Rhomboids
Original Editor - Naomi O'Reilly
Lead Editors - Naomi O'Reilly, Ilona Malkauskaite and Kai A. Sigel
Contents
Description
Anatomy
Origin & Insertion
|
Origin Proximal Attachment |
Insertion Distal Attachment |
---|---|---|
Rhomboid Major | Spinous Processes T2-T5 | Medial Border of Scapula from Level of Spine to Inferior Angle |
Rhomboid Minor | Nuchal Ligament Spinous Processes C7 & T1 |
Triangular Area Medial End of Scapular Spine |
[1]
Rhomboid Major |
Nerve Supply
Arising from the anterior ventral ramus of the C5 Root of the Brachial Plexus
Occasionally with additional contribution from the C4 Nerve Root.
- Dorsal Scapular Nerve (C5)
Blood Supply
- Dorsal Scapular Artery
Function
Actions
- Scapular Retraction
- Scapular Elevation
- Scapular Rotation Inferiorly to Depress Glenoid Cavity
- Assist Serratus Anterior to Fix Scapula to Thoracic Wall and Fix Scapula during movements of the upper limb
Strength testing
[3]Trigger Point Referral Pattern
The referral pattern of the Rhomboids is not as widely distributed but local to the muscles. The pain generally extends from the edge of the shoulder blades to the spine. Since the Rhomboids on both sides are almost always affected, this is a primary source of mid back tightness or aching between the shoulder blades.[4]

Techniques
Palpation
Palpated together. Covered by trapezius so need to relax trapezius by placing hand in small of back. Palpate along vertebral border by placing fingers under it. Have patient lift hand off back (with resistance if needed) and the rhomboids push fingers out.
Treatment
|
|
|
|
|
References
References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.- ↑ Anatomy Online Course. Rhomboid Major. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_RvgWQj_DQ [last accessed 19/03/2015]
- ↑ http://brentbrookbush.com/rhomboids/
- ↑ Physiotututors. Rhomboid Strength Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn3s7sVtyWo
- ↑ http://www.pressurepointer.com/Rhomboid_trigger_points.htm
- ↑ Texas Massage Education. Rhomboids. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rph0_lwn3DY [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ Texas Massage Education. Rhomboids. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqpgr3zn9uA [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ Massage Sloth.Massage Turorial: Rhomboids. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9AvpcYNerg [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ eHowFitness. What Exercises Can Strengthen the Rhomboids?: Fitness Advice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jkbxsSamo8 [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ Myclinicspace. Shoulder Series - Rhomboid Strengthening https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTPSqazRgSQ [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ Green Chiropractic Clinic. How to stretch the Rhomboid Muscles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJOzZ3GRuJg [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ jjaimedc. Stretches: Mid-Back (Rhomboids). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFhzvbDyQVQ [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ Nowcast. How to Foam Roll your Rhomboids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUXnptJLG4g [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ Robb Beams Foam Roller - Rhomboids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDrOnY_RSrY [last accessed 27/05/2015]
- ↑ John Gibbons. How to treat thoracic Back Pain and Rhomboids using Kinesiology Taping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jey-TYJRZAo [last accessed 27/05/2015]