Shoulder Girdle – Anatomy, Function and Common Complaints
The shoulder girdle connects the arm to the trunk and enables a wide range of movement. Learn about its structure, function, and common musculoskeletal issues.
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The shoulder girdle connects the arm to the trunk and enables a wide range of movement. Learn about its structure, function, and common musculoskeletal issues.
Shoulder Girdle: Structure, Function and Common Issues
The shoulder girdle (pectoral girdle) is the bony structure that connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton. It consists of the clavicle and the scapula, connected via the sternoclavicular (SC) joint and acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
Unlike the pelvic girdle, the shoulder girdle is not firmly attached to the trunk but is instead suspended by muscles. This allows great mobility of the upper limb but also makes it prone to postural dysfunctions, muscle imbalances, and tension-related pain.
Structure and Function
- Clavicle: connects sternum and scapula
- Scapula: flat bone on the back, provides the socket for the shoulder joint
- SC joint: only true joint between upper limb and trunk
- AC joint: connects clavicle with the acromion of the scapula
Functions of the shoulder girdle:
- Positioning of the arm in space
- Stabilization of the shoulder joint
- Muscle attachment site for many upper body and neck muscles
Common Complaints
- Upper trapezius tension (especially in desk workers)
- Poor posture (e.g. forward shoulder, rounded back)
- Movement-related pain due to muscle imbalances
- AC or SC joint dysfunction
- Neck and tension headaches from girdle misalignment
- Reduced shoulder mobility
Treatment and Prevention
- Posture correction and ergonomic adjustment
- Strengthening scapular stabilizers
- Scapular mobility training
- Stretching tight muscles (especially chest and neck)
- Myofascial release and physiotherapy if needed
Scientific References
- Rockwood CA Jr. et al. (2009): The Shoulder – WB Saunders
- Neumann DA (2010): Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System
- Sahrmann SA (2002): Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes
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