Introduction to the 3-D Shoulder

The shoulder comnplex is another interesting 3-D structure where the oxymoron of "complex simplicity" comes to mind. We see this when as we observe infants grasping for their parents hand, bottle, or anything else in reach. The symphony of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and other soft tissue is amazing to witness when proper chain reaction biomechanics are occuring. However, like many other structures of the body, the shoulder complex can be as dysfunctional as it is functional.

Another oxymoron that comes to mind regarding the shoulder is "Mobile Stability" or "MOSTABILITY". As we look at the shoulder, we see a complex that has the capacity to be extremely mobile in all 3 planes of motion. However, this is the classic "Goldilocks" phenomenon. Too much mobility we can have instability. Too little mobility, can lead to pathologies like impingements. We are looking for "just right" mobility which is accomplished through a delicate balance of STABILITY in the complex With this MOSTABILITY, we are able to functional load and explode the PELTRUNKULARUS system to allow the shoulder to do its job of catching, throwing, hugging, etc.

In this post, you will be introduced to the complex simplicity of the 3-D shoulder complex along with some simple strategies and techniques for post-rehab as well as training and conditioning.

SIMPLE ANATOMY OF THE SHOULDER:

Bones: Humerus, Scapula and Clavicle
Joints: Glenohumeral, Sternoclavicular, Acrominoclavicular, Scapulothoracic
Ligaments: Coracohumeral, Superior glenohumeral, Middle glenohumeral, Inferior glenohumeral, Acromionclavicular, Coracoclavicular, Costoclavicular, Interclavicular
Passive Mechanisms: Articular surfaces of glenoid and humerus, Glenoid Labrum
Rotator Cuff Muscles: Subscapularis, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor

CHAIN REACTION BIOMECHANICS

The CRB of the shoulder is pretty simple when you step back and look it the structure. It is a tri-planar joint as as well as tri-axial joint, which means that the joint can go through all axis of motion simultaneously I think as we get into these "shoulder programs", many of the practicioners focus on the glenohumeral joint and the mobility/stability there. However, they must also look at a big part of the shoulder complex which is the SCAPULA. Here are some pointers from the SIMPLE SIDE OF FUNCTION:

1. The HUMERUS and SCAPULA are supposed to get along- meaning that where one goes, the other must go. 
2. Imagine the humerus going around in a clock pattern, whether it be in Sagital, Frontal or Transverse planes. The scapula should be following the humerus, if it doesnt, we can be setting ourselves up for a lot of dysfunctional movement patterns. 
3. The Thoracic Spine and the associated ribs should be faciliating the proper movement of the scapula so that it functionally feeds the humerus better. 
1. The T-Spine is the foundation of the scapula
2. If we ask the humerus and scapula to go in the same direction, the scapula needs to ask the T-spine to also go along for the ride. If not, we are going to start to take up motion in other joints, like the GH joint, SC or AC joint and start to get dysfunction. 

That is a first step look at the simple side of function. As I have seen many shoulders, if the person is complaining of shoulder pain, I look at the scapula and Thoracic spine almost immediately. If there is lack of motion or decreased quality of motion, I want to see if the person can get that motion back. Usually, when those Rotator Cuff muscles and 17 other muscles that are attached the scapula are eccentrically loaded and allowed to concentrically unload or explode in the 3 planes of motion, they tend to get much friendlier and less ornery.

I will be following up soon with a 3-D Shoulder Functional Strategy and Technique post.

I hope this all made sense. The shoulder complex is just that....COMPLEX, but it does have a simple side of function as well. Take a minute to think about the principles of function applied to the shoulder complex and the techniques should fall right into place .

Happy Tuesday!!!!


Will