Shoulder Rehabilitation Part 1

The shoulder is the most muscular of all the body parts, and therefore very prone to imbalances. Over time the brain sets preferential neural patterns meaning certain muscles being inadvertently used for “functional” movements. Over time neuro-muscular adaptations become physiological: poor position, increased muscle activation, muscle ischemia, metabolite accumulation, reflex muscle contraction and so on. Prolonged isometric contraction causes anaerobic metabolism resulting in increased irritation etc, you’re now in the pain spasm cycle.

What do you do, well actually the first thing you need to do BEFORE you go diving into corrective exercise prescription is reduce dominance patterns of the following muscles with techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release, METs and stretching:

–        Pectoralis major and minor

–        latissimus dorsi

–        Upper trapezius

–        Levator scapulae

–        Sternocleidomastoid

This will immediately enhance the function of serratus anterior and lower trapezius, which will become more biomechanically efficient. The other muscle we want to get fired up is the oft ignored subscapularis primarily because it is THE local joint stabiliser.

Part II next week.