Read on to see why the lats can cause shoulder issues.
The lats are the big "pull up/wing" muscles that attach from the top of the pelvis and spine to the arm bone (humerus).
They are responsible for activities such as pull ups, closing the trunk of our car (if you have an old-school car like me lol), pulling something towards us, swimming.... the list goes on.
They do this by extending the arm (pulling it down and back behind you), turning it inwards, and pulling it down to our sides.
Now this is obviously very important from a functional standpoint, but like everything else, too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. When they get overly tight, then this can cause our shoulders to adopt a rounded posture.
Not only does this make us slouch, but it also prevents the shoulder from being able to perform overhead movements correctly. In order to reach or lift weight overhead without issues, the shoulder blade needs to rotate upwards fully, and the arm needs to externally rotate. Too much tension in the lats can prevent this. As a result, we can end up with shoulder pain, impaired strength, impaired range of motion, and loss of function.
Performing self myofascial release techniques, mobility drills, and progressive strengthening to counteract this tension will improved your shoulder function and prevent pain down the road.
The result? More time doing all of the stuff you love and less time spent nursing an injury!
Check out the video below for a myofascial release technique I like to show my patients to help with their lat tightness.
Shoulder pain, stiffness, or loss of function?
Contact Clinch so we can get it checked out and get you back in the swing of things, ASAP.
Clinch Performance and Recovery
Performance Physical Therapy serving the Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Truckee areas.
(775)984-6605
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