Scapular Retraction
Electrode Placement
Application Instruction by Dr. Lucinda Baker
Electrode placement for scapular retraction. The negative electrode is placed under the scapula as far as possible. The positive electrode is placed on the lower portion of the serratus anterior.
Scapular Retraction
Video Instruction
Audio Transcript:
Electrode placement for scapular retraction. The negative electrode is placed under the scapula as far as possible. The positive electrode is placed on the lower portion of the serratus anterior.
During the stimulation the scapula will retract against the thorax wall and the negative electrode will come over onto the superior surface of the scapula. Despite the relocation of the negative electrode the scapula will continue to retract.
Scapular Retraction
Muscle Anatomy
Muscles involved in shoulder flexion & abduction:
Deltoid
Origin: The anterior border and upper surface of the lateral third of the clavicle, acromion, spine of the scapula
Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
Trapezius
Origin: External occipital protuberance, spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T12, nuchal ligament, medial third of superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
Insertion: Nuchal ligament, medial superior nuchal line, posterior border of the lateral one-third of the clavicle, acromion process, and spine of scapula
Other actions: Scapular rotation, elevation, depression of the scapula
Rhomboideus Major
Origin: Spinous processes of the T2 to T5
vertebrae
Insertion: medial border of the scapula,
inferior to the insertion of rhomboid minor
muscle
Other actions: fixates the scapula to the
thoracic wall
Rhomboideus Minor
Origin: Nuchal ligaments and spinous
processes of C7-T1
Insertion: Medial border of scapula, superior
to the insertion of rhomboid major muscle
Other actions: fixates the scapula to the
thoracic wall
Serratus Anterior
Origin: Fleshy slips from the outer surface of
upper 8 or 9 ribs
Insertion: Costal aspect of medial margin of the
scapula
Other actions: Protracts and stabilizes scapula,
assists in upward rotation
Scapular Retraction
Nerve Anatomy
Origin: Nerves involved in scapular retraction:
Trapezius
Nerve innervation: accessory nerve for motor
cervical spinal nerves C3 and C4 for motor and
sensation
Nerve root: C3, C4
Rhomboideus Major
Nerve innervation: dorsal scapular nerve
Nerve root: C4, C5, C6
Rhomboideus Minor
Nerve innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve
Nerve root: C4, C5, C6
Serratus Anterior
Nerve innervation: long thoracic nerve
Nerve root: C5, C6, C7
