Muscle of the Month: Serratus Anterior
- samantha155
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
I hope you're having a super September! It's time for our Muscle of the Month feature, and this month, we're shining the spotlight on the unsung hero of shoulder health: the Serratus Anterior. This fascinating muscle plays a crucial role in shoulder function and overall upper body health.
Anatomy
· Location: The SA originates on the lateral surface of the upper 8 or 9 ribs, wraps around the ribcage, passes underneath the scapula, and inserts on it’s medial border.
· Appearance: When well-developed, it creates a serrated or saw-toothed look along the sides of the ribcage.
Actions
Protraction
Upward rotation of the scapulothoracic joint. This is defined as the inferior angle of the scapula moving up and out, as when raising the arm overhead.
When the shoulder girdle is fixed, the SA lifts the ribs, assisting with respiration.
Primary functions:
• The SA is a key muscle in scapular stabilization. It works with the Rhomboids to keep the shoulder blades pressed against the ribcage, which allows for proper shoulder positioning during various activities.
• It is also crucial in the ability to raise the arm overhead with correct biomechanics. It works with the upper and lower fibers of the trapezius muscle to provide upward rotation of the scapula, which allows for overhead lifting.
Why it matters:
• These actions are crucial for stabilizing your shoulder blade and allowing smooth, pain-free arm movements.
• Without proper activation and strength of the serratus anterior, the scapula may exhibit winging or tilting, altering the mechanics of shoulder movement.
When Things Go Wrong: The Impingement Connection
• When the SA is inhibited, lengthened or weakened; scapular protraction and scapular upward rotation are impaired, which leads to improper shoulder mechanics.
• This causes restriction of overhead range of motion and reduces overall scapular/shoulder stability, increasing the risk of injury to the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle.
• The result is often shoulder pain when raising the arm overhead, commonly known as impingement syndrome.
Empower Your Serratus: Quick Exercise Guide Ready to show your Serratus Anterior some love? Check out this video for a few of my favorite simple exercises to target and strengthen this vital muscle.
💪 Pro tip: Incorporate these exercises into your routine 2-3 times a week for noticeable improvements in shoulder stability and function! P.S. Hungry for more knowledge? Visit my website for more videos: • Real-life rehab techniques • Injury spotlight series • Curated exercise classes
Your Input Matters! What other topics or exercises would you like to see in future videos? Drop me a line and let me know!
With health and happiness,
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