OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Shoulder Discomfort and Asymmetry: Seeking Insight

7/11/2025, 1:50:24 AMMale25-34

I'm a 22-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing 115 pounds, with no noteworthy health issues in my past. My current medications include 90 mg of Cymbalta, 25 mg of Metoprolol, birth control pills, and vitamin D supplements. I've noticed that I tend to suffer from various injuries more often than most, although I won't delve into specifics. I lead a relatively active lifestyle, which could contribute to this, combined with my excessive flexibility that may lead to overextension during workouts. Recently, I underwent an X-ray of my back and was relieved to discover that scoliosis is not an issue for me, especially since it's affected my mother's and siblings' lives. However, I am perplexed as to why one of my shoulders appears markedly lower than the other. I consulted with a physiotherapist regarding my shoulder pain, and they mentioned that my shoulder is positioned incorrectly, although I'm uncertain what exactly that entails. They provided me with a series of exercises to follow. While the discomfort is manageable at the moment, I still experience occasional flare-ups. During these times, the sensation is akin to my shoulder feeling "saggy" or unsupported, and if I let it hang too long, the pain intensifies, making it necessary for me to support it on something like a table. I've scheduled another physiotherapy session, which also includes acupuncture for my facet joints, but that's not until several months from now. In the meantime, I can't help but wonder if the pain I'm experiencing might be contributing to the visible difference in my shoulder height. Does anyone else recognize these symptoms or have insights to share? Thank you for your help!

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisCrohn's Disease

Answers (1)

Cony

7/11/2025, 1:50:41 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing shoulder discomfort that may be related to muscular imbalances or posture issues, which could contribute to the visible asymmetry of your shoulder height. It’s good to hear that you've already consulted with a physiotherapist and have some exercises to follow. Here's a breakdown of your situation and some actionable steps you can take in the meantime.

Main Points:

  1. Shoulder discomfort and noticeable asymmetry may stem from muscle imbalances or postural issues.
  2. The exercises provided by your physiotherapist are crucial for addressing these imbalances.
  3. Maintaining proper posture and incorporating specific self-care strategies now can help reduce discomfort until your next physiotherapy session.

Explanation

Muscles around your shoulders and upper back help stabilize your shoulder joint. If some muscles are stronger or tighter than others, they can pull your shoulder out of alignment, leading to the asymmetry you’re noticing. Common contributors include posture during activities, injury patterns, and your inherent flexibility.

Given that you describe yourself as "excessively flexible," it’s possible that your muscles may not be providing adequate support during movement, leading to discomfort and the feeling of a "saggy" shoulder. This can sometimes be exacerbated by repetitive strain or inadequate resting positions.

Next Steps:

  1. Perform Your Physiotherapy Exercises: Continue with the exercises provided by your physiotherapist diligently. They are specifically tailored to help improve your shoulder alignment and strength.

  2. Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially during activities like studying or exercising. Try to keep your shoulders back and down to promote better alignment.

  3. Stretching and Strengthening: Beyond your physiotherapy exercises, incorporate gentle stretches for your upper back and shoulders. Engage in strength-training exercises that target the rotator cuff and upper back muscles to promote stability around the shoulder joint.

  4. Supportive Positions: When you feel discomfort, use supportive pillows or props to relieve pressure on your shoulder. For example, resting your arm on a cushion can ease strain during flare-ups.

  5. Heat and Ice Therapy: If you experience pain or stiffness, using a warm compress can help relax muscles, while ice can be used for any inflammation. Alternate between these methods to see what provides the best relief.

  6. Stay Active: Continue with your active lifestyle, but be cautious about any new movements or activities that may put undue strain on your shoulder until you feel stronger and more stable.

Remember, it’s positive that you are seeking help and monitoring your symptoms. Continue with your appointments and communicate any changes or heightened discomfort to your physiotherapist. They’ll be able to adjust your treatment plan as necessary. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!

Related Questions

Challenges Following Hemorrhoid Coagulation After 2.5 Weeks

Greetings, I am a 31-year-old male, weighing 68 kg and standing at 180 cm, and I have been dealing with three internal hemorrhoids. After enduring months of discomfort and bleeding, I underwent infrared coagulation on June 24th. In the time since the procedure, I've experienced some occasional bleeding. While the frequency has decreased, it still occurs from time to time. I've noticed minor spotting on my stool, and at times, I see blood on the initial wipe with toilet paper. Additionally, I am still experiencing some pain during bowel movements; however, it is much more tolerable compared to what I experienced prior to the treatment. Just this morning, I noticed blood in the toilet bowl after my first movement, which understandably caused me some alarm. Thankfully, my subsequent movement was entirely clear, with no trace of blood. Two days ago, I observed something that looked like a clot in the toilet bowl. Is this response typical? Is it possible that the healing may require additional time, or is there a risk that the procedure might not have succeeded? The experience was quite unpleasant for me as I underwent it without sedation, and I sincerely hope for a positive outcome. I am maintaining good hydration, consuming a fiber-rich diet, and do not feel the need to strain much. Thank you all for your support and insights.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine
Male25-34
18 minutes ago

