Alun Lewis Structural Massage Therapist

'Straight talking'

'Upright and honest.'

There are many examples of how we align our words with physicality.

We use images of twisted and gnarled witches and warlocks as indicators that their motivations are far from benevolent. Tolkien's Wormtongue and Shakespeare's Richard III are just a couple of examples that come to mind.

But what about those examples that reverse our expectations? The kindness of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, or the precision and physicality of Ellis' American Psycho, Patrick Bateman?

Why do we naturally expect the physical person to match their morality?

Does being physically integrated automatically bring one to clarity, openness, and honesty?

The dangerous flipside of thinking Alignment = 'better mental, spiritual and social aspects', is that we come to judge those who are 'less aligned'.

🔄 Scapular Force Couples: Decoding the Biomechanics (1–7)

This image represents the multi-directional force system acting on the scapula, where each numbered vector contributes to positioning, stability, and movement of the shoulder girdle. Understanding these forces is key to restoring efficient shoulder mechanics.

1️⃣ Inferior pull (Latissimus dorsi / lower fascial chain)
This vector drives downward rotation, extension, and adduction of the scapula. When dominant, it pulls the scapula into depression and anterior tilt, often reducing subacromial space and contributing to impingement patterns.

2️⃣ Lateral stabilizing force (Rotator cuff—especially infraspinatus & teres minor)
Acts to compress and stabilize the humeral head, while indirectly influencing scapular positioning by maintaining glenohumeral congruency. Without this, scapular muscles overcompensate.

3️⃣ Retraction force (Middle trapezius & rhomboids)
Pulls the scapula medially toward the spine, providing a stable base for arm movement. Excess dominance leads to stiffness, while weakness results in scapular protraction and poor control.

4️⃣ Downward rotation + elevation (Levator scapulae & rhomboids)
This vector contributes to downward rotation and slight elevation, especially during early arm movement or load carrying. Overactivity is commonly seen in neck-dominant patterns and postural dysfunction.

5️⃣ Horizontal stabilization (Upper trapezius + clavicular mechanics)
Helps maintain scapular alignment with clavicular elevation and posterior rotation. It acts as a transitional stabilizer between neck and shoulder forces.

6️⃣ Upward rotation force (Upper trapezius)
Works with lower trapezius and serratus anterior to produce upward rotation of the scapula, essential for overhead movement. Dysfunction here leads to compensatory shrugging or limited elevation.

7️⃣ Protraction + upward rotation (Serratus anterior)
This is the key dynamic stabilizer. It holds the scapula against the thoracic wall while enabling smooth upward rotation and posterior tilt. Weakness leads to winging and loss of force transmission.

🔑 Integrated Biomechanics

The scapula does not move in isolation—it is controlled by a balance of opposing and synergistic forces.
Upward rotation requires coordination between 6 (upper trap), 7 (serratus anterior), and lower trapezius (not shown).
Downward rotation forces (1 & 4) must be balanced to avoid dominance.
Retraction (3) and protraction (7) must coexist dynamically, not statically.

When this balance is lost, the result is:
Altered scapulohumeral rhythm
Reduced shoulder efficiency
Increased risk of impingement and instability

👉 The scapula is a force hub, not just a bone—its position reflects the balance of these vectors.

Posterolateral Corner (PLC) of Knee: The Hidden Stabilizer

This image highlights the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee—one of the most complex yet often overlooked stabilizing regions. It is not a single structure but a functional network of ligaments, capsule, and muscles working together to control rotation and lateral stability.

At the core of this system are the fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament, which together resist varus forces (outward opening of the knee) and external rotation of the tibia. These structures act as the primary static stabilizers on the lateral side, especially when the knee is slightly flexed.

The popliteus muscle plays a critical dynamic role. It “unlocks” the knee from full extension by internally rotating the tibia and also provides posterior and rotational stability. Its expansions—both capsular and fibular—integrate it into the entire PLC system, making it a key link between movement and stability.

The posterior capsule and oblique popliteal ligament (OPL) reinforce the back of the knee, preventing excessive hyperextension. These structures work closely with the PCL, which resists posterior translation of the tibia. Together, they form a strong posterior restraint system.

On the medial side, structures like the superficial MCL (sMCL) and posterior oblique ligament (POL) balance the lateral system, ensuring that forces are evenly distributed across the joint. This medial-lateral balance is essential for maintaining proper alignment during movement.

Biomechanically, the PLC is crucial during activities involving cutting, pivoting, and deceleration. It prevents excessive rotation and lateral instability when the knee is under load. Without proper PLC function, forces shift abnormally to the ACL and PCL, increasing injury risk.

Clinically, PLC injuries are often missed but have major consequences. Untreated damage can lead to:
Persistent knee instability
Failure of ACL/PCL reconstructions
Abnormal gait and joint degeneration

👉 The key concept is that the knee is not just a hinge—it is a rotationally controlled joint, and the PLC is essential for that control.

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Alun Lewis Structural Massage Therapist Remedial Massage, Anatomy Trains Structural Bodywork and Myofascial Therapy for the treatment of ba

Alun Lewis Structural Massage Therapist Remedial Massage, Anatomy Trains Structural Bodywork and Myofascial Therapy for the treatment of ba

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