Elite Baseball Development Podcast Pinch Hit Friday #27 - Structure and Function in the Throwing Shoulder
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Apr 4, 2025 Explore the fascinating mechanics of the throwing shoulder. Discover how the balance between large and small muscles impacts performance and injury prevention. Learn about the essential roles of the latissimus dorsi and rotator cuff for athletes. Get insights into arthrokinematics and osteokinematics to keep overhead athletes healthy.
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Shoulder Movement Interplay
- The shoulder balances large, osteokinematic movements (flexion, extension) with subtle, arthrokinematic movements (rolling, gliding).
- Large prime movers (lats, pecs, deltoids) attach further down the humerus, while rotator cuff muscles attach on the humeral head, creating a seesaw effect.
Rotator Cuff Stabilization
- During acceleration, the lat's strong internal rotation causes the humeral head to glide forward.
- The rotator cuff must counteract this to keep the head centered, especially given the small glenoid surface area.
Stabilization at Ball Release
- At ball release, the biceps tendon and rotator cuff act as compressive stabilizers, counteracting significant distraction forces.
- Adequate scapular upward rotation and lat extensibility are crucial for this process.