Scapular stabilisation and movement

• Scapular Stabilisation:

  • All these muscles contract isometrically to provide scapular stability necessary for efficient upper limb function and motion:
  • Levator scapulae
  • Rhomboid major and minor
  • Upper, middle and lower trapezius
  • Subclavius
  • Pectoralis minor
  • Serratus anterior
• Lateral Rotation - Two muscles:

  • Trapezius (mainly upper and lower fibres)
  • Serratus anterior

  
• Lateral Rotation - Function:

  • Both muscles bring the inferior angle of the scapula away from the midline and move scapula laterally around the thoracic wall
  • This increases the ROM available for shoulder flexion and abduction

  
• Medial Rotation - Four muscles:

  • Rhomboid major
  • Rhomboid minor
  • Levator scapulae
  • Pectoralis minor

  
• Medial Rotation - Function:

  • Medially rotate scapula against resistance
  • Rhomboid major and minor and levator scapular pull medial side up and pectoralis minor pulls lateral side down

  
• Summary of scapular movement:

  • Scapular movements occur via the SC and AC joints and include protraction, retraction, elevation, depression and medial and lateral rotation
  • These movements are produced by serratus anterior, pectoralis minor, rhomboid major and minor, levator scapulae, trapezius and subclavius
  • Movement occurs by muscle shortening which pulls across joints and changes the positions of the bones involved
  • Therefore knowing the structure and the attachments of muscles is important in understanding the role of each muscle in different movements