Kristen Cherry Hamilton, DPT

✨The Serratus Anterior Muscle- one of the scapular upward rotators✨

As a PT, this is a muscle I think deserves way more attention when it comes to shoulder strength, mobility, and function.

💡 What does the serratus anterior do?
• Protracts the scapula (moves it forward around the rib cage)
• Helps stabilize the scapula against the thorax
• Plays a HUGE role in upward rotation of the scapula, which is essential for overhead arm movement and shoulder abduction.

Without adequate upward rotation and scapular control, getting your arm overhead can become less efficient and may contribute to increased shoulder symptoms in some people.

🏋️‍♀️ Exercises to train it:
1️⃣ Dolphin push-ups
2️⃣ Wall slides
3️⃣ Scapular push-ups
4️⃣ Plank saws

➕ Bonus: Prone snow angels— a great way to reinforce scapular control challenging the muscles that support overhead movement.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to strengthen the shoulder — it’s to build a shoulder blade that can move and stabilize well as your arm moves.

Save this for your next upper-body session!

#SerratusAnterior #ShoulderRehab #ScapularStability #vertexpt #SportsPhysicalTherapy