| What is the Latissimus Dorsi? Commonly known | | | | SymptomsA tightening of the muscle may be felt |
| as the lats, the Latissimus Dorsi is the largest | | | | under the shoulder blade that becomes more |
| back muscle. | | | | severe on breathing. |
| Anatomy | | | | A spasm in the lats may be attributed to the |
| Origins: T7-T12, the iliac crest (the front | | | | forward rotation of the pelvis. If treating the lats |
| uppermost ridge of the pelvic girdle), 3 or 4 of | | | | alone does not work, it might help to stretch the |
| the lowest ribs, the bottom point of the shoulder | | | | same-side iliopsoas as well. |
| blade. | | | | A pain that is felt on or near a rib becoming more |
| Insertions: The top of the humerus (the upper | | | | painful when coughing or sneezing. |
| arm bone that fits into the shoulder joint) | | | | Self-Care |
| Actions: Rotates the shoulder (which moves the | | | | Stretching: Lat Stretch |
| arm) inward, or brings the arms closer to the | | | | Stand with arms above your head, reaching as |
| body. Involved in lifting, carrying, climbing and | | | | high as possible. Hold 10 to 30 seconds. |
| swimming. Pushing on the arms of a chair when | | | | Hip Flexor Stretch |
| standing up. | | | | Do a deep lunge: back knee bent and on the floor, |
| Antagonist: Deltoid (the muscle at the top of the | | | | front knee bent with foot on the floor. Push hips |
| arm), and the trapezius (another large back | | | | forward while keeping the back straight. The |
| muscle). | | | | stretch should be felt at the top of the forward |
| Common Injuries | | | | leg. Hold 10 to 30 seconds. |
| Hanging from monkey bars, pulling yourself up | | | | Strengthening: Lat Pull Down |
| with your arms. | | | | Using a Lat Pull Down machine. |