The Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint
Subscapularis (Sub=under, scapularis=shoulder blade) as the name suggests this muscle is located under the shoulder blade and its major responsibility is to rotate the arm towards the body when the arm is at a right angle. It also helps in Joint stability.
Supraspinatus (Supra=above, over, spinatas=spine of the shoulder blade) this muscle is a major stabilizer of the shoulder and helps to prevent dislocation of the shoulder, as when carrying a heavy suitcase. Assists in laterally lifting the arm.
Infraspinatus (Infra=Below) Helps to rotate the arm away from the body when at a right angle. Holds the head of the upper arm into the shoulder joint. Major stabilizing muscle.
Teres Minor (Teres=Round, Minor=lesser) Performs basically the same actions as Infraspinatus.
Scapula (Shoulder Blade) Makes up back portion of Shoulder Joint.
Clavicle (Collar Bone) Attaches to upper portion of Shoulder blade to create main cavity of Shoulder joint.
Humerus (Upper Arm) the head of this Bone fits into the main cavity to complete the Shoulder Joint.
As can be seen by the pictures below the Shoulder is a very complex joint with lots Muscles and ligaments crossing and attaching to it and when this joint doesn’t function properly it can cause all sorts pf problems for not just the Shoulder but many other parts of the body.
The point of all this is to give you all an understanding of how these small but ultimately crucial muscles function and there position within our bodies. I have noticed recently that many of you have/had some form of Shoulder injury and think that with a better understanding of the anatomy and functionality of the Shoulder Joint and its surrounding musculature it can help with your training and ultimately our programming as Trainers. For those of you that have experienced a RC injury and the exercises that are performed to re-habilitate these muscles will be well aware of the pain that is associated with them. Hopefully this article has en-lightened you all to the importance of these muscles and if anyone has any questions in regards to anything mentioned above then don’t hesitate to ask one of the guys. -Kennedy