Scapular stability and mobility is a complicated subject and, quite honestly, can be a challenge to navigate with your client. Unlike the other joints in your body that have one or two bony articulations to contend with, the scapula explores and converses with many bones in different regions of the body. The scapula’s primary purpose is to be a chief negotiator of load and force between the hands and ribcage. One job that should not be on the scapula’s résumé is main breathing consultant. We know from the work we have done for ourselves and with our clients that we have encountered some mix-ups in deciphering duties. There have also been many blunders when it comes to re-educating these floating bones. And since our shoulder blades are meant to be the mediators of the upper core system, that means they need to be mobile, supple, strong, stable, and—most of all—adaptive.

Many people have heard the common call from a well-meaning mother or aunt who has your best interests at heart. “Pull your shoulders back!” is somehow imprinted into our posture vernacular. While this kept us from slumping completely into our teenage angst, this is not a complete model of how we should carry ourselves. And unfortunately, the cues that I often hear in a studio are not much better than what Mom used.

We need to understand that the scapula is the counter balance to the long bones of the arm. At the end of them live the hands with their ever-present duties and workings: lifting children, doing laundry, and the occasional downward dog. So if the arm moves up in the air with a load (i.e., a gallon of milk), then the shoulder blade is meant to slide down the ribcage with ease, finding the supportive strength of the shoulder stabilizers to address what is being asked of the brachial system. And remember that “up and down” is not the only way for the scapula to move. They should be able to have as many ribcage positions as there are locations for the arm to inhabit.

So explore the many ways the shoulder blades move on your body. Get creative when you do not see enough movement in the client’s shoulder girdle. Always, always, always explore the release of this very tight area primary to strength work. If the scapula do not truly move in all ranges on the thorax, then true strength in the arms and torso are never found.

Make sure to initial and date that you have completed Session 27 in your Master Log.