BLACKPINK recently held concerts in Hong Kong, and member Jennie's "square shoulders" have become a viral trend in recent years, coveted by many women. A beauty industry trend has even emerged involving Botox or hyaluronic acid injections in the shoulders to create the "square shoulder" look. Registered physiotherapist Anson So, in an interview with Sing Tao Headline, warns that long-term or excessive "slimming shoulder" injections could lead to short-term muscle weakness, shoulder/neck discomfort, and even long-term muscle dysfunction.
Risks of 'Square Shoulder' Injections: Botox Can Cause Muscle Weakness & Discomfort
Currently, aesthetic procedures targeting the "square shoulder" look mainly fall into two categories: Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections and Hyaluronic Acid fillers.
- Botox: Primarily acts on nerve-muscle junctions, relaxing muscles and reducing the trapezius muscle size, creating softer shoulder lines. However, Anson So warns of potential risks:
- May cause mild muscle weakness, reducing shoulder support.
- Reports indicate some patients experience shoulder/neck discomfort and easy fatigue in the initial period post-injection.
- Impact: When administered in appropriate amounts by qualified professionals, Botox generally doesn't cause severe functional impairment but may affect trapezius muscle coordination and slightly impact scapular movement. Anson explains: "Long-term or excessive Botox injections could over-relax the trapezius muscle, directly weakening its support for the scapula. This not only reduces scapular stability but may also trigger shoulder/neck pain."
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Minimal Impact on Muscle Function
Hyaluronic acid is mainly used to enhance shoulder contour fullness. "Hyaluronic acid fillers have less impact on function," Anson notes. They generally do not directly affect muscle or nerve function or cause shoulder/neck pain. However, she cautions that localized swelling or pain may occur at the injection site. Improper technique could also lead to severe complications like vascular occlusion. It is advised to consult a doctor and thoroughly assess shoulder condition before proceeding.
Can Simple Stretches Create 'Square Shoulders'?
Many online sources claim "X minutes of daily stretches for square shoulders." Is this effective? Anson states frankly: "Simple stretching exercises cannot directly build square shoulders."Stretching is mainly for relaxing tense shoulder/neck muscles and improving joint range of motion, not for altering muscle mass or bone structure. To change shoulder lines or build muscle thickness, she recommends strength/resistance training, focusing on the mid/upper trapezius, deltoids (especially the middle head), and rotator cuff muscles, including exercises like:
- Dumbbell lateral raises
- Shoulder presses
- Trapezius contraction exercises
'Square Shoulders' Are Not the Health Norm – Shoulders Should Balance Aesthetics & Function
Anson points out that "square shoulders" are commonly seen in individuals with well-developed or fuller shoulder muscles. She emphasizes: "But this does not mean it's a natural or healthy posture. The shoulder line itself is not an indicator of health. The key lies in shoulder joint function and muscular balance."
For generally healthy individuals in a natural relaxed state, the "shoulder-neck angle" (angle between neck and shoulder) is roughly between 30-60 degrees, with shoulders naturally sloping. Forcing shoulder width or a visual "90-degree" effect by excessively abducting or deliberately "shrugging" the shoulders can lead to tense shoulder/neck muscles or poor posture. When muscles are over-tightened or imbalanced, it can trigger shoulder/neck pain or functional disorders, such as making shoulders and neck especially prone to fatigue and pain while using a computer or holding a phone.
Anson states that a healthy shoulder posture should balance aesthetics and functionality. The key is whether the shoulder joint has normal mobility and balanced posture, not merely pursuing a temporary visual effect.
