Professional dancer Caroline Miele, 28, first noticed in August 2025 that her right shoulder was slowly lifting higher than her left. At first, she shrugged it off as muscle fatigue from dance, but over the weeks, the asymmetry became impossible to ignore. Friends and her fiancé noticed it too, though she felt no significant pain—just occasional fleeting muscle spasms.
Seeking answers, she visited an orthopedic specialist in Florida, who ran X-rays and checked her spine for scoliosis—but found nothing. Prescribed steroids and muscle relaxers brought only temporary relief before her shoulder returned to its elevated position.
Frustrated and unsure what to do next, Caroline turned to TikTok, sharing her story and asking for advice. The response was overwhelming, with medical professionals and strangers alike offering suggestions ranging from MRIs to physical therapy. While some advice heightened her anxiety, it ultimately led her to a physical therapist. Treatments like dry needling, cupping, and deep tissue massage provided immediate improvement, though the root cause remains unknown.
@caroline_gracem GUYS 🥹 #foryou #doctorsoftiktok #orthopedics #trending #fyp ♬ original sound – c grace
Determined to continue treatment twice a week and hopeful for advanced imaging soon, Caroline keeps a sense of humor about her condition—especially as she prepares for her May wedding. Reflecting on her experience, she says posting to TikTok was one of the best decisions she’s made, amazed by the outpouring of support from people across the world.
“I encourage anyone trying to get answers to post a video— you never know who might see it,” she says.
