MENU

What is Rounded Shoulders?

Rounded shoulders, or “katabira,” refers to a posture where the back is rounded, similar to a cat. The human spine naturally has an S-curve, but with rounded shoulders, this curve becomes more pronounced, putting stress on the body. If it progresses, the S-curve disappears, and the spine forms a rounded shape, leading to the hunched posture seen in elderly individuals. The shoulders also tend to roll forward, which can make a person look slouched. In addition, poor posture forces the body to compensate, leading to issues such as the chin jutting forward or a swayback posture. These changes can impact areas beyond just the back.

Posture: An Important Factor in First Impressions

Good posture can give a positive impression, such as being “bright,” “trustworthy,” or “positive.”

On the other hand, poor posture not only affects appearance but can also lead to problems such as shoulder and neck pain, lower back pain, shallow breathing, and poor circulation, all of which can negatively impact overall health.

Symptoms Caused by Rounded Shoulders
  • Neck pain and shoulder stiffness
  • Lower back pain
  • Shortness of breath and fatigue
  • Increased numbness or nerve pain
  • Increased swelling
  • Headaches
  • Appearing older
  • Decreased respiratory function

Maintaining a rounded posture like that of rounded shoulders can lead to various health issues. Bad posture is the root cause of many ailments. Correcting your posture can help improve your condition.

Causes

Rounded shoulders refer to a posture where the head juts forward and the back rounds. The human head weighs about 6 kg, roughly the size of a large watermelon, and the spine supports this weight unless lying down. When the head is directly above the spine, the spine supports the weight evenly. However, when slouched, the bones can’t support the weight, putting stress on the muscles that support the spine, causing stiffness and pain.

Cause of Rounded Shoulders

Examples of Interventions Only Available at Medical Japan

AI Posture Analysis System

The AI posture analysis system estimates areas of muscle tightness, pain-causing areas, and predicts future posture. This makes it easier to explain the treatment plan and its effects. Patients can better understand the state of their bodies.

This system helps identify which muscles need to be relaxed and which ones need training. By recognizing your body, you can understand what needs improvement, allowing for more precise treatments. Based on this analysis, we can offer personalized training and stretching methods.

References

Surgical Technology International 2014

Affiliations

Patient Before & After

Before

After
I have been struggling with rounded shoulders for a long time. When I noticed it, I would correct my posture, but it would revert back to being slouched. I tried to manage it on my own but decided to get professional help as I felt it was going nowhere. After massage and stretches, I noticed some improvement in my posture, but after a few training exercises, I was able to maintain a better posture without thinking about it. It turns out my rounded shoulders were caused by tight muscles and a lack of muscle strength to keep the correct posture. It wasn’t just a matter of awareness. If you are facing a similar issue, seeking expert advice early on will help you make changes to your body much faster.