Which muscles are listed as overactive shoulder muscles? (latissimus dorsi, pectorals major/minor)

• A. Latissimus dorsi and pectorals major/minor
• B. Upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid
• C. Medial gastrocnemius, anterior tibialis
• D. Hip flexors, adductors, and abdominals

Answer: (A)

When thinking about shoulder mechanics, overactive muscles are the ones that tend to be chronically tight and pull the shoulder into a less favorable position. Latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major/minor fit this pattern because they pull the humerus inward (internal rotation and adduction) and draw the shoulder blade forward and downward (protraction and depression). This combination promotes a rounded, downturned shoulder posture and can limit proper scapular motion during overhead movements. That’s why these two muscles are listed as overactive in this context. The other muscles mentioned pull in different directions or belong to other postural patterns, so they aren’t identified here as the overactive shoulder group.