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The trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapula, pectoralis minor, and serratus anterior are the muscles that contribute to the scapula's motion. These muscles are attached to the scapula and the spine or rib cage. Optimal scapula motion is essential for optimal shoulder and upper extremity motion. 

Lesson 7: Scapular Muscles

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I have almost completed my CPT certification and am half-way through the Human Movement certification to inform my massage practice. The different modalities of reading, watching audiovisual materials, and attending live or recorded webinars have been important to my learning style and for review.

Brookbush Institute has the most detailed, specific and effective tools for online learning for movement and/or bodywork professionals. I love the combination of the videos as well as the text available online.

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I have my personal trainer certificate through here and am almost finished my human movement specialist certification. Overall, the education that Brookbush has packaged together for clinicians and trainers is invaluable. I am a physio assistant so coming from more of a rehab background I appreciate that this education has been beneficial both as a trainer and in a rehab setting. I love that I have been able to do all learning at my own pace and able to work around my schedule. Thank you for setting up this platform! Highly recommend :)

I have been a massage therapist for 10 yrs and I feel like all the “pieces” I’ve learned throughout the yrs have been put into place and can see the full picture. I am also a member to tons of great content since I love to learn! I plan to get my CPT through them as well.

I have been following Brent Brookbush for nearly a decade- back when I was a personal Trainer and now as a Physical Therapist. BBI is an incredible resource for any movement nerds and corrective exercise specialists! The information is thorough with multiple real world applications. I am looking forward to an in-person Manual Therapist course the second they do one a little bit closer to Virginia ;)

I have taken both the Human Movement Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer certificate programs and have found the value in understanding the how and ways the body moves and functions and from evidence, non-biased, outcome, conceptual, theoretical, and practical approach to helping my clients/patients look better, feel better, and move better.

Over the last years I've returned time and again to Brookbush Institute for stellar coursework as I've worked toward a Human Movement Specialist certification. (I'm currently ACE CPT, and in training with Anatomy Trains for Structural Integration Manual Therapy.) Every Brookbush Institute module is fantastic and each one includes detailed informational videos, written descriptions of how to-do, and, more importantly, why to-do!

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Having courses count towards different certifications makes it so users can transition seamlessly from one certification to another. In my case, going from earning the BI CPT to earning the BI HMS was an easy decision and I am proud to have earned both certifications. I have also had the pleasure of going to a Live HMS workshop that was well taught by Instructor Boettcher and that was excellent to see how the methods and techniques are implemented.



I have been a member of BBI for years and every course I have taken has been incredibly informative. I learn more from these courses than I do at local CEU courses for my PTA license. I also earned my CPT and HMS certifications through the platform. It was so convenient and the content was top notch! Forever member.

We learn principles in academia, we learn cool new modalities via whatever specialty certification, but BBI really concentrates on the nuances of passive treatment and they do a fantastic job. The format in which BBI instructs soft tissue specialists (DPTs, Chiros, ATs) like myself feels like almost like an apprenticeship. You get a thoroughly detailed explanation of the “why’s”, and a visual comprehension of how to apply. Personally, I believe application is where the good and the great are distinguished.

Brookbush has been incredibly helpful since I was in massage school and now as I’m in my career! I run my own practice and it gives me the resources I need to not only improve what I already know, but also help me navigate better, more efficient ways of treatment.

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The scapula, or shoulder blade, serves as the foundation for the humerus, the bone of the upper arm. Proper movement of the scapula is crucial for aligning the glenoid fossa, the shoulder socket, with the head of the humerus. This alignment is essential for maintaining upper limb stability during all types of movements.

Scapula Muscles in Action: Key Examples and Functions

The muscles responsible for moving the scapula (shoulder blade) and shoulder girdle (including the scapulothoracic joint, acromioclavicular joint, and sternoclavicular joint) are the pectoralis minor, rhomboids, serratus anterior, trapezius, and levator scapulae. The strength of these muscles is crucial for scapular stability, as the scapula does not have a direct bony attachment to the rib cage. Additionally, these muscles facilitate scapular motion. For example, during the shoulder press exercise, the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior work together to achieve upward rotation when the shoulder abducts. In a cable row, the middle trapezius and rhomboids are engaged in scapular retraction as the shoulder extends. The serratus anterior is the primary muscle for scapular protraction, playing a key role in stabilizing and moving the scapula during exercises like the bench press.

These muscles are crucial for maintaining optimal posture by preventing scapular dyskinesis (less than optimal scapular motion). They also help ensure the alignment and stability of the cervical and thoracic spine. As mentioned above, these muscles are also important for maintaining optimal shoulder alignment and preventing maladaptive changes in shoulder arthrokinematics.

