📚When we raise our arms overhead, the motion is shared between the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) and the scapula moving on the rib cage (scapulothoracic joint). This coordinated pattern is known as scapulohumeral rhythm and allows for smooth, efficient motion when reaching overhead.

🔎Classically, this rhythm has been described as about two-thirds of the movement coming from the glenohumeral joint and one-third from upward rotation of the scapula.

🧠More recent research highlights that this ratio can vary between individuals and tasks, but the key idea remains the same—overhead elevation requires both humeral motion and scapular upward rotation working together.

✅If you have pain when reaching overhead, I would recommend implementing the rotator cuff and shoulder mobility exercises in the shoulder pain program here in the app.