Caused by desk work or smartphone use? Muscle tension in the shoulders and neck
Stiff shoulder happens when the muscles around your shoulders and neck become tense and tight, causing a heavy, achy feeling or pain.
Long hours of desk work or smartphone use and continued poor posture are major causes.
It is one of the most common complaints, especially among women.
When it gets worse, it can be accompanied by headaches and nausea, and may also affect your concentration and sleep quality.
Slouching or leaning forward puts constant strain on your neck and shoulder muscles
Tight muscles reduce blood flow, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach the tissue
Reduced blood flow slows the turnover of metabolic products, causing heaviness and dull pain
Pain leads to more tension, which leads to worse blood flow — a cycle that becomes chronic
Stiff shoulders are closely linked to lifestyle habits. By improving your posture, making stretching a daily habit, and managing stress, you can expect significant improvement. If symptoms are severe, we recommend getting personalized guidance from our rehabilitation team.
What you think is "just stiff shoulders" could be a different condition.
Sometimes what seems like stiff shoulders turns out to be a cervical disc herniation, rotator cuff injury, or thyroid problem. If symptoms persist or you feel numbness in your arms, we recommend getting an X-ray or ultrasound to check.