Hello. I am 22yo female, 5'8, 130lbs, generally healthy. I have played competitive tennis my whole life, including through D1 college. I think this is the reason I am so lopsided. I'm assuming being right hand dominant, and repeating upward and forward movements several hours daily is the reason that even if I stand straight my right shoulder sits considerably lower than my left shoulder. I have not noticed this until i filmed myself jump-roping a few days ago and the difference during exercise is quite extreme. Even if I try, I cannot even my shoulders out during exercise such as jump rope, pull ups, push ups and so forth.
What can I do to straighten out my posture and even out my shoulders? I'm afraid that at this rate, soon my lopsidedness will be visible to in everyday situations.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. (If needed, I am willing to send a few pictures to the fitness expert who will be answering my question, to illustrate my situation better.)
Thank you in advance.
What can I do to straighten out my posture and even out my shoulders? I'm afraid that at this rate, soon my lopsidedness will be visible to in everyday situations.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. (If needed, I am willing to send a few pictures to the fitness expert who will be answering my question, to illustrate my situation better.)
Thank you in advance.
Answered by Roman Footnick
Great question and you're not the only one with this issue. I've trained and treated many athletes with this type of issue... (the worst being professional golfers, tennis players, pitchers, and quarterbacks.)Yes there are some things you can do in the gym, but they really best done under supervision as it requires specific muscle engagement and disengagement. Pilates or Gyrotonics would be my first recommendation. Again under personal supervision... not a class.
What I recommend people in your situation to do on their own is to actually practice the repetitive sports specific movements on the contralateral side, meaning your less dominant side... meaning if your a right handed tennis player work the mechanics of the serve as if you were left handed. It will be awkward and feeble initially, but eventually you will begin the process of balancing your "lopsidedness."
The BEST therapy I've experienced with this issue comes in the form of therapy... such as a "ten series" from a qualified Rolfer or KMI therapist. Google "Rolfing" or "KMI" or "Structural Integration" and your area. Hopefully there is someone available to you as these therapies really work wonders.
Good luck.
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