Upper Extremity Myofascial Chains

Introduction

A myofascial chain is a line of connective tissue that runs through out the body.  There is a posterior (back) line, anterior (front) line, spiral, and lateral lines.  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. Pect maj, Latti dorsi
3. Medial humeral line
4. Medial IM septum
5. Medial humeral epicondyle
6. Flexor group
7. Carpal tunnel
8. Palmar surface of the fingers

Deep front arm line

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

Superficial back arm line

1. Occipetal ridge
2. Nuchal ligament
3. Thoracic spinous process
4. Trapezuis
5. Spine of scapula, acromion, lat ⅓ clavicle
6. Deltoid
7. Deltoid tubercle of humerus
8. Lateral IM septum
9. Lat epicondyle of humerus
10. Extensor group
11. Dorsal surface of fingers

Deep back arm line

1. Spinous process of lower cervical and upper thoracic
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

Latissimus dorsi

Thoracolumbar fascia

Sacral fascia contralateral to thoracolumbar fascia

Gluteus max contralateral to thoracolumbar fascia

Vastus lateralis

2. Front arm line

Pec major

External oblique

Adductor longus (opposite side of external oblique)

Gracilis

Pes anserine

Tibial periosteum