Lats - causes of issues, effective ways to work

[Rusty Steele]

In three and a half years of practicing, I have never once had someone actually complain of lat pain... particularly not as the main complaint... until today.

What are possible causes of this? How heavily does it relate or not to things like upper/lower crossed syndromes or other patterns?

What are your favorite ways to work it? I'm not used to doing much more than petrissaging it. It was too sensitive for this client for that :-\

 

[jackies]

Lats are a major player in a lot of issues I find.

I mean, they run from the posterior iliac crest up the the crest of the lesser tubercle (and some fibers may even attach onto the inferior angle of the scapula in some people).

Knowing that, the lats can have an effect on upper crossed syndrome because they are interal rotators of the shoulder and when overactive, can exacerbate that posture. As well, because of their pull on the posterior iliac crest, they can work as a force couple with other muscles to anteriorly tilt the pelvis. This can be seen occasionally when people raise their hands up overhead and they arch their lower back as well to get the full range of motion (this may or may not be the cause of short lats as it could be other things though).

As well, if the lats become adhered to the teres major (or in people that have the lats attaching onto the inferior angle of the scapula) it can make for a "sticky" scapula and prevent proper scapulo-humeral rythm.

The lats are fed by the glutes on the opposite side via the thoraco lumbar fascia (think how we do things in opposition with regard to our lower and upper extremity) which, if the glute is weak can lead to an energy leak and overactivity of the lats and other shoulder muscles (you can see this sometimes in pichers or overhead athletes who have either weak core or weak lower extremity and have to generate more torque through their arm, creating either shoulder problems or elbow problems.

I work the lats prone using pincher compressions through the lateral edge. I like to use some of the ART stuff, especially up near the attachment and where it passes through the axila as there are a lot of tissue running through there that can get "glued" together. Also, side lying I will use sometimes as well.

Patrick

 

[Bud]

I am right there with you EgoMagician...I am starting to think that Lats are involved a lot more than clients complain about though...but they don't realize its lats...I also think that serratus posterior is involved too...

I worked with a client yesterday side lying and it was very productive - I have clients stretch their arm on the side being treated up over their head keeping the arm beside their ear...I have them actively stretch as I treat lats from posterior iliac crest up...it feels good to the client usually and it helps to warm up and stretch the fascial components of the muscle as well as the muscle itself.

I then go in and treat the fascia between ribs gently, and warm up serratus more and work serratus attachments to the ribs carefully.

Thanks Patrick for all of the info...esp. the syndromes and patterns...this is SO helpful!

 

[Z X]

CC, I think you asked what stretch is best for lats. (another thread). The way you described working on them is the best way to stretch them too. From sidelying, have the client reach over and grasp the edge of the bed/table. Pull up with the elbow pointing towards the ceiling. (This contracts the lats.) Hold for a few seconds, then release the contraction and reach into a stretch. (Easier to show you. )

 

[Salvo]

I also like side work with the arm over the head while the same side leg straight. This not only opens the lats but the lower back as well. Another technique for the lower attachments, is to have the client in supine, reach with a hand across the body placing your fingertips as much as possible just but not beyond the spine. Slowly pull back so that your palm and then fingertips s l o w l y glide through the muscles/fascia of the lower back through the obliques.

Obviously, this technique is also good for lower back, obliques, QL, and attachments and fascia in the general area iliac crest.

Also, depending upon the progress of the session(s), I love fascial work and stripping and friction throughout the muscle groups as necessary.

 

[Sexy Dude]

Thanks Gaspen and Breathe again!

I will definitely be doing sidelying work with this client today. Did sidelying with another weekend warrior on Tuesday and it really opened up the ribs and lats so I could work more effectively.

Thanks for letting me know that this makes for a good stretch too!

Will let you know how the session goes today!

My best,
Crystal Compass