The Musculoskeletal Anatomy Behind Your Pain
The subclavius is a short, thick triangular muscle along the inferior aspect of the clavicle.
Origin – first rib
Insertion – medial clavicle.
Function – lowers clavicle.
Attachment Details
The origin is a flat tendon that attaches on the first rib, near the sternal cartilage. It gradually transitions to muscle fibers.
The insertion is a tendon that fits into the subclavian grrove on the medial third of the clavicle.
Details of Function
The subclavius muscle is one of the extrinsic chest muscles that depresses the shoulder girdle and pectoralis minor, costal pectoralis major, abdominal pectoralis major, and the lower sections of serratus anterior.
Anomalies, Etc.
Subclavius has a few statistically significant anomalies:
- It may insert on the coracoid process instead of the clavicle or both.
- Subclavius posticus is an uncommon muscle that attaches to the first rib’s costal cartilage and the superior border of the scapula.
- Sternoclavicularis attaches to the manubrium and the clavicle between the pectoralis major muscle and the coracoclavicular fascia.
Paget-Schroetter syndrome is a specific form of thoracic outlet syndrome where the subclavian artery moves medially until it is restricted by pressure from the subclavius. The arm becomes chronically swollen and bluish. It is more common among athletes that weight lift or play tennis. It’s present in about 15% of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Cases.
Related Posts
Anterior Thorax (Chest) – Side Arm – Neuromuscular Massage Protocol
Anterior Thorax Supine – Neuromuscular Massage Protocol
Extrinsic Chest Muscles – Functional Anatomy
Pain Along the Biceps, Maybe Collar Bone & Forearm
Self Care – Doorway Stretches for Chest Muscles
Self Care – Pain in the Biceps, Maybe Collarbone, Forearm
Sternocostal Joint – Structural Release
Subclavius – Massage Therapy Notes
Subclavius- Functional Anatomy
Thoracic Outlet – Functional Anatomy
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Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sees clients. He has written materials and instructed classes since the mid-90s. This includes anatomy, trigger points, cranial, and neuromuscular.
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