Origin
- Processus spinosus Th1-Th5
Attachment
- Margo medialis scapulae (below spina scapulae)
Innervation
- C4-C5 N. Dorsalis scapulae
Plexa
- Pl. Cervicalis
Function
Unilateral function
- Adduction Scapulae
- Retracts Scapulae to the vertrabral column
- Elevation Scapulae
- Inward rotation Scapulae
- Fixates scapulae to thoracic wall
Artery
Antagonist
- M. Pectoralis major
- M. Serratus anterior
Joints involved
- art. Sternoclavicularis
- art. Acromioclavicularis
- Intervertebral joints Th1-Th5
- art. Thoracoscapularis
Descriptive text
The muscle is a skeletal muscle on the back. It acts together with the rhomboid minor to keep the scapulae pressed against the thoracic wall. The muscle is shaped like a rhombus. It is flat and lies under M. Trapezius, which almost completely covers the muscle. The fiber direction goes from the processus spinosus th1-th5, downwards laterally towards the medial margin of the scapulae. This fiber direction causes the muscle to primarily adduce the shoulder blades. It does not affect the cervical spine because it has no connection to the vertebrae of the cervical spine, but it does affect the collarbones via the scapulae.
Exercise
Exercise suggestions
Therapist tips
- Common with pain in this muscle during office work in combination with high stress and static work.
- A thoracic spine with increased kufos can give increased tension and pain in this muscle.
- Trigger points can give a burning or numb feeling in the area.
- Remember to soften the antagonist M. Pectoralis major in case of pain in this area.
- Strengthen the antagonist M. Serratus anterior
- If this muscle is torn, wasted or unable to contract itself. It can lead to scapular instability.
Treatment recommendations
- Massage in various forms
- Acupressure
- Dry needling
- Joint manipulation
- Stretch (both at home and from a therapist)
- TENS
- NMES
- Cervical traction
- Heat