Muscle Minute TUESDAY – Windswept (Part 7 – Shoulder and Iliac Crest Height)

Though this is one of the last entries in the windswept series, this is probably one of the most obvious observations to make with this asymmetrical posture. When windswept to the left, the left shoulder and iliac crest are higher than the right. An easy way to pick this up is to ask on which side they carry a purse, backpack or gym bag. People will tend to hook the bag on their higher (more supinated) side:

If they try to hook it on the other side, the bag would tend to fall off. How else can you confirm the higher side? Side bending of the trunk usually yields a “pinch” on the higher side versus a pull on the opposite side:

And trigger points on the higher side tell a story. Remember, trigger points set up in muscles that are chronically short. Two key trigger points signal a supinated side: upper trapezius and quadratus lumborum.

Upper trapezius trigger points may cause headaches, neck tension and ringing in the ears.

Quadratus lumborum trigger points may refer pain into the iliac crest, SI joint and lateral hip, mimicking bursitis or sciatica.

Why does this matter?

If you observe an upper trapezius and quadratus lumborum trigger point on the same side, think to correct the supination of that side, beginning at the bottom of the biomechanical chain, the subtalar joint. Or if you are not getting results in stretching these muscles individually (which often is not the fix), address the various asymmetries on the supinated side: decreased thoracic rotation, pelvic rotation towards that side, etc. Reference the earlier entries in this series.

Iliac crest and shoulder height are easy observations and can be confirmed with trigger point palpation. It is one of the first things I check to start determining if someone has a windswept posture. Higher on the same side=supination. Don’t get stuck on just thinking about a diagnosis. Look at the big picture, the posture, and fix what you find.

Because nobody has time to be in pain.

Until next time…