Muscle Breakdown: Coracobrachialis
Table of Contents
What Is The Coracobrachialis
The Coracobrachialis is a small muscle located in the upper arm. It is thin and long in shape, however, the Coracobrachialis still plays an important role in the function of the upper arm.
Coracobrachialis Muscle & Cadaver
Coracobrachialis Function
The main function of the Coracobrachialis is to produce flexion and shoulder adduction of the upper arm at the shoulder joint. The Coracobrachialis also helps to stabilize the shoulder.
Coracobrachialis Origin And Insertion
Coracobrachialis Origin
The Coracobrachialis originates at the Coracoid Process of the Scapula. The origin point of the Coracobrachialis contributes to the muscle name, and is a great way to remember where the Coracobrachialis originates from.
Coracobrachialis Insertion
The Coracobrachialis inserts into the Shaft of the Humerus via the Anteromedial surface.
Coracobrachialis Innervation
The Coracobrachialis is innervated by the Musculocutaneous Nerve.
Coracobrachialis Action
Part of the function of the Coracobrachialis and the Biceps Brachii are the same, in that they both cause flexion of the arm. This means that many of the actions that the Biceps is involved in, are the same for the Coracobrachialis. Some of the actions that the Coracobrachialis is responsible for include:
Swimming, Golfing, Tennis, boxing
Pulling and Pushing movements
Occupations such as painting, carpentry and other labour-intensive jobs
Coracobrachialis Pain
The symptom of pain radiating from the shoulder down to the hand can indicate that the Coracobrachialis is being overused. Overuse of the Coracobrachialis can lead to the hardening of the muscle which can be very uncomfortable and cause pain. Things that can contribute to overuse of the Coracobrachialis include movements such as bench pressing with very heavy weights, or repeatedly carrying very heavy loads with your arms extended downwards (like in a farmers carry).
Additional causes of Coracobrachialis pain include entrapment of the Musculocutaneous Nerve. Symptoms of this type of Coracobrachialis pain include the reduced ability to flex the arm, and loss of sensation in the lateral arm.
Muscle tears/ruptures or avulsion fractures are unlikely in the Coracobrachialis, but can happen. Often, a snap can be heard which is indicative of a Coracobrachialis rupture.
Coracobrachialis Stretch
Try these stretches for the Coracobrachialis:
Chair Stretch
Using your left hand, grasp the top of the back of a chair with an underhand grip. This means that the palm of your left hand is facing the ceiling. Turn sideways, and step away from the chair so that your left arm is fully extended. Without moving your lower body or hips, begin to rotate the left shoulder forwards and away from the chair. You should feel a gentle stretch in the Coracobrachialis. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch arms.
Seated Stretch
Take a seat on the edge or a bench or chair without arms. Your feet should be flat on the floor in a wide stance, farther than hip-width apart. Place your palms just about the tops on the knees. To stretch the left Coracobrachialis, rotate your left shoulder and head towards the right as far as possible. Aim to have your left shoulder in-between your knees. Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch sides to stretch the other Coracobrachialis.
Coracobrachialis Exercises
Low Chest Fly
A Low Cable Fly will help to strengthen the Coracobrachialis. Using a cable machine, set the pulleys down to the lowest position and take a step forwards in a staged stance. Start with your hands down at your sides and simultaneously elevate both wrists up to mid-chest height. Lower the wrists back to the starting position and repeat the movement.
Dips
Dips are a fantastic way to strengthen the Coracobrachialis. You can use a Dip machine, or simply the edge of your couch at home. Grip the edge of the chair so that your hands are behind you and your feet are extended in front of you. Lower the body towards the ground by bending the elbows. Re-extend the elbows to come back to the starting position and repeat the movement.
Chin Ups
Chin Ups are another great way to engage the Coracobrachialis as you are performing flexion and adduction of the arm. You can learn how to perform a Chin Up step by step in our exercise tutorial here.
