Rhomboid Minor

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Muscles of the Neck and Back
Figure 2: Muscles that position the Pectoral Girdle
Reading list
  • Trigger points
    • Rhomboid minor and major Muscle
    • Rhomboids
  • MMT
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Warning: No 'action' link found for variable 'ref-rhomboid-minor' in YAML data.
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Muscle Origin Insertion Innervation Action
Rhomboid minor C6 & C7 SP Medial border of scapula (above scapular spine) Dorsal scapular n.
C4 - C5		 Scapula: Retraction, Downward rotation, Stabilization

Overview

The rhomboid minor is a cylindrically shaped muscle consisting of 2 layers: dorsal and ventral.

Origin

SP of C6 & C7

Note

Some individuals have a rhomboid occipitalis which ascends between the rhomboid minor and occipital bone.

Insertion

Figure 3: Left scapula (Posterior view)

Innervation

Dorsal Scapular N. (C4, C5)

Action

STJ: Retraction, Downward rotation, Stabilization

Notes

Function

The Serratus Anterior (along with the rhomboids) serves to aid in scapular stability during arm elevation

Superior View of the shoulder: You can see how the rhomboids and SA both actively stabilize the scapulothoracic joint by pulling the scapula towards the thoracic wall9

Superior View of the shoulder: You can see how the rhomboids and SA both actively stabilize the scapulothoracic joint by pulling the scapula towards the thoracic wall

Release

Compressing the rhomboid against the ribcage is not the most effective way to release this muscle. It is better to stabilize the scapula with one hand and drive the fingertips of the other hand anterolaterally deep to the scapula in order to apply a stretch.

Paralysis

Rhomboid paralysis can result in a separation of the scapula from the thoracic wall, known as a “scapular winging sign”.

References

1.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
2.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
3.
Finando D, Finando SJ, Finando D. Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch. Healing Arts Press; 2005.
4.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
5.
Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
6.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.
7.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
8.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
9.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

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