When a client has a protracted shoulder girdle, what is the recommended action?

A protracted shoulder girdle occurs when the shoulder blades are positioned too far forward and may lead to poor posture and potential discomfort. The recommended action in this situation is to stretch the pectoral and deltoid muscles.

Stretching the pectoral muscles is particularly important because these muscles can become tight due to the forward positioning of the shoulders. Tight pectorals can contribute to the protraction and can hinder the ability to achieve a neutral shoulder alignment. Similarly, stretching the deltoids can help facilitate improved shoulder mechanics and can counteract the tendency for these muscles to contribute to protraction when they are tight.

In contrast, strengthening the upper trapezius or performing rotator cuff strengthening may not effectively address the underlying issue of tightness in the pectoral and deltoid muscles. Encouraging shoulder elevation can further exacerbate the protraction rather than correct it. Therefore, focusing on stretching these tight areas is key to restoring balance and promoting proper shoulder girdle positioning.