Scapular Plane
Scapular Plane: The scapular plane is the plane of the scapula. It is medially rotated approximately 30-40 degrees from the frontal plane (between the frontal and sagittal planes). The scapula's medially rotated position is due to the elliptical shape of the rib cage.
- Human Anatomy and Motion: Scapular plane motion refers to the motion of a bone and joint in the scapular plane. It is most often only referenced during upper extremity motion and motion of the shoulder joint.
- Why should you lift in the scapular plane? Shoulder joint motions in the scapular plane may reduce the impingement of tissues between the greater tubercle of the humerus and the acromion shelf. Theoretically, this may reduce the development of or the exacerbation of shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) symptoms.
- A Tip for Students: Movements are categorized by plane based on the movement of bones and joints, not external load. For example, a shoulder press and a pull-up can be done in the scapular plane; however, this would require that the shoulder joint moves through flexion or extension (abduction or adduction) in the plane of the scapula. Although a shoulder press and pull-up are conventionally performed in the frontal plane, it is the joint motion that dictates the plane of motion and not the name of the exercise.
Note: The most common reference to the scapular plane is for a shoulder exercise commonly performed in a physical rehabilitation setting called "scaption ." Scaption is "flexion" in the scapular plane and could be described as a motion between a "front raise" and a "lateral raise."
Additional Planes of Motion:
For more information on the Planes of Motion (including video lecture), check out:
Examples of exercises that are commonly performed in the scapular plane:
Scapular Plane Joint Actions
Shoulder
- Flexion (sometimes referred to as "scaption")
- Extension