Coracobrachialis

Structure

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the coracobrachialis. As the name suggests, the coracobrachialis has an origin on the coracoid process of the scapula (a.k.a. shoulder blade) and an insertion on the "brachii" or anterior side of the humerus (a.k.a. upper arm bone). When this course was published, research could not be located that reported the relative mass and proportion of muscle fiber types of this muscle.

Function:

The coracobrachialis crosses the shoulder joint and acts as a synergist during shoulder flexion, horizontal adduction, and adduction. This course also discusses the coracobrachialis and shoulder (glenohumeral) joint arthrokinematics, fascial integration, subsystem integration, and postural dysfunction. For example, the coracobrachialis may act synergistically with the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and teres major, contributing to adduction of the humerus and inferior glide of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa. These actions may be a component of the sign "Arms Fall " during an Overhead Squat Assessment , and postural dysfunction (e.g. movement impairment) of the upper body.

Practical Application:

Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the integrated function of the coracobrachialis for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. For example, altered activity and length of the coracobrachialis may contribute to shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), anterior shoulder pain, bursitis, trigger points, and musculocutaneous nerve impingement. Altered coracobrachialis activity may also result in a reduction in posterior rotator cuff (infraspinatus and teres minor) activity, resulting in a significant decrease in upper body speed, agility, and strength, and a reduction in the effectiveness of resistance training routines intended to improve upper body strength and hypertrophy (bodybuilding). Deeper knowledge of coracobrachialis anatomy is essential for optimal assessment, intervention selection, and building a repertoire of coracobrachialis specific techniques.

Upper Body Dysfunction (UBD):

Assessment:

• Overhead Squat Assessment
  
  • Arms Fall
• Goniometric Assessment
  
  • Shoulder Flexion (<180°): Coracobrachialis Short and Over-active

Sample Self-administered Intervention

• Release
• • Latissimus Dorsi Self-administered Active Release
  • Posterior Deltoid Static Release
• Mobilization or Manipulation
  • Shoulder Mobilization
• Lengthening
  • Childs Pose
  • Crucifixion Stretch
• Activation
  • External Rotator Activation
  • Serratus Anterior Activation
• Integration
  • Prone ITY's

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for Coracobrachialis (see videos below):

• Vibration Release: Arm Vibration Release
• Static Stretch: Crucifixion Stretch

Caption: Coracobrachialis