Pectoralis Minor

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the pectoralis minor (a.k.a. the pec minor, and is included in the term pecs, chest muscles, and pectoral muscles). This muscle originates on ribs 3-5 and inserts into the coracoid process of the scapula (shoulder blade), lies deep to the pectoralis major; and unfortunately, research is not available on fiber type composition. The pectoralis minor muscle crosses the scapulothoracic joint (scapula), influencing motion of the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint, and contributes to protraction, depression, and anterior tipping of the scapula. This course also describes the role of the pectoralis minor muscles in scapulothoracic arthrokinematics, fascial integration, postural dysfunction, and subsystem integration. 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 pectoralis minor for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation (e.g. “tight pec minor”, pectoralis minor syndrome and the resulting weakness and pain during arm elevation, shoulder joint pain, shoulder impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, scapular winging), the effect the pectoralis minor has on scapular kinematics (e.g. anterior tipping in synergy with the levator scapulae and upper trapezius muscles), and pectoralis minor exercises and techniques for enhancing sports performance (e.g. ensuring ideal pectoralis minor length for optimal shoulder stability, strength, power, hypertrophy, etc.).

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Pectoralis Minor (see videos below):

• Release: Pectoralis Minor Static Release
• Stretch: Chest Stretch (Wall Stretch)
• Manual: Pectoralis Minor Manual Stretch

Caption: Pectoralis minor muscle on the torso