Importance of Scapular Muscles for Future Courses:

Sports medicine professionals—including personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers—must thoroughly understand the muscles of the scapula. This knowledge is critical for analyzing human movement and designing advanced exercise programs and rehabilitation interventions. Mastery of scapular anatomy is foundational for future studies on shoulder anatomy, including muscles originating from the lateral border of the scapula and extending across the shoulder, as well as the muscles of the elbow, such as the triceps brachii and the back, like the latissimus dorsi.

Advanced coursework will delve into injury and pain management, addressing issues like muscle weakness, scapular dyskinesis, and shoulder pain. Students will also learn palpation techniques, such as using the inferior angle to assess beneath the scapula. Further, strategies for optimizing muscle activity can enhance scapular movement and upper limb strength, which is crucial for sports performance.

Continuing Education and Certification Approved Final Exam

Additional advanced courses on the anatomy of these muscles: 

This is the rhomboids, one of 5 muscles responsible for scapula motion. The rhomboids contribute to retraction, elevation, and downward rotation of the scapula.

Course Description: Scapular Muscles

Scapular Muscle Study Guide

Course Study Guide: Scapular Muscles

In this video, we describe the muscles of the scapula (a.k.a. scapulothoracic joint or shoulder girdle) including the pectoralis minor, rhomboids, serratus anterior, trapezius, and levator scapulae. This includes a description of relative location, joint actions, functional roles, and examples of their contribution to a variety of exercises, sport motions, and daily activity. For example, the serratus anterior is located on the ribcage and is responsible for protraction and stability of the scapula during shoulder horizontal adduction of the shoulder, which are the joint actions occurring during a bench press and push-up. This is foundational knowledge for all movement professionals, including personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.

Course Video Lesson: Scapular Muscles

Introduction: Scapular Muscles

The attachment of the serratus anterior muscle running from the scapula to the ribcage

The attachment of pectoralis minor muscle running from the coracoid process to ribs 3, 4 &amp; 5

The attachment of the trapezius muscles running the entire length of the upper back

The attachment of the levator scapulae muscle running from the cervical spine to the scapula

The attachment of the rhomboid muscle running from the spine to the scapula

Scapular Muscles: Attachments

Introduction

Scapular Joint Actions and Exercises: Activity

Scapular Joint Actions and Exercises Answer Sheet

Scapular Joint Actions and Exercises

Serratus Anterior: Attachments

A posterior view of the serratus anterior muscle on the scapula

Serratus Anterior Activity

Serratus Anterior Answer Key

Serratus Anterior

Pectoralis Minor: Attachments

A lateral view of the pectoralis minor muscle on the scapula and ribcage

Pectoralis Minor Activity

Pectoralis Minor Answer Key

Pectoralis Minor

Trapezius: Attachments

Trapezius Activity

Trapezius Answer Key

Trapezius

Levator Scapulae: Attachments

The muscles of the scapula, which includes the rhomboids, pectoralis minor, levator scapulae, serratus anterior, and trapezius muscles

Levator Scapulae Activity

Levator Scapulae Answer Key

Levator Scapulae

Rhomboids: Attachements

An image of the rhomboids running from the spine to the scapula

Rhomboids Activity 

Rhomboid Answer Key

Rhomboids

Activity

Activity: Putting It All Together Answer Key

Activity: Putting It All Together

Carolyn Richardson, Paul Hodges, Julie Hides. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbo Pelvic Stabilization – A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain: 2nd Edition (c) Elsevier Limited, 2004

John V. Basmajian, Carlo J. De Luca. Muscles Alive: Their Function Revealed by ElectroMyography. 1985

Bibliography

Questions, comments, and criticisms are welcomed and encouraged

Lesson 7: Scapular Muscles

Related Courses:

Course Description: Scapular Muscles

Course Study Guide: Scapular Muscles

Course Video Lesson: Scapular Muscles

Introduction
2 Sub Sections

Scapular Joint Actions and Exercises
2 Sub Sections

Serratus Anterior
3 Sub Sections

Pectoralis Minor
3 Sub Sections

Trapezius
3 Sub Sections

Levator Scapulae
3 Sub Sections

Rhomboids
3 Sub Sections

Activity: Putting It All Together
2 Sub Sections

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

Lesson 7: Scapular Muscles

Related Courses:

Course Description: Scapular Muscles

Course Study Guide: Scapular Muscles

Course Video Lesson: Scapular Muscles

Introduction2 Sub Sections

Scapular Joint Actions and Exercises2 Sub Sections

Serratus Anterior3 Sub Sections

Pectoralis Minor3 Sub Sections

Trapezius3 Sub Sections

Levator Scapulae3 Sub Sections

Rhomboids3 Sub Sections

Activity: Putting It All Together2 Sub Sections

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

Introduction
2 Sub Sections

Scapular Joint Actions and Exercises
2 Sub Sections

Serratus Anterior
3 Sub Sections

Pectoralis Minor
3 Sub Sections

Trapezius
3 Sub Sections

Levator Scapulae
3 Sub Sections

Rhomboids
3 Sub Sections

Activity: Putting It All Together
2 Sub Sections