Scapulohumeral Rhythm

              Scapulohumeral Rhythm is described as the relations of the movement between the humerus and scapula. In my opinion, they share quite the friendship! The importance of this relationship relies on the movement of the scapula in congruence with the glenohumeral muscles to allow a good length-tension relationship.

              Optimal contraction of the glenohumeral muscles cannot happen without scapulohumeral rhythm. The importance of the optimal length tension for the muscle relies within the scapular movement. Therefore, when the shoulder cannot extend or flex fully, a client’s ROM measurements will most likely be insufficient or abnormal. When one joint is not functioning properly, this will affect the full ROM of shoulder as well. This creates shoulder complex ROM deficits if you’re lacking in the scapulothoracic joint or the glenohumeral which will affect many people’s occupations. This is why the rhythm makes it more fluid in ADL’s or other daily occupations. In relations to MMT scoring, the scapulohumeral rhythm allows the shoulder to be placed a position for the maximum number of cross bridges in the muscle to be formed.

              One of the most common injuries at the shoulder is to one or more of the rotator cuff muscles, which relates to scapulohumeral rhythm in shoulder impingement. This is caused by the ROM deficits in the subacromial space which lies in between the acromion and the humerus. When impingement occurs, the nerve can have inflammation and pain. Overall, ROM and muscle contraction sufficiency are relying on proper scapulohumeral rhythm for shoulder movements of a client.

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