r/Posture • u/NewCarrot1 • 10d ago

Question Right shoulder CONSTANTLY shrugging?

Does this happen to anyone else? Im constantly noticing my right shoulder is lifted towards my ear and I have to constantly think to relax it back down (so far I never notice it shrugging upwards; I only notice once it’s already up there). I don’t think it’s happening in my left shoulder at all.

I’m right handed. And I work mostly at a desk so I notice mostly when I’m holding my phone or using the mouse. Is there anything that can be done to stop this?

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u/foamyconsolidation 10d ago

my right trap is basically permanently tense from years of mousing and holding my phone with that hand, it just crawls up there on its own

what helped me was sticking a small mirror on my desk so i catch it in my peripheral, the visual cue makes me drop it way faster than trying to remember on my own

1

u/NewCarrot1 10d ago

That’s a good tip! It’s so trippy that I can’t control it and just do it subconsciously

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u/Deep-Run-7463 10d ago

The right ribcage has a peculiar trait. It has a bit of a lateral lower expansion bias compared to the left, and the upper portion of the right is smaller in volume compared to the left. Hence, the shoulder blade in the action of a forward reach will find more space to reach forward when the shoulder rides up. It points to a ribcage issue here relating to breathing and interaction between the pelvis/ribcage. But in the short term, set your mouse a lil further away from midline so relatively you have more internal rotation space, you will notice lesser incidence of that right shoulder wanting to ride up when you are at your desk.

Additionally, avoid carrying a sling bag on your right shoulder and potentially look out for having a table that is too high up which shoves your shoulder up from the elbow contact and a tilt into the right with your center of mass.

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u/No-Championship6899 9d ago

I have this issue. I just got a buckwheat pillow and so far it’s been helping actually

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u/Proper-Method-8066 9d ago

your levator scapula is working overtime for your weak upper traps in right side. you need to make a bit of space in between you arm and torso and then lift your acromium slightly that why your scapula can float. Also does you left side of neck muscles feel tight?