How Maria Fixed Her Shoulder Impingement With Thoracic Breathing

Maria, a 34-year-old recreational lifter, had nagging shoulder pain that flared every time she pressed overhead.

Her PT told her the real issue wasn’t her shoulder — it was her thoracic spine.

🔍 Maria’s Real Problem

• Tight thoracic spine (T4–T8)
• Ribs not expanding
• Forward head posture
• Shoulder blade stuck in downward rotation

Her shoulder simply couldn’t clear the space it needed.

⚙️ Maria’s 8-Minute Fix

1️⃣ Thoracic Breathing (2 minutes)

Lay over a towel → expand ribs sideways.

2️⃣ Scapular Lift-Offs (2 minutes)

Hands on wall → move shoulder blade without shrugging.

3️⃣ Pso-Spine Release (2 minutes)

Gentle pressure under mid-back + slow breathing.

4️⃣ Overhead Reach Pattern (2 minutes)

Slow, controlled reach with thumb up.

⚡ The Results

• Shoulder pain gone in 10 days
• Better posture
• Stronger overhead press
• Deeper breaths
• Less trap tension

“Breathing into my spine changed how my shoulders moved — instantly.”