Chapter 14: Corrective Strategies for the Thoracic Spine and Shoulder

Question 1

External Rotators of the Shoulder:

Internal Rotators:

Answer 1

External: Supraspinatus, teres minor, Infraspinatus, posterior deltoid
Internal: Subscapularius, teres major, anterior deltoid, pec major, latissamuss dorsi

Question 2

Rotator cuff muscles:

Answer 2

Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularus

Question 3

Common symptoms associated with scoliosis include the following:

Answer 3

One shoulder blade that is higher than the other
One shoulder blade that sticks out more than the other
Uneven hips
A rotating spine
Problems breathing because of reduced area in the chest for lungs to expand
Back pain

Question 4

Kyphosis:
Hyperkyphosis:
Lordosis:

Answer 4

Kyphosis: Normal anterior to posterior thoracic curvature
Hyperkyphosis: A spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an 40% abnormal rounding of the upper back.
Lordosis: excessive inward curvature of the spine.

Question 5

What is the most mobile joint in the body?

Answer 5

Shoulder

Question 6

Hyperkyphosis is present when the normal thoracic kyphosis range exceeds what degree?

Answer 6

40%

Question 7

Lack of full shoulder flexion may be due to which overactive muscle?

Answer 7

Latissimus Dorsi

Question 8

What isolated strengthening exercise would be most appropriate as a response to the arms fall forward compensation?

Answer 8

Ball combo 2- dowel rod row and press

Question 9

What muscle is best inhibited for the scapular winging compensation?

Answer 9

upper trapezius

Question 10

What are common Issues Associated with the Thoracic Spine and Shoulder?

Answer 10

1. Osteoporosis- Literally “porous bone”; a disease in which the density and quality of bone is reduced.
2. Osteoarthritis- The most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide; occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
3. Scheuermann’s disease- A developmental disorder of the spine that causes abnormal growth of usually the thoracic (upper back) vertebrae, but it can also be found in the lumbar vertebrae.
4. Ankylosing spondylitis- A form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved; causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe chronic pain and discomfort.
5. Shoulder Impingement- Occurs when the space between the bone on top of the shoulder (acromion) and the tendons of the rotator cuff rub against each other during arm elevation
6. Muscle Strain
7. Rotator cuff strain
8. Bicep Tendinopathy
9. Acromioclavicular Separation

Question 11

Among Olympic weight lifters, power lifters, and Crossfit athletes how many experience some form of shoulder injury?

Answer 11

50%

Question 12

During a session, a Corrective Exercise Specialist notices hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine. What technique would improve the resultant neck and shoulder position?

Answer 12

Mobilize the thoracic spine with a foam roller and stretch the pectoralis group.

Question 13

What is the abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine in the frontal plane called?

Answer 13

Scoliosis

Question 14

What muscle attaches to the coracoid process of the scapula?

Answer 14

Pec minor

Question 15

“Weightlifter’s shoulder” is a term associated with what clinical presentation?

Answer 15

Osteoarthritis of the AC joint

Question 16

The glenohumeral joint is what type of joint?

Answer 16

Synovial

Question 17

A ligament injury to the acromioclavicular joint is best classified as what?

Answer 17

AC seperation