What is your Scapulohumeral Rhythm? Why is it important?

Your shoulder-scapula joint motion has a normal functional motion patterns known as scapulohumeral rhythm - to provide you with pain-free and powerful shoulder function. When elevating your shoulder overhead roughly one-third of your shoulder motion occurs at your scapulothoracic joint and two-thirds at the glenohumeral joint.

However, it is the timing and coordination of your shoulder muscles and how they control your scapulohumeral rhythm that is the most important factor.

Alteration of this normal scapulohumeral movement pattern results in shoulder injuries, pain and impingement.

Read full article here: Scapulohumeral Rhythm

http://bit.ly/19Jfz4d

What are the Symptoms or Abnormal Scapulohumeral Rhythm?

Poor shoulder blade stability results in abnormal tipping and rotation of your scapular, which causes your acromion (bone) to pinch down into the subacromial structures (eg bursa and tendons) causing impingement leading to swelling or tears.

Typically signs of abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm includes shoulder pain, instability and clicking. Researchers have identified abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm as a major cause of rotator cuff impingement.

Your shoulder physiotherapist is an expert in the assessment of scapulohumeral rhythm. They will observe your shoulder motion and perform strength and control tests to assist their diagnosis.

X-rays, MRI’s, ultrasound scans and CT scan are unable to determine scapulohumeral rhythm dysfunction.