Is it normal to have asymmetrical shoulders?

Question

Hi doctor,

I never really noticed, but my right and left shoulders are asymmetrical in terms of muscle definition. Is this normal? I do not have issues with a range of motion, and no pain. The pictures that I have attached are inverted because of the camera. The normal line between the front deltoid and medial deltoid on my right shoulder is way more pronounced, and on the left side, it is flatter. I am right-handed and can do all heavy lifting on the right side. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have seen both the images (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity) that you have sent. According to the images, I can say that you are doing strength training at home or at the fitness center. In the case of a normal person, posture is neutral. Both shoulder joint peak points, known as acromion process points, need to be aligned with the ear midline. If you feel that one shoulder is up or down than the other, it may be due to weakness of muscles around the shoulder, including deltoid muscles. I suggest you must strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and muscles surrounding the shoulder blade, which is known as the scapula. If you feel that your left shoulder is flatter than the right, I suggest you do strength training in the left deltoid muscles by doing weight lifting with the shoulder sideways. With this, you may not have issues with pain or range because the body is compensated; when the body will not compensate, you may have pain in any shoulder. I also suggest you do aerobic exercises, skipping, wand exercises, and shoulder blade exercises; add some flexibility training, and do yoga and Pranayam practice, which has a good impact. I suggest you learn the powerful breathing technique Sudarshan Kriya which will rejuvenate in all aspects.

I hope you understand.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to iclinq.com.

I understand your concern. Both sides' muscles look normal, and there is no atrophy or drop. So, you need not worry. However, I suggest you add basic scapular exercises to prevent weakness.

I hope you understand.

Thank you.