Muscular Imbalance
Muscular imbalance can occur anywhere on the body, but two most common types are Upper and Lower Crossed Syndrome. Muscle imbalance occurs when specific groups of muscles are unequal in strength and flexibility, causing the muscles to fire inefficiently. This can alter posture or movement patterns and cause pain.
Upper Crossed Syndrome occurs when the muscles in the upper spine, chest and shoulders are out of balance. It is more common for the Upper Trapezius and Pectorals to become stronger and tighter, while the Lower Traps and Deep Cervical Flexors become weaker. Tight pectorals and Upper Traps can cause rounding of the shoulders. Weak neck muscles can cause a protruded head. This specific muscle imbalance is linked to poor posture which typically leads to neck pain, headaches, and shoulder impingement. Students and individuals with desk jobs are more susceptible to Upper Crossed Syndrome due to prolonged sitting and computer use.
Lower Crossed Syndrome occurs when muscles in the hip, thigh, abdomen, buttock and low back are out of balance causing postural changes and pain in those areas. Typically the Iliopsoas (hip flexors) and Lumbar Paraspinals (low back muscles) become stronger and tighter, leaving the Abdominals and Glutes to become weaker. This imbalance can lead to an increased lordotic curve to the lumbar spine which may cause low back pain. Lower Crossed Syndrome can be common amongst runners and may increase their risk of injury to knee and ankle joints.
How can AVORA help you?
At your initial examination, a Doctor of Physical Therapy will discuss your current symptoms and perform an extensive examination. The physical exam may include range of motion measurements, muscle testing, movement analysis, and ruling-out other causes. The goal of therapy is to determine which muscles are not firing adequately, to improve muscular balance, and to prevent imbalances from reoccurring. If you do have a diagnosis of Upper Crossed Syndrome, treatment will likely include postural strengthening, pec stretching, and work ergonomic education. Patients with Lower Crossed Syndrome will focus on glute and core strengthening as well as stretching hip flexors and low back.
What causes Muscular Imbalance?
What are the symptoms of muscular imbalance?
Interventions for treating muscular imbalances
If you or someone you know has muscular imbalance call AVORA Physical Therapy at (828) 505-2664 today!
Upper Crossed Syndrome occurs when the muscles in the upper spine, chest and shoulders are out of balance. It is more common for the Upper Trapezius and Pectorals to become stronger and tighter, while the Lower Traps and Deep Cervical Flexors become weaker. Tight pectorals and Upper Traps can cause rounding of the shoulders. Weak neck muscles can cause a protruded head. This specific muscle imbalance is linked to poor posture which typically leads to neck pain, headaches, and shoulder impingement. Students and individuals with desk jobs are more susceptible to Upper Crossed Syndrome due to prolonged sitting and computer use.
Lower Crossed Syndrome occurs when muscles in the hip, thigh, abdomen, buttock and low back are out of balance causing postural changes and pain in those areas. Typically the Iliopsoas (hip flexors) and Lumbar Paraspinals (low back muscles) become stronger and tighter, leaving the Abdominals and Glutes to become weaker. This imbalance can lead to an increased lordotic curve to the lumbar spine which may cause low back pain. Lower Crossed Syndrome can be common amongst runners and may increase their risk of injury to knee and ankle joints.
How can AVORA help you?
At your initial examination, a Doctor of Physical Therapy will discuss your current symptoms and perform an extensive examination. The physical exam may include range of motion measurements, muscle testing, movement analysis, and ruling-out other causes. The goal of therapy is to determine which muscles are not firing adequately, to improve muscular balance, and to prevent imbalances from reoccurring. If you do have a diagnosis of Upper Crossed Syndrome, treatment will likely include postural strengthening, pec stretching, and work ergonomic education. Patients with Lower Crossed Syndrome will focus on glute and core strengthening as well as stretching hip flexors and low back.
What causes Muscular Imbalance?
- Leg length difference
- Poor posture
- Repetitive movements with work/lifestyle
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Workouts/activity involving the same muscle groups over and over again (i.e. running)
What are the symptoms of muscular imbalance?
- Diffuse muscle pain in any of the involved muscles
- Scoliosis
- Difficulty/pain performing certain movements
- Restricted posture
Interventions for treating muscular imbalances
- Muscle lengthening
- Muscle strengthening
- Joint mobilization
- Postural education/re-training
- Activity Modification
If you or someone you know has muscular imbalance call AVORA Physical Therapy at (828) 505-2664 today!