Evidence of Myofascial Chains of the Upper Limb

Myofascial chains or myofascial meridians  describe the continuity between skeletal muscles and myofascial in-series. Their presence has been confirmed via scientific evidence in the trunk and lower extremity. Researchers Jan Wikle and colleagues try to see if the research literature has identified myofascial chain in the upper limb or shoulder-arm region. The study was published in Clinical Anatomy journal.

They went through peer-reviewed anatomical dissection studies reporting myofascial in-series continuity in the upper extremity and found 13 studies.

Analysis of these papers led to the identification of three myofascial chains:

• the ventral arm chain (pectoralis major, brachial fascia/biceps brachii, flexor carpi ulnaris/brachioradialis/supinator, based on five studies);
• the lateral arm chain (trapezius, deltoideus, lateral intermuscular septum/brachialis, brachioradialis, four studies); and
•  the dorsal arm chain (latissiumus dorsi/teres minor/infraspinatus, triceps brachii, anconeus, extensor carpi ulnaris, six studies).

There is good evidence for direct serial tissue continuity extending from the neck and shoulder region to the forearm.

The authors concluded that despite this intriguing finding, which could have implications for health professionals and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, further research is needed to establish the mechanical relevance of the identified myofascial chains.