u/AdInfamous2323

Background

• My left shoulder has been noticed by friends and coaches for being "raised" for 15+ years
• Two major left shoulder injuries/incidents in the last 10 years: Strained it doing DB Overhead Press & a high-impact collision while playing second base
• I can move respectable weight on Squat/DL, but Bench and Overhead Press have always been major deficits. Pull-ups are my Achilles Heel... hard to get more than 1-2 good reps in before I hit wall, as if the recruitment pattern isn't there
• I’m a big believer in the "global" body. e.g. I’ve seen how improving my left foot mobility + strength directly unlocked my right lower back, that kind of thing

Visuals (see photos):

• Left Ribcage: Noticeable flare
• Left Pec/Nipple: Sits higher and appears externally rotated compared to the right
• Left Arm Resting Position: Left arm does not hug the torso; stays externally rotated
• Bird’s Eye View: Left shoulder sits... back. Retracted almost. Noticeably more posterior than the right even though it "feels" neutral

So all that said, I'm wondering:

1. Does this presentation (L-Rib Flare + Posterior Shoulder) suggest a specific compensatory pattern?
2. How might this posterior "holding" be inhibiting my lat/pec recruitment for pull-ups and pressing?
3. Suggestions for distal areas (hips/feet) that I should evaluate to help "drop" the left shoulder?

I am seeking a technical analysis of a persistent left-right shoulder/chest asymmetry. I’ve reached a plateau in my self-rehab and want to get into the weeds regarding the kinetic chain involved.

Background

• My left shoulder has been noticed by friends and coaches for being "raised" for 15+ years
• Two major left shoulder injuries/incidents in the last 10 years: Strained it doing DB Overhead Press & a high-impact collision while playing second base
• I can move respectable weight on Squat/DL, but Bench and Overhead Press have always been major deficits. Pull-ups are my Achilles Heel... hard to get more than 1-2 good reps in before I hit wall, as if the recruitment pattern isn't there
• I’m a big believer in the "global" body. e.g. I’ve seen how improving my left foot mobility + strength directly unlocked my right lower back, that kind of thing

Visuals (see photos):

• Left Ribcage: Noticeable flare
• Left Pec/Nipple: Sits higher and appears externally rotated compared to the right
• Left Arm Resting Position: Left arm does not hug the torso; stays externally rotated
• Bird’s Eye View: Left shoulder sits... back. Retracted almost. Noticeably more posterior than the right even though it "feels" neutral

So all that said, I'm wondering:

• Does this presentation (L-Rib Flare + Posterior Shoulder) suggest a specific compensatory pattern?
• How might this posterior "holding" be inhibiting my lat/pec recruitment for pull-ups and pressing?
• Suggestions for distal areas (hips/feet) that I should evaluate to help "drop" the left shoulder?