What is turkey shoulder?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite common online searches, what is turkey shoulder is a question rooted in a misunderstanding, as it is not a human medical condition at all. Instead, it is a culinary term for a specific cut of poultry meat, a fact that surprises many who are worried about a phantom ailment. This article clears up the confusion and addresses the actual medical concerns people might have.

Quick Summary

Turkey shoulder is a culinary term for a cut of meat from the scapula of the turkey, often marketed as 'turkey ribs.' It is not a human medical issue, and any confusion likely stems from its sound and association with other colloquial health terms.

Key Points

Culinary Term: The term 'turkey shoulder' refers to a cut of meat from the turkey, specifically its shoulder blade or scapula.
Not a Medical Condition: It is not a recognized human medical or anatomical ailment.
Source of Confusion: The name likely causes confusion due to its similarity to colloquial health terms like 'turkey neck' and the prevalence of actual shoulder problems.
Real Issues: If you have shoulder pain or stiffness, consider actual medical conditions such as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), rotator cuff injuries, or postural issues like kyphosis.
Professional Diagnosis: Persistent or severe shoulder symptoms require evaluation by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Alternative Name: This cut of meat is often sold as 'turkey ribs' and is known for its meaty, bone-in characteristics similar to pork ribs.

Debunking the Myth: Turkey Shoulder is Not a Human Health Condition

For those searching for answers regarding shoulder pain or posture issues, the term “turkey shoulder” can be both confusing and concerning. The good news is that the term does not refer to a human anatomical problem or medical ailment. The phrase is, in fact, a culinary term for a specific cut of turkey meat, and is not relevant to human health.

The Culinary Reality: What is a Turkey Shoulder (or Rib)?

Contrary to any medical implications, a "turkey shoulder" is a savory cut of poultry meat.

Location: It is the bone-in portion of the turkey's shoulder blade, or scapula.
Common Name: These cuts are often sold and marketed as "turkey ribs".
Taste and Texture: This white meat cut is known for having a texture and flavor profile remarkably similar to pork ribs, making it a popular choice for barbecuing and smoking.
Availability: Once considered a scrap piece, the turkey shoulder has gained popularity and is now sold as a stand-alone cut.

Origin of the Health-Related Confusion

It is easy to see how a term like “turkey shoulder” could be misconstrued as a health condition. The name sounds similar to other common, colloquial health terms, such as “turkey neck” (sagging neck skin), which is a cosmetic issue. This linguistic similarity, combined with the widespread occurrence of shoulder pain and poor posture in modern life, leads many to search for a non-existent condition.

Understanding Real Shoulder and Posture Issues

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or poor posture, it's important to understand the actual medical conditions that might be at play. The following are a few common issues that people may be mistakenly searching for when they type in "turkey shoulder."

1. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

Frozen shoulder is a genuine medical condition that causes pain and a progressive loss of range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Common Symptoms:

Freezing Stage: Any shoulder movement is painful, and the range of motion becomes limited.
Frozen Stage: Pain may lessen, but the shoulder becomes noticeably stiffer, making movement very difficult.
Thawing Stage: The shoulder's range of motion slowly begins to improve.

2. Rotator Cuff Injuries

What it is: A tear or strain in one of the tendons of the rotator cuff.
Cause: Can be caused by repetitive overhead motion, sudden heavy lifting, or wear and tear over time.
Symptoms: Pain, weakness, and limited motion, especially when lifting or rotating the arm.

3. Kyphosis (Rounded Shoulders)

What it is: A common postural issue involving an excessive outward curvature of the upper back, leading to a slouching posture and rounded shoulders.
Cause: Can result from poor posture, degenerative diseases like arthritis, or age-related osteoporosis.
Symptoms: Besides the visible rounding of the shoulders, symptoms can include back pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

Comparing Medical and Culinary 'Shoulders'

To put the confusion to rest, here is a clear comparison of the culinary term versus real medical conditions.


Feature	'Turkey Shoulder' (Culinary Term)	Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)	Kyphosis (Rounded Shoulders)
Classification	Cut of meat from a turkey.	Inflammatory medical condition affecting the shoulder joint.	Postural or structural medical condition affecting the spine.
Cause	Anatomical structure of the turkey.	Often unknown, but can follow injury or be related to systemic diseases like diabetes.	Poor posture, aging, or structural spinal issues.
Location	The scapula area of a turkey.	The human shoulder joint capsule.	The human thoracic (upper) spine.
Effect	Provides a bone-in cut of meat for cooking.	Causes pain and significant reduction in range of motion.	Leads to a stooped posture, pain, and stiffness.
Treatment	Cooking method of choice (e.g., smoking, grilling).	Physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery.	Exercise, physical therapy, and sometimes bracing or surgery.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you are experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving your shoulder, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include physical therapy, medication, or other interventions. Early diagnosis of conditions like frozen shoulder can lead to better outcomes. You can find more information about genuine orthopedic conditions from authoritative sources like the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Conclusion: The Final Word on 'Turkey Shoulder'

While the internet can be a source of confusion, the reality is clear: turkey shoulder is a cut of meat, not a human health problem. By understanding the difference and recognizing the real medical conditions that affect the human shoulder, you can get the right information and seek proper care if needed. If your concern is health-related, focusing on real conditions like frozen shoulder or kyphosis is the correct path, rather than pursuing this culinary misnomer.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, "turkey shoulder" is not a human health condition. It is a culinary term for a cut of meat from the turkey's shoulder region, often sold as 'turkey ribs.'

Rounded shoulders, a common postural issue, is medically known as kyphosis. It is an excessive outward curvature of the upper back that can be caused by poor posture, aging, or degenerative conditions.

Turkey shoulder is a cut of meat from the turkey's shoulder. Turkey neck is a colloquial term for sagging, loose skin on a human's neck, which is primarily a cosmetic concern.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a medical condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, leading to a significant reduction in range of motion. It is not related to the term "turkey shoulder."

Yes, poor posture, such as rounded shoulders (kyphosis), can lead to back pain, stiffness, and increase the risk of other shoulder problems over time by placing undue stress on the muscles and joints.

Turkey shoulder, commonly referred to as turkey ribs, can be found in some butcher shops or specialty grocery stores, particularly those catering to barbecue enthusiasts. It is also sold online by specialty meat suppliers.

If you experience chronic shoulder pain, you should consult a healthcare professional. They can determine the actual cause of your symptoms, which could be conditions like frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff injury, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.