The Scapula: How It Can Make or Break You

Serratus Anterior Stretch (Video)

Serratus Anterior Anatomy & Function

Serratus Anterior Anatomy & Function Video

How Does Serratus Anterior Work?

The serratus anterior muscle originates from the glenohumeral joint (glenohumeral head). It attaches to the scapular border via two tendons called the longus and brevis. These muscles are responsible for external rotation of your arm, which means they rotate your shoulder blade outward away from your body. The serratus anterior is one of the most common upper limb musculature involved in overhead activities such as throwing, punching, pushing, pulling and climbing.

The serratus anterior is a very large muscle with many fibers. Each fiber consists of several smaller muscle groups connected together through fascia. Each of these fibers is made up of even smaller muscle cells. The muscle is split into two components- the costal part and the inner part.

The costal part or external serratus originates from ribs 2-6, while the internal part or inner serratus originates from ribs 1-5. The two parts unite into a common tendon that is inserted onto the medial border of the scapula at about the level of the third thoracic vertebra.

The serratus anterior is involved in several actions. The most important of these are protraction, upward rotation and internal rotation of the scapula. It also helps control the shoulder girdle by acting as a fixator for the scapula. The serratus anterior is also an accessory muscle of inspiration, which means that it helps you take a breath in.

This is done by pulling the scapula forward, which in turn pulls the chest wall forward. The muscle is also important in providing stability to the shoulder girdle.

Serratus Anterior Muscle Injury

The serratus anterior attaches to the medial border of the scapula and is involved in several actions. It protracts, rotates and elevates the scapula during various arm movements. It also helps to stabilize the glenohumeral joint.

The most common cause of serratus anterior injury is death of the muscle during surgery. The muscle can be damaged by trauma resulting in bruising and tearing of the muscle fibers. During throwing activities the bone where the serratus attaches can break and move into the muscle. The serratus can be injured from falls and trauma to the chest and upper arm.

Repetitive overhead activities can lead to inflammation of the muscle.

Signs and symptoms may include pain at the medial border of scapula or pain in the front of the shoulder, difficulty raising your arm to the side, weakness of shoulder elevation and trouble throwing.

Treatment for this condition primarily includes rest, ice, massage, medication and physical therapy. In some cases surgery may be required to repair any damage to the tendon or bone.

Serratus anterior symptoms include pain and weakness in the upper chest, shoulder and scapular region. The pain can sometimes be felt in the arm and may extend to the neck and jaw. Numbness or heaviness may also be present. Inability to perform overhead arm movements properly is also a common symptom.

Treatment of serratus anterior injury includes rest, ice, massage, pain medication and physical therapy. Injection of the tendon with a long-acting anesthetic and a steroid can treat pain and inflammation. If symptoms persist or if complete tears of the tendon occur surgery may be required to repair any damage.

Serratus Anterior Exercises

The following exercises are recommended for serratus anterior strengthening:

External rotation with a resistance band.

Standing external rotation.

Seated external rotation.

Prone horizontal abduction.

Push-ups against a wall.

Push-ups on a stability ball.

Push-ups with hands on a stability ball.

Prone horizontal abduction with a dumbbell between feet.

These exercises can be performed 3 to 4 times per week.

Serratus Anterior Exercises Video

Excellent Serratus Anterior Exercises Video:

You can follow our physician-approved exercise program and learn how to do these exercises correctly and get faster healing results. This program was used in a clinical setting, under the guidance of a team of medical professionals.

You should consult your physician before starting this or any exercise program. If you have had an injury in the past we recommend that you seek the guidance of a physical therapist before starting this or any exercise program. You can read our Medical Alerts Disclaimer here.