Neck and shoulder injuries resulting from improper lifting mechanics often involve damage to critical structures such as the cervical spine, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor), and the shoulder’s labrum.
Poor lifting techniques can lead to cervical strain, impingement of the shoulder joint, or, in extreme cases, tearing of the rotator cuff or labrum. The seven vertebrae of the cervical spine are particularly vulnerable to compression or hyperextension during improper lifting. At the same time, the shoulder may experience instability due to the additional stress placed on the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
These injuries can also increase the risk of secondary complications such as ACL injuries, as the kinetic chain is disrupted, affecting balance, posture, and lower extremity alignment during movement. That is why we at The Center For Spine Care and Mobility thoroughly evaluate the primary areas of injury and the secondary structures that might be involved.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
Treatment involves a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy (physical therapy), and advanced rehabilitation techniques. Initially, manual therapy techniques such as active release technique, joint mobilization or spinal manipulation, and trigger point therapy (performed either manually or with the intervention of lidocaine) can be used to reduce muscle tension, restore range of motion, and alleviate pain.
In parallel, patients undergo guided therapeutic exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and core muscles, often using tools like resistance bands, dumbbells, and cable machines.
Advanced Modalities & Recovery Goals
Treatment duration varies but typically spans 8–12 weeks, with progressive return-to-function protocols that restore full upper body strength, joint stability, and coordination across the kinetic chain, ultimately reducing the risk of concurrent lower extremity injuries such as ACL tears.
Neuromuscular re-education, focused on improving lifting mechanics and posture, is key in preventing re-injury. For more complex cases involving labral tears or cervical radiculopathy, modalities such as dry needling or the Graston technique, also called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), can enhance recovery.
All these treatments can be done in one session and integrated into a complete treatment program at CSC+M. Take the first step toward lasting recovery and peak performance—book your physical therapy consultation at our Flatiron clinic today!
