The Rotator Cuff Connection

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Why do we have shoulder and neck pain? There are a lot of reasons as to why we have chronic pain here. 

Energetically we receive information before we process it on a conscious level. Physically the chest, shoulders, arms, rib cage, lungs, thoracic spine and heart are governed by the heart chakra. The neck, cervical spine and throat are governed by the throat chakra. These energy centers are highly sensitive to emotional upset and respond with a physical reaction such as tightening up and hurting.

On a energetic level chronic issues here are due to not feeling heard or comfortable expressing themselves. Perhaps we get upset and feel we can't talk about it or we may feel powerless or vulnerable to someone's energy or situation. We may be fearful of the future due to our past.  We may choose to introvert our opinions and emotions and therefore close our throats and hearts and avoid pain or ridicule.  We may have trouble loving or accepting love. This prevents us from owning our power and shining in our own truth and creativity.  The energy flow in these meridians shuts down.

On a physical level over time, feeling this way and over all not feeling respected and understood can certainly develop a pattern of elevated shoulders, protracted head and rounded upper back. Why, because we are protecting our organs and hearts from pain. We close up in the front body to feel less vulnerable.  Head forward in an attempt to be heard and a sense of eagerness for acknowledgement. This is all very subconscious and can be deeply rooted in our past.

 This creates patterns of tight clenched muscles that inevitably get stuck to each other and your range of motion decreases as your chronic pain increases. 

Take into consideration long term posture deviations and repetitive movements to exacerbate the issue implemented by deeply rooted energetic responses from your past. 

So over time these issues may travel not only into your neck causing pain and fatigue, but also make it's way into your upper back, chest, down your arms and sides.


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Don't concern yourself with the names of the muscles in the above picture. I want you to look at the muscles though, an see both ends and how they attach to your bones. With chronic shoulder and neck pain, it could be a combo platter of these muscles all contributing to pain and tightness. As well as effecting either shoulder movement, side body stabilization, chest and upper back strength and/or shoulder girdle power. Again heart and throat energy related issues.

The rotator cuff are four muscles around your shoulder that wrap around the ball and socket to cuff and protect the joint.

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With every shoulder and neck issue I see, we address these four muscles. They are referred to as the "SITS" muscles and when I see rotator cuff injuries it is one of these. S-Supraspinatous, I-Infraspinatous, T-Teres Minor, S- Subscapularis

These four muscles as well as others contribute to all the movements of our shoulders and despite their small size, are incredibly strong. When the rotators are tight it elevates your whole socket upwards towards the ears, creating shorter tighter muscles in your neck. The shorter muscles have to stabilize the weight of your head so the head counters the tightness by protruding forward. The head forward adds a lot more strain and work to the muscles and several more lbs. of pressure creating more tightness and pain. OUCH!!

I can tell you that as you work on releasing at least the SITS muscles it creates huge change in shoulder and neck pain. When the SITS muscles relax, then the neck muscles can lengthen and relax and the head retracts over the ears and shoulders drop down and back into a more comfortable alignment.

The rotator connection is the mindful awareness of when these four little muscles are tight and asking for relief. Listen in to your bodies cues. Watch for a change in posture in head alignment and shoulder elevation with pain. Also, feel into your emotions. Has there been a trigger? When you can make the connection emotionally it is one more tool to creating space for letting it go. I promise giving these four some love will leave you feeling much better.


Therapy on the table usually takes about 2-6 sessions to break the cycle of chronic pain. Once the physical healing brings much needed relief, then (if interested) we work on the emotional components of the "why" and gently release it to heal your soul.

So how do I release my SITS muscles at home?

My go to is a mop for relief for my SITS muscles. The best way to demonstrate is through videos. This video will explain in more detail the SITS muscles and a clever effective way to give you desired relief.

PLEASE share with a friend that has shoulder or neck pain.



Watch this for neck pain



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