Abstract
The shoulder joint is anatomically the glenohumeral joint formed between the humeral head and the glenoid fossa of the scapula. However, functionally, it consists of a complex of four joints formed by the humerus, scapula, clavicle, and sternum bones. The shoulder functions are performed by the coordinated movements of the glenohumeral, scapulothoracic, sternoclavicular, and acromioclavicular joints and their associated contractile and noncontractile structures. In this section, the contractile and noncontractile structures of the shoulder joint and their palpation, the joints that generate the shoulder complex and these joint motions, and evidence-based exercises for the muscles responsible for shoulder function are explained.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Further Reading
Boettcher CE, Gınn KA, Cathers I. Which is the optimal exercise to strengthen supraspinatus? Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(11):1979–83.
Camargo PR, Neumann DA. Kinesiologic considerations for targeting activation of scapulothoracic muscles—part 2: trapezius. Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(6):467–75.
Castelein B, Cagnie B, Parlevliet T, Danneels L, Cools A. Optimal normalization tests for muscle activation of the levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major: an electromyography study using maximum voluntary isometric contractions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;96(10):1820–7.
Cleland J, Koppenhaver S, Su J. Shoulder. In: Cleland J, Koppenhaver S, Su J, editors. Netter’s orthopaedic clinical examination: an evidence-based approach. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2015. p. 449–526.
Cricchio M, Frazer C. Scapulothoracic and scapulohumeral exercises: a narrative review of electromyographic studies. J Hand Ther. 2011;24(4):322–33.
Escamilla RF, Yamashiro K, Paulos L, Andrews JR. Shoulder muscle activity and function in common shoulder rehabilitation exercises. Sports Med. 2009;39(8):663–85.
Ha SM, Kwon OY, Cynn HS, Lee WH, Kim SJ, Park KN. Selective activation of the infraspinatus muscle. J Athl Train. 2013;48(3):346–52.
Kang FJ, Ou HL, Lin KY, Lin JJ. Serratus anterior and upper trapezius electromyographic analysis of the push-up plus exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Athl Train. 2019;54(11):1156–64.
Kara D, Harput G, Duzgun I. Trapezius muscle activation levels and ratios during scapular retraction exercises: a comparative study between patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and healthy controls. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2019;67:119–26.
Lippert LS. Clinical kinesiology and anatomy of the upper extremities. In: Lippert LS, editor. Clinical kinesiology and anatomy. Philadelphia: FA Davis Company; 2011. p. 113–94.
Lugo R, Kung P, Ma CB. Shoulder biomechanics. Eur J Radiol. 2008;68(1):16–24.
Muscolino JE. Palpation of the muscles of the shoulder girdle. In: Muscolino JE, editor. The muscle and bone palpation manual with trigger points, referral patterns and stretching. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2009a. p. 137–80.
Muscolino JE. Upper extremity bone palpation and ligaments. In: Muscolino JE, editor. The muscle and bone palpation manual with trigger points, referral patterns and stretching. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2009b. p. 69–92.
Neumann DA. Upper extremity. In: Neumann DA, editor. Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system-e-book: foundations for rehabilitation. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2013. p. 119–304.
Neumann DA, Camargo PR. Kinesiologic considerations for targeting activation of scapulothoracic muscles—part 1: serratus anterior. Braz J Phys Ther. 2019;23(6):459–66.
Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Wilk KE, Fleisig GS, Dun S, Barrentine SW, et al. Electromyographic analysis of the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles during 3 common rehabilitation exercises. J Athl Train. 2007;42(4):464–9.
Reinold MM, Escamilla RF, Wilk KE. Current concepts in the scientific and clinical rationale behind exercises for glenohumeral and scapulothoracic musculature. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(2):105–17.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kara, D., Yildiz, T.I. (2023). The Shoulder. In: Kaya Utlu, D. (eds) Functional Exercise Anatomy and Physiology for Physiotherapists. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27184-7_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27184-7_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-27183-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-27184-7
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)