Many of my patients know how often I discuss posture in my office. Seeing that I am constantly asked to evaluate an individual’s appearance, it’s easy to note the presence of poor posture and shoulder shrugging.
I see three groups of patients who use shoulder shrugging as a “defense mechanism” (something an individual does to protect themselves against something that creates anxiety).
- Women with particularly small or large breasts.
- Women who are taller than average.
- Men that suffer from Gynecomastia (the development of fullness or extra breast tissue in a male chest).
For women with small or large breasts and for men suffering from Gynecomastia, this defense tactic is used to hide and draw attention away from the chest area – the source of anxiety. In tall women, poor posture or shoulder shrugging simply makes them appear shorter.
A breast augmentation or reduction is an alternative for those who are anxious about the appearance of their breasts (this includes men too. Read my article on Gynecomastia to learn more). As always, sitting up straight, keeping your shoulders back and keeping your chin up will dramatically enhance your appearance to others.
Do you think you have poor posture? Do you know someone who uses shoulder shrugging as a defense mechanism? Do you have a “secret” to keeping good posture?
Robert Caridi MD
One Comment
HA! I’m thinking I might have been the motivation for this article. Prior to my breast augmentation, I think my posture was up to par, maybe even a bit exagerated due to my lack of a chest and wanting to not appear “flat”, even though, I was. Now, after my augmentation, I notice that my posture has been lacking. I’m guessing it’s just the getting accostumed to have breasts now, but not wanting to be preceived as “flaunting” of any sort. It’s a balance that I struggle with a bit. However, in the end, I know I need to throw those shoulders back and show off what the good lor…er…Dr. Caridi gave me….lol.