The Shoulder Girdle

Question 1

Name 3 bones that make up the shoulder girdle?

Answer 1

• Clavicle, scapula, humerus

Question 2

Where is the one joint where the shoulder girdle articulates with the axial skeleton?

Answer 2

sternoclavicular joint

Question 3

Describe the average amount of contact between the humeral head and the glenoid fossa?

Answer 3

33%

Question 4

How does this affect mobility and stability?

Answer 4

• Increased mobility at expense of stability

Question 5

Why is correct placement/use of scapula so important?

Answer 5

to prevent shoulder dislocation, lengthen back, support weight during inversions, stabilize muscles

Question 6

What 2 muscles work together to flatten the scapula against the rib cage while also opening the chest?

Answer 6

• rhomboids and serratus

Question 7

Describe what winging the scapula looks like and list some ways to address a winged scapula?

Answer 7

See the scapula stick out and back

- Can fix this by broadening shoulder blades and send inner arm bone back

Question 8

In this current culture, why is it especially important to develop strength and awareness in the back of the body?

Answer 8

• B/c of constant bending over computers/screens it is important to lengthen back of the body

Question 9

Describe, in very general terms, what the 4 muscles of the rotator cuff do. What is their major function as a group?

Answer 9

hug humerus head into glenoid fossa

Question 10

Describe actions of the upper and lower arm in Adho Mukha Svanasana?

Answer 10

External rotation of upper arm, inward rotation of lower arms

Question 11

What important joint should you observe before teaching students inversions? What should you see happening at this joint to ensure they have the organization to support themselves on their arms safely?

Answer 11

shoulder joint

- deepening of underarms, humerus solidly in glenoid fossa, T1 + T2 should lift up and move forward.

Question 12

Describe what is meant by the term scapulohumeral rhythm?

Answer 12

as your arms lift up, they externally rotate and scapula rotates out and up

Question 13

Why is the cue to “hold your shoulder blades down” while lifting the arms up not useful?

Answer 13

Goes against natural scapulohumeral movement

Question 14

When raising the arms overhead, what common compensation happens when the shoulder joint runs out of range motion?

Answer 14

• Back ribs grip forward

Question 15

Describe the proper angle placement of the hands in Adho Mukha Svanasana?

Answer 15

Line of wrist parallel to front of mat or slightly angled outwards for people who can’t straighten arms.