Posterior Chain: Neck and Shoulders
See also:
Posterior Chain: The Mid-Back Is the Pivot
Posterior Chain: Neuromuscular Training
The Neck and Shoulders Don't Work Alone, Either
The neck and shoulders need both mobility and stability. Their movement depends on coordinated muscular control, which is why changes elsewhere in the posterior chain can influence how these upper segments move and manage load.
The hip is a deep ball-and-socket joint, supported by a strong joint capsule and ligaments. The shoulder works differently. Its considerable range of movement depends on coordinated muscle activity to control the relationship between the upper arm, shoulder blade and ribcage.
When hamstring stiffness or reduced gluteal function changes how the pelvis moves, the effects can extend up the spine. The body coordinates movement across multiple regions, adapting muscular activity and postural control to the demands placed on it. The reverse can happen, too. Persistent bracing or restricted movement around the neck and shoulder girdle can influence how the spine and ribcage move, changing how load is distributed through the trunk and pelvis.
The pelvis can influence the neck and shoulders; the neck and shoulders can influence the pelvis. Neither region works in isolation. The nervous system coordinates the whole body, so look at the system before treating the part.
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