The American Point| Ep. 16

We call it the American point because it seems like everyone and their cousin has this.  The American point is a tender spot at the top, inside (superior, medial) corner of the shoulder blade. Its the attachment spot for a muscle that elevates the scapula (levator scapulae).  The American  job style is becoming more sedentary and we are spending more time in the seated position.  Sitting and slouching places more stress on the shoulders so its no surprise these suckers are getting burnt out. Check out this stretch and tissue mobilization to help out.

Know your anatomy.  Take a look above at the highlighted tissue (levator scapulae).  As you can see in normal action this muscle scrunches/contracts with shoulder elevation.  Dissfunctional overactive trap muscles lead to chronic shoulder elevation and adaptive levator scapulae shortening. We must lengthen this tissue to restore proper function.