Sensation of Uneven Pulls in My Body

I’m a 37-year-old woman who recently found myself in a challenging situation regarding my health. Last Tuesday, I visited my physician due to a persistent headache that had plagued me for five weeks. While I’ve dealt with headaches throughout my life, their intensity has increased lately. I ended up at the emergency room after suddenly experiencing tingly feelings on the left side of my body, coupled with numbness and a sensation of warmth. The medical team conducted various tests but found no clear cause, though they recommended that my primary care doctor arrange for a cervical MRI, given my ongoing neck problems. My occupation requires me to look down at screens for extended periods, which has contributed significantly to my neck discomfort. Over the years, I’ve sought relief through various treatments, including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, acupuncture, and even heat and ice therapy, but nothing has provided the relief I need. While at the ER, they hydrated me with an IV and administered toradol for pain relief before sending me home. Unfortunately, the toradol made me feel exceedingly dizzy that evening, and I’ve been battling a sense of imbalance ever since. Now, I often feel as though my body is being tugged in various directions, creating an uncomfortable sensation of leaning. Even simple tasks, like getting up in the night to use the bathroom, feel precarious, akin to navigating a moving dock. This situation has become a significant source of anxiety for me, especially since my doctor isn’t available to see me for another two months, which feels unreasonable. I am aware that vertigo could be a possibility, but the descriptions I’ve heard from others experiencing it don’t quite match what I’m feeling.

ArthritisThyroid DisordersCOPD
Male25-34
28 minutes ago

Persistent Concerns Regarding Axillary Lymph Nodes

Hello everyone, I am seeking some professional insights regarding my ongoing health issues. I am a 41-year-old male. Here is a summary of my situation: **August 2024**: I began experiencing heightened sensitivity along the left side of my jaw and neck for over a month. Despite blood tests revealing no evidence of infection or inflammation, my doctor detected a few "elevated" lymph nodes and recommended a sonogram, which returned negative results. The findings labeled three lymph nodes as "reactive". **December 2025**: After four months of consistent symptoms and the observation of two new raised lymph nodes in my left armpit that were previously unnoticed, I opted for another sonogram. The results indicated "slightly enlarged lymph nodes, measuring up to 9 x 4 mm within the left upper jugular and mandibular region, along with two normally shaped lymph nodes measuring 19 x 7 mm on the left side of my axilla". **June 2025**: I decided to consult my general practitioner due to three months of persistent, sharp pain in my left nipple (which could be relieved by applying pressure), along with debilitating fatigue and the discovery of a notably larger lymph node deeply nestled in my armpit. Upon examination, the GP noted "three solid, enlarged lymph nodes on the left axillary side" and ordered blood tests and a follow-up sonogram. The blood tests once again showed no indications of infection or inflammation, while the sonogram revealed "at least five lymph nodes that were slightly enlarged but normal in structure. The cortical thickness varied between 1.8 - 2.8 mm, with the largest node being 18 x 6.5 mm and a cortical thickness of 2.5 mm. This particular node was somewhat tender under pressure and exhibited increased vascularity in the hilum." I was advised to wait for follow-up unless there was a noticeable increase in size. To summarize: over nearly a year, the number of palpably enlarged axillary lymph nodes on my left side has increased from none to five (none are present on the right side), with one currently displaying "increased hilar vascularity". My GP mentioned that this might suggest "long-standing adenopathy" but did not clarify why my blood tests have consistently shown no signs of inflammation. The gradual worsening of my symptoms is impacting my mental well-being. I would be extremely grateful if any knowledgeable members could share their thoughts on what might be causing this increasing "reactivity" of my left-sided lymph nodes and what types of follow-up actions may be necessary, if any. Thank you very much for your help.

Multiple SclerosisCrohn's DiseaseCOPD
Male25-34
38 minutes ago

Urgent Assistance Needed: Excessive Discharge from Wound

Age: 16 • Gender: Female • Height: 5 feet 3 inches • Weight: 198 pounds • Ethnicity: Black • Duration of Symptoms: Over the past week, the wound has significantly increased in discharge, particularly over the last 12 hours. Additionally, I've started experiencing feelings of light-headedness and dizziness in the past day. • Location of Wound: Situated beneath the right breast, close to the armpit area. • Relevant Medical History: I am two weeks post-operation from a laparoscopic tubal reversal. • Current Medications: I am taking sertraline (marketed as Zoloft).

Multiple SclerosisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Will I Be Non-Infectious by Next Thursday After Starting Penicillin V?

I began taking Penicillin V for a severe case of pharyngitis on Friday, and my treatment involves 500 mg doses twice daily for a total of ten days, alongside a three-day course of 100 mg prednisolone to help with inflammation. After consulting with my general practitioner, who repeatedly assured me that it’s not quinsy, I now have to consider a personal matter. I'm planning to engage in an intimate relationship next Thursday, a week into my antibiotic treatment. Will I still be infectious by that point? Here are some details about me: - **Age**: 32 - **Sex**: Male - **Height**: 183 cm - **Weight**: 85 kg - **Ethnic Background**: White - **Duration of the Issue**: The date in question is seven days after I start treatment, equating to fourteen doses of antibiotics consumed before that Thursday night. - **Location**: Australia - **Pre-existing Health Conditions**: None noted - **Current Medication**: Taking Panadol to manage symptoms of pharyngitis.

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago