THE LATS - also known as latissimus dorsi - is the largest muscle in the upper body.
FUNCTION - extension, adduction, transverse extension/horizontal abduction, flexion from an extended position, and (medial) internal rotation of the shoulder joint.
INJURY - due to the size of this muscle and it’s central location, injury to the lats can be incredibly debilitating. Overuse of this muscle can cause tears and chronic tension. Exercises that may lead to injuries can include: playing golf 🏌️♂️ , pull ups 💪🏼, lat pull downs 🏋🏽♀️, swimming 🏊🏽♀️, overhead repetitions or tennis 🎾. REFERRAL PAIN - Once aggravated, the latissimus dorsi muscle is often the source of chronic shoulder and neck pain, and it can cause tendonitis of the shoulder joint. ‼️Therefore, maintaining length in this muscle by stretching is therefore imperative if you regularly use this muscle in sport or exercise. ✅
