By Dr Paul Batman, PhD.

MUSCLE: CORACOBRACHIALIS

DESCRIPTION:

The coracobrachialis is a small muscle located across the front of the shoulder and runs in a similar direction to the short head of the biceps. It is found between the anterior deltoid and pectoralis major.

ORIGIN:

Coracoid process

INSERTION:

Middle one third of the medial surface of the humerus.

MUSCLE GROUPS:

The coracobrachialis belongs to the following muscle groups:

Shoulder joint flexors (helping), shoulder joint horizontal adductors.

STRENGTHENING EXERCISES:

Bench press, wide grip pushup, front arm raise (helping).

CASE STUDY STRENGTHENING EXERCISE: DUMBBELL BENCH PRESS

1.    Grasp a dumbbell in each hand and lie on a bench in a supine position

2.    Anchor your feet so that they are placed firmly on the floor or raised platform

3.    Contract your abdominals to support your low back

4.    Hold the dumbbells directly above your chest in a pronated grip, with your arms almost straight

5.    From this starting position, inhale, and slowly lower the dumbbells in a direct line down to the side of your shoulders Dumbbells should follow the line of your elbows as your arms are bending

6.    Pause at the bottom of the exercise and then extend your arms back to the starting position, exhaling as you press the weight up

STRETCHING EXERCISES:

Double arm chest stretch, single arm chest stretch.

CASE STUDY STRETCHING EXERCISE: SINGLE ARM CHEST STRETCH

1.    Stand in an upright position with your right arm extended and the palm of your hand pointing away from your body

2.    Gently turn your body away from your right arm

3.    Continue the movement until you feel the stretch in your chest and upper arm

4.    Hold the stretch for approximately 20 seconds and then return your arm to the starting position

5.    Repeat the stretch with your left arm

PALPATION:

Palpate the coracobrachialis on the front of the upper arm between the anterior deltoid and the pectoralis major. It is located to the lateral side of the anterior deltoid on the coracoid process. Palpate from behind the coracoid process.

TRAINERS TIPS:

1.    The coracobrachialis runs in a similar position to the short head of the biceps as well as many of the shoulder ligaments.

2.    The coracobrachialis works with the middle deltoid and long head of the triceps brachii to stabilize the shoulder. It pulls the humeral head into the glenoid cavity.

3.    If the humerus is in laterally rotated position the coracobrachialis can medially rotate.

4.    In performing push ups the coracobrachialis performs best when the hands are in a wide grip position. This requires the shoulder joint to horizontally adduct. If the push up is performed with hands close together and the arms by the side of the body the coracobrachialis contracts at best as a helping muscle.