Get to the Point: The Rhomboids Minor

Total CPDs: 1

Standard Certificate (1), NCCAOM (1)

Access Period: Lifetime

Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

There are a number of essential points in orthopedic and sports acupuncture. Treating the rhomboid minor at the region of Bladder 41 is certainly one of these points. Whether for scapular pain or correcting posture, this is a must-know point. The rhomboid minor is a primary protractor of the scapula – it pulls those shoulders back! When the muscle is weak, and is overpowered by the pectoralis muscles, poor posture results. This is seen as the anterior/forward head and shoulder posture. It is wisespread in our culture partially due to the use of computers, ipads, and phones. These devices all put our head forward and lead to these poor shoulder postures. It needs to be treated! The rhomboid minor is reached in the zone of its distal attachment to the medial border of the scapula. This is the region of Bladder 41, and it is usually felt as a taut band. And there is pain – it is a marked ahshi point. Shoulder dysfunction and injury of all types often has a component of rhomboid minor tendinopathy. So in addition to getting the shoulders back into proper postural position, treatment at Bladder 41 may go a long way in relieving shoulder pain. Indeed, muscle strain, tendinitis, and trigger points are common at this point. Located in the belly of the rhomboid minor, this point will become a favorite for many patients in the clinic.