Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/81195
BODYREADING THE MERIDIANS 6 The scapula relates primarily to the rib cage in terms of BodyReading. The scapula can appear vertical relative to the gravity line (A), but still be anteriorly tilted relative to the ribs. Straighten the ribs, and then you will see the anterior tilt of the scapula (B). 7 A A One leg of this X is the oppositional forces between the rhomboid muscles and the serratus anterior—the former pulling up and in (assisted by levator) while the latter pulls down and out (Image 7A). When the serratus overcomes the rhomboids— is hypertrophic or concentrically loaded—the scapula will rest too laterally on the back (this happens frequently in kyphotic patterns). When the rhomboids dominate—and this happens frequently in flat-back patterns—the scapulae rest too close to the vertebral spinous processes, and too medially for optimum function. The other leg of the X is a little less straightforward, but just as powerful (Images 7B and 7C). The only muscle that pulls down and in on the scapula is the lower part of the trapezius. To oppose this force, a muscle would have to be pulling up and out on the shoulder, which is clearly impossible—that would be a muscle out beyond your ear. But wrap that strap over the front of the body, and you can see the reciprocal antagonistic B relationship between the lower trap and the pectoralis minor, which can pull the scapula up and over the rib cage into anterior tilt or medial rotation. You will have a difficult time finding people where the lower trap has overcome the pectoralis minor to pull the scapula too far down and in, but you will not have to go far to find those where the scapula is crawling up over or around the rib cage to the front. Medial rotation or anterior tilt of the scapula often lies with a short pectoralis minor (or restriction in the clavipectoral fascia in which it is imbedded). Various stretching and manual therapy methods can reach and lengthen these short tissues, and are commonly needed for proper shoulder girdle balance. Whichever way we achieve an even tonal balance among these four and the other muscles that pull on the scapula, the reward will be an easy and mobile shoulder movement. Four muscles compete to set the primary scapular postural position: the rhomboids and serratus anterior form one leg of an X, while the lower trapezius and the pectoralis minor have an antagonistic relationship along the other leg of the X. B C Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 101