Upper Extremity Myofascial Chains

Introduction

A myofascial chain is a line of connective tissue that runs through out the body.  Throughout the body there is a posterior (back) line, an anterior (front) line, a spiral line, and a lateral line.  These lines help the body to move as a unit.  

Myofascial chains are important to functional movement, coordination and stability.  They can be a cause of pain within the body and structural weaknesses. By understanding myofascial chains, you can better understand injuries and movement limitations.

In the upper limb there are four myofascial chains:

1. Superficial front arm line
2. Deep front arm line
3. Superficial back arm line
4. Deep back arm line

Superficial front arm line

1. Medial ⅓ clavicle, coastal cartilage
2. Pectoralis major, Lattissimus dorsi
3. Medial humeral line
4. Medial intermuscular septum
5. Medial humeral epicondyle
6. Flexor group
7. Carpal tunnel
8. Palmar surface of the fingers

Deep front arm line

1. 3rd,4th and 5th ribs
2. Pectoralis minor
3. Coracoid process
4. Biceps brachii
5. Radial tuberosity
6. Anterior border of radial periosteum
7. Styloid process of radius
8. Radial collateral ligaments and thenar muscles
9. Scaphoid and trapezuim
10. Outside of the thumb

Superficial back arm line

1. Occipital ridge
2. Nuchal ligament
3. Thoracic spinous process
4. Trapezius
5. Spine of scapula, acromion, lateral third of clavicle
6. Deltoid
7. Deltoid tubercle of humerus
8. Lateral intramuscular septum
9. Lateral epicondyle of humerus
10. Extensor group
11. Dorsal surface of fingers

Deep back arm line

1. Spinous process of lower cervicals and upper thoracic, C1-4 transverse processes
2. Rhomboids and levator scapula
3. Medial border of scapula
4. Rotator cuff muscles
5. Head of humerus
6. Triceps trachii
7. Olecranon of ulna
8. Fascia along ulnar periosteum
9. Styloid process of ulna
10. Ulnar collateral ligaments
11. Triquetrum, hamate
12. Hypothenar muscles
13. Outside of little finger

Stabilization Tracts

1. Back arm line

1. Latissimus dorsi
2. Thoracolumbar fascia
3. Sacral fascia contralateral to thoracolumbar fascia
4. Gluteus max contralateral to thoracolumbar fascia
5. Vastus lateralis

2. Front arm line

1. Pectoralis major
2. External oblique
3. Adductor longus (opposite side of external oblique)
4. Gracilis
5. Pes anserine
6. Tibial periosteum