Have you ever noticed your shoulder higher at times when you look in the mirror and compare it with the other, and suspect this is a result of the ribs lifted due to scalenes compressing the nerves? My question is does the elevated first rib make the shoulder raise up in some or all instances? Anyone noticed this?

i have noticed that my bad shoulder is higher and more forward most of the time. I think that it has to do with the muscles tightening, but also an unconcious coping mechanism... it feels more comfortable that way.

I imagine this is pretty normal for all of us!

I noticed my shoulders being uneven after my first " neck/shoulder strain" injury.
that's what the dr & PTs called it anyway...

Looking back after all the other RSIs and "neck/shoulder strains" that I had I think those were the beginning of my TOS.

But another thing to check- or have PT check is your rib cage, hips for unevenness.

Possibly if you have these other unbalances maybe getting them adjusted or working towards balance might help your TOS sx.
I think it made a difference for me.

I also have had a tendency for one shoulder to be higher than the other. I had this first from neck problems and then later when I also developed TOS. I also expect that most of us have this problem.

Here's a technique I learned from a PT that I find helpful to lower the shoulder and mobilize the first rib. I use a long and preferably wide (1.5inch+ )yoga or similar strap.

Make a small loop in the strap at one end, at least big enough to put your foot through. Sit on the opposite end of the strap and then bring it up your back, over the same shoulder and down the front of your body. Then place your same side foot into the strap and let some weight from your foot pull the shoulder and rib down. Play with the amount of tension so that it lightly pushes down but doesn't cause a strain. Adjust the length of the strap by shortening or lengthening the end you sit on.

The PT said to do this for about 10-15 mins at a time. But experiment so you find it useful as opposed to causing further strain. I try to place the wide strap close to my neck as opposed to over towards the arm. You can do the exercise on both sides of the body if there is a need. My only caution is to listen to your body and not overdo anything. I do this exercise either sitting on the sofa or in a recliner. I like that I can take charge of my own body and mobilize the rib and lower the shoulder w/o having to wait for a visit to a PT.

I've also learned a different version of this exercise done by making the entire strap into one big loop. Then standing up, placing the loop over the shoulder and the same side foot into the loop; then setting the foot down towards the floor to create tension. This version requires a longer strap and isn't as easy for me as the seated version.

Good one to try. thanks...

I wish we had our own video channel for all this kind of PT stuff.
I think I understand you fern but I wish I cod see it :/

Hiya,
My shoulder on my bad side is lower ..........WAY lower and I could not wear a strapless dress due to this huge discrepancy of shape and size. MY shoulder pulls down as there are no working muscles to hold it up and where it should be!!
thanks for the post interesting to see what others shoulders are like!!

love and hugs,

Victoria