Scapulohumeral Rhythm

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Scapulohumeral Rhythm is an interaction between the scapula and the humerus. It is very important for full range of motion in the shoulder. The joints involved are the scapulothoracic joint and the glenohumeral joint. Both of these joints have to work together in order to successfully reach 180 degrees of shoulder extension, for example. They both have to do their roles and their roles are:

            Glenohumeral (GH) joint is 120 degrees of the 180 degrees of shoulder extension.                  

            Scapulothoracic (ST) joint is 60 degrees of the 180 degrees of shoulder extension                                                             

    

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Schematic-representation-of-the-21-scapulohumeral-rhythm-For-example-during-a-180_fig1_335128695

During this movement, the head of the humerus must rotate laterally (away from the midline of the body) and while this happens, the scapula tilts upwards to help assist. For every 3 degrees of motion, the scapula is producing the 1 degree and the humerus is producing the 2 degrees at their given joints. 

It is very important clinically to have this rhythm because it helps the practitioner get a good estimate of their starting point with the client. They then can do range of motion tests and even manual muscle tests. With this rhythm, a good length-tension relationship is maintained throughout and impingement chances are drastically decreased.

Without this rhythm the range of motion is impacted greatly. If even one component is off, it can lead to many problems like winging of the scapula. Medial winged scapula is when the serratus anterior is impaired it can cause weak protraction of the scapula. Lateral winged scapula is when the trapezius is impaired.

If you still don't quite understand, I found a very fun and helpful song to help explain it! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd5bZSKGIDU

Weisser-Pike, O., Dr. (2021, March 24). The Shoulder Complex. Lecture presented in Biomechanical Aspects of Occupational Performance, Lecture 4 at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN.

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