Illinois Physical Therapy Hybrid Ebook

79

Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder Complex: Summary

Lateral Muscular Anatomy of the Shoulder Complex

Proximal Attachment

Distal Attachment

Muscle

Function

Dysfunction

Superior translation of humerus on scapula, which leads to subacromial impingement

Deltoid (anterior, posterior and middle fibers)

Spine of scapula (posterior fibers), acromion process (middle fibers), and lateral third of clavicle (anterior fibers)

Deltoid tuberosity

Shoulder flexion/ IR (anterior fibers); shoulder abduction (all fibers); shoulder extension/external rotations (posterior fibers)

Posterior Muscular Anatomy of Shoulder Complex

Proximal Attachment

Distal Attachment Intertubercular groove of humerus

Muscle

Function

Dysfunction

Latissimus dorsi

Spinous process T7– T12, thoracolumbar fascia, inferior angle of scapula, and iliac crest

Shoulder extension, adduction, and IR

Limited shoulder flexion

Pectoralis minor (deep muscle)

Ribs 3–5

Coracoid process of scapula

Anterior tilt of scapula; protraction of scapula

Anterior tilt of scapula and

restricted range of motion in all planes at shoulder Anterior tilt of the scapula; humeral IR as a result of shortening of the short head; limited shoulder extension and ER

Biceps brachii (superficial muscle)

Short head–coracoid process; long head– supraglenoid tubercle

Radial tuberosity

Shoulder flexion and IR; elbow

flexion and supination

Coracobrachialis Coracoid process

Midshaft of humeral

Shoulder flexion; shoulder IR

Anterior tilt of scapula; protraction of scapula

The posterior fascia is composed of three layers, as opposed to other areas of fascia, which are typically composed of two layers. The posterior fascia associated with the shoulder complex encapsulates the scapula, erector spinae, and latissimus dorsi, which are also all components that help create the posterior functional line (image B). The portion of the posterior fascia known as the thoracolumbar fascia can thicken over time with chronic pain.

Subsequently, this thickening results in additional pressure on encapsulated nerves. These nerve types include nociceptors, which are responsible for pain; proprioceptors, which are responsible for postural changes; and mechanoreceptors, which can cause altered recruitment patterns with encapsulation. In all, it is important to note and assess for instability of the lumber spine, as this can result in abnormal movements of the shoulder complex.

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