the cervical member or thorax).
At first asymptomatic compensation phenomena take over to carry out the gesture or ensure the function; but in the long run it causes pain and muscle contractures and / or inflammation of the sliding spaces.
At this stage the situation is often chronic and we must start from scratch the operation of this complex, task asked physiotherapists (and osteopaths more and more) …