When I was a kid in school, I would get the worst pinching and numbness in my right shoulder.  I am right handed, you see.  All day long, all year long, this pain.  As a yoga therapist, I now understand why.  I have a carrying angle.  So just what is a carrying angle, you ask? 

A carrying angle is the way your arms hang from your sides when you externally rotate your shoulders (turn your palms forward.) Some people’s arms dangle straight down along side the body. Other people’s arms begin to jut out from the elbow, thus creating the angle.  I have a pretty impressive one.  So does my daughter, pictured below. Those of us (women are more likely than men) who carry our arms this way need room! We need some space. Instead of that little tiny desk top I was supposed to write at all day, I should have been able to spread out, having enough room to slide my paper over to the right.  

This angle affects yogis and non-yogis alike. Computer users with this angle should be using an ergonomic keyboard and have their mouse over to the side to avoid discomfort in the shoulders and even carpal tunnel syndrome.  Carpal tunnel is most often a condition of the shoulders – not the wrists. But that is another topic for another day.

If you are a yoga practitioner, you will want to pay special attention to your angles.  In chaturanga and adho mukha svanasana (downward facing dog) you will want to place your hands slightly wider than your shoulders, possibly even turning your hands out a bit. In chaturanga, your elbows may not be able to be held tightly to your ribs. Don’t force them.  This will create the space needed for healthy happy shoulders and a life long yoga practice. 

The above is an example of a carrying angle.  If you do not have one, your arms will dangle straight down along your hips. Distance between the lower arm and hips indicates an angle.