CHARLOTTE – In my road to better health, especially in my shoulder and neck area, I’ve looked at what muscles I need to strengthen and keep healthy. Let’s tackle the rhomboids. What are the rhomboid muscles? These muscles, located in between your shoulder blades, are what bring your shoulder blades back and towards each other. They are important to shoulder stability. Rhomboids are important when we throw something and overhead arm movement.

When they are weak or overworked they’ll make sure you know it. This might present as a dull ache between your blades or may make your shoulder blades winged. Massage is a great way to keep the blood flowing through them so they can optimize how your shoulder/shoulder blades move. Mine are pretty tender. If they are massaged, I feel a little bit of a tickle and my back will involuntarily flinch.

If your rhomboids are injured, how might this show up? As a massage therapist, I might look at your posture and see where your shoulders line up. With my issue, the biggest indicator is my forward head posture and shoulder placement. It also can show as thoracic hypokyphosis. This is an excessive curvature in the spine. It’s mostly a condition for women but I have two male clients that have it.

Your weak rhomboids can be corrected. Work with your massage therapist and let him/her assess if it’s your rhomboids that are your issue. They can then decide the best way to tackle these weak muscles.

-Lisa Lane is a licensed (#13098) massage and bodywork therapist in Mint Hill. To make an appointment visit her website at www.ncmassagesanctuary.massagetherapy.com.