Treatment is important but equally important is determining what is causing a particular problem so that the patient can heal and not reinjure the region. A careful ergonomic assessment of the patient’s workstation at home and at work as well as of any activities he performs regularly will help understand how this condition occurred. It is vital to find the cause so as to remove the cause and replace it with better ergonomics.

This patient stated that when he works in a seated position, he leans on his left shoulder. This is a common poor posture. When this occurs, the patient will compress the soft tissues in the side he is leaning toward and the excess weight on that side will cause contractures of the associated muscles. There will also be compressions of the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints.

This patient was treated successfully with manipulative therapeutics, manual methods and modalities. He had new ergonomics reestablished for work so the condition does not return.