Traps, Lats, and Lats' Little Helper!

This has been the third week of Shoulder Stability and Mobility Month at Pole Pressure Richmond and these guys have taken center stage. We've talked about their roles as shoulder stabilizers as well as the effects they can have on shoulder mobility if they become tight or overworked.

As a general reminder, when it comes to stretching or relieving tension in muscles, it's helpful to think of the actions they produce and try to reverse th ... ose actions. A good way to remember the actions of the trapezius (especially the upper and lower fibers of the trapezius) is to think of them as your shoulder shruggers. Acting on the shoulder, the upper fibers are responsible for elevation and upward rotation of the scapula. The middle fibers adduct and help stabilize the scapula onto the back of the ribcage, and the lower fibers depress and upwardly rotate the scapula. The upper and lower fibers are antagonistic partners in the shoulder shrug, so as one contracts, the other relaxes. Upper fibers are also active in certain actions of the head and neck, which we will address in more detail next week. vintage style wedding apparels back Tulle Overlay 1950s

The latissimus dorsi is the broadest muscle of the back (which should come as no surprise to those of us who pole). It has a "little helper", teres major, which participates in all that the lats do. Acing on the shoulder complex, together they extend, adduct, and medially rotate the arm in the "arresting position". Because of its positioning across the inferior border of the scapula, improved function of the lats can also aid in achieving greater scapula stabilization.

More geeky muscle stuff to come on Sunday. Hope to see you in class!
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