Posterior Right

The rhomboid muscles adduct and downwardly and (medially) rotate the scapula. The rhomboids, like the levator scapula, are both synergists and antagonists of the trapezius.  The rhomboids typically become more dominant than the trapezius and will restrict upward rotation of the scapula.  Depressed shoulders are a common postural impairment, which leaves the upper trapezius frequently overstretched and weak.

Shoulder shrugging exercises with the arms down only reinforces the dominance of the rhomboids and levator scapula.  To emphasize upper trapezius activity shoulder shrugging should be done with the arms overhead so that the scapula is upwardly rotated.

ACTIONS:

• ADDUCTS THE SCAPULA
• ELEVATES THE SCAPULA
• DOWNWARDLY ROTATES THE SCAPULA

ORIGIN:

• MINOR- SPINOUS PROCESSES OF C-7 AND T-1
• MAJOR- SPINOUS PROCESSES OF T-2 TO T-5

INSERTION:

• MEDIAL BORDER OF THE SCAPULA BETWEEN SPINE OF SCAPULA AND INFERIOR ANGLE

NERVE INNERVATION:

• DORSAL SCAPULAR FROM BRACHIAL PLEXUS