A recent study from the Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, offers some new information. The role of the deltoid muscle as a shoulder stabilizer was reported.

The deltoid is a muscle that makes up most of the bulk of your outer, upper arm. It’s divided into three parts: anterior, middle, and posterior. The deltoid lifts the arm up. It also holds the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) against the glenoid (shoulder socket).

The researchers found that all three parts of the deltoid work equally to hold the shoulder and keep it from dislocating forwards. You’re probably already strengthening the rotator cuff and biceps muscle. It may be adviseable to now strengthening exercises for the deltoid muscle.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

The overhead athlete faces some unique challenges. The core muscles around the shoulder are called the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff must be strong enough to move the arm forward at high speeds without letting the shoulder coming out of the socket.

Two muscles are especially important during the overhead throw. These are the infraspinatus and teres minor, two muscles that rotate the shoulder outwardly.

Problems can occur if the joint is naturally loose or even too tight. Athletic conditioning programs often include exercises to strengthen these muscles. The idea is to: (1) increase muscle strength, (2) prevent injury, and (3) enhance performance.

Teams with high rates of injury may not be focused on exercises for all three goals.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.