Scapulohumeral Rhythm

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 Blog 3: Scapulohumeral Rhythm


    Scapulohumeral rhythm is the ratio of movement between the scapula and the humerus. This process involves two joints; the scapulothoracic (ST) joint, and the glenohumeral (GH) joint. The ST joint is a functional joint that articulates bone-muscle-bone between the scapula and thoracic wall. The GH joint is a ball and socket joint of the convex humeral head and the concave glenoid fossa. Within the scapulohumeral rhythm, the ST and GH joints form a 2:1 ratio. The shoulder has three degrees of movement, so one degree is at the ST joint while the other two are at the GH joint. 

    Scapulohumeral rhythm is clinically important because it allows for a large shoulder range of motion. Since scapulohumeral rhythm includes more than one joint, they work congruently, and the shoulder is able to move smoothly and in multiple planes of motion. Scapulohumeral rhythm can be a source for injury. If they client shows signs of pain or they are not able to fully do ROM of the shoulder, this could alert the practitioner can evaluate further. The movements available by the scapulohumeral rhythm helps maximize function as well. It helps us not only perform ADLS's but also reach that high shelf or reach out a little further. It provides smooth function to do any task from scratching your back to hanging clothes. Scapulohumeral rhythm also has a length- tension relationship, meaning that the muscles and the joints and bones work together. This gives us more stability and force in our shoulder to fulfill tasks or workouts. If one of these factors is injured, we know as practitioners to check the other factors as well to make sure the whole system is able to work smoothly. If there is poor scapulohumeral rhythm, there will be decreased ROM in the shoulder. The client may start to compensate with other movements to make up for the lack of shoulder ROM, which can lead to not only false measurements, but also further injury. It is important for us to make sure to have proper testing positions and landmarks while resting ROM or MMT to rule out any compensatory movements. 



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