In the case of the shoulder girdle, there are many bony structures which influence function of the shoulder. These bones would include the sternum, clavicle, scapula, humerus, ribs, radius, vertebrae.

The shoulder complex has the greatest mobility of all joints because of little bony congruity of its articulating surfaces. The joints of the shoulder complex must rely on adjacent ligaments and muscles to provide stability. Consequently, they are susceptible to injury and degeneration. Our physical therapists have extensive knowledge of the anatomy in this area and can identify the specific components contributing to your shoulder dysfunction.

It is our belief that any dysfunction of the shoulder joint is linked to the thoracic girdle. How and where your shoulder blade sits on the ribcage will significantly impact the efficiency of upper quadrant function. Physical therapists at LHPT are trained to look at the interconnectivity of the cervical and thoracic spine, ribcage with the shoulder girdle. It has been our experience that normalization of thoracic girdle dysfunctions will positively impact the symptomatology and function of the shoulder and therefore, should be addressed early in the treatment program.