Réhabital
Anatomy: Muscles, Roles and Common Pain
A guide to the body’s main muscles: where they are, what they do, common problems and how physiotherapy, osteopathy and massage therapy treat them.
Explore the body in 3DNeck
Sternocleidomastoid
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the muscle you can see on the side of your neck when you turn your head. It is often involved in wry neck, whiplash and some headaches felt around the temple or eye.
ReadTrapezius
The trapezius is the large diamond-shaped muscle covering the back of the neck, the top of the shoulders and the upper back. It is where many people “carry” stress and long hours at the computer.
ReadBack-of-Neck Muscles: Splenius and Levator Scapulae
Beneath the trapezius, two muscles work constantly to hold and turn the head: splenius capitis and levator scapulae. They are behind many cases of wry neck and back-of-neck pain.
ReadShoulder
Deltoid
The deltoid is the rounded muscle covering the shoulder. Pain on the side of the upper arm when lifting it, however, often comes from structures underneath, such as the rotator cuff.
ReadRotator Cuff and Teres Major
The rotator cuff is a group of deep muscles that stabilise the shoulder. Supraspinatus and infraspinatus belong to it; the neighbouring teres major helps pull the arm down and back. It is one of the most common sources of shoulder pain.
ReadLow back
Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle of the back. It connects the arm to the pelvis, so it can affect both the shoulder and the lower back.
ReadErector Spinae Muscles
The erector spinae are the columns of muscle on either side of the spine. When you “throw your back out”, they are often what you feel tighten up.
ReadAbdominal Oblique Muscles
The obliques form the sides of the abdominal wall. They are essential for turning the trunk, throwing, striking and protecting the lower back.
ReadElbow & hand
Biceps and Triceps
The biceps at the front of the arm and the triceps at the back bend and straighten the elbow. Their tendons at the shoulder and elbow can become painful with repeated effort.
ReadForearm Muscles
The forearm holds about twenty muscles that control the wrist and fingers. They work whenever you type, hold a tool or swing a racquet.
ReadHip
Knee
Ankle & foot
Calf Muscles and Achilles Tendon
The calf and Achilles tendon push you forward with every step. They carry several times your body weight when running and jumping.
ReadTibialis Anterior and Peroneal Muscles
At the front and side of the lower leg, tibialis anterior and the peroneals control the ankle. They are often involved after a sprain or a sudden increase in running.
Read