The shoulder girdle evaluation uses one or more exercises to illustrate which part of your shoulder girdle is weakest in comparison to the other muscles. The most commonly evaluated muscles are:
We use a specific set of exercises to evaluate the strength of these muscles. These exercises should be relatively close to each other in strength if the shoulder girdle is in balance. These exercises work as both assessment tools and as strength training exercises. As such, they, along with their several derivations, become the starting point for rehabilitation of normal strength levels in these areas if they are deficient.
If a 1 RM (rep max) test is also performed, the shoulder girdle exercises may be correlated with that test to see if they are in balance with respect to your maximal strength. For example, if your performance is the close grip (shoulder-width) bench press is 200 lbs, you should be able to perform 8 reps on both arms of the seated DB external rotation at about 20 lbs.
Improving the shoulder girdle lifts can significantly improve performance in strength in the other, larger upper body exercises, such as bench and DB presses, chin ups, and pull-ups.
Ready to improve the health, strength and posture of your shoulder girdle? Arrange a consult today!
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