Thursday, April 17, 2008

Ahhh, the lowly clavicle

The clavicle is such an underappreciated bone. This small strut serves to link our whole upper extremity to our trunk and is the bony connection from the scapula to the sternum. As such, the clavicle serves a very important job. Without the freedom afforded to our clavicle, much of what we know of upper extremity range of motion would be unavailable to us.

Restrictions along the clavicle will impact the range of motion available to the rest of the upper extremity. In order to externally rotate the humerus in abduction, the clavicle must also rotate along its axis with the humerus. It is my experience that easing restrictions along the clavicle will facilitate ease in the upper trapezius muscles and possibly the rhomboids.

A way to gain appreciation for the support the clavicle is through a pressing motion above the head, such as a military press or downward dog. At full extension, the line of force will be through the arms, the scapulae and the clavicles into the sternum.

This post comes as a result of my own experiences with my clavicle the past several days and those of a few recent clients. I encourage any massage therapist to explore the willing clavicles available to them for further research and discovery.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So true. The "lowly clavicle" is at the root of many shoulder and neck issues inculding Thoracic outlet syndrome. Failure to pay attention to the clavicle can result in continued pain and dysfunction.

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