Posterior Capsule Tightness: Subscapularis Dysfunction
Written on August 10, 2007 at 11:08 am, by Eric Cressey
I saw you write somewhere recently that subscapularis dysfunction was generally associated with posterior capsule tightness? Is there a causal relationship?
The subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor work together to depress the humeral head during dynamic shoulder activities.
The subscapularis posteriorly pulls the humeral head in the joint (counteracts pectoralis major), while the other two anteriorly pull it (counteract posterior deltoid).
So, they’re antagonists and synergists at the same time.
If subscapularis shuts down, infraspinatus and teres minor fire overtime as depressors – but you don’t get subscapularis’ posterior humeral head pull. Tightness kicks in with the posterior capsule, and you can also get anterior humeral glide issues. This is a big no-no in overhead throwing, as they’ll look to the elbow to get range of motion – and that’s when you start to see ulnar collateral ligament ruptures, ulnar nerve compression, etc.
Eric Cressey
Click here to purchase the most comprehensive shoulder resource available today: Optimal Shoulder Performance – From Rehabilitation to High Performance.
Category Blog | Tags: Building The Efficient Athlete, Magnificent Mobility, Pro Baseball Pitcher Workout, Rotator Cuff Exercises, Rotator Cuff Rehab, Shoulder Exercises, Shoulder Health, Shoulder Impingement, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Rehab, Unstable Surface Training, Weight Lifting for Baseball, Weight Lifting Program, Weight Lifting Routine, Workout Program, Workout Routine
|
January 19th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
perfect eric i completely get what you mean .. so if i am getting it right when you say ‘antagonists and synergists at the same time’ you mean antagonistic in the sense of direction (anterior pull vs posterior pull ) and synergistic in the sense of the pulling action. is that right?? byw your articles on t-nation and also this blog has helped me a lot in understanding shoulder work for overhead athlete and heal my 8 year old injury…what can i specifically do for a rehab work in terms of fast fibers of the shoulder ? would be great if you had address this or any thoughts u might have regarding this??
June 30th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Hi Eric, I had anterior labral shoulder surgery 4 months ago, and I have a very tight subscap. I get sharp pain when I do my external rotations, which is preventing my rehab progress.
It’s driving me crazy because I want to start getting ready for my rugby season, and right now i feel like I’m miles away from doing that.
Are there any exercises one can do at home to help with this?
Thanks!