Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Intercostals
Region
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Inferior border of rib above', 'Insertion: Superior border of rib below']
Synergistic Muscles
['Diaphragm', 'Scalenes']
Joints
['Costovertebral joints']
Primary Actions
['External: Elevate ribs during inspiration', 'Internal: Depress ribs during forced expiration']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Intercostal nerves (T1–T11)
Thoracic spinal nerves; no plexus
Interesting
Support rib cage integrity during breathing. [Gray’s Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Pull thorax toward stabilized ribs (trunk control)
Common Dysfunctions
Breathing difficulty, rib pain, trunk immobility
How to Stretch
Side bend with deep breath or foam roller.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Breathing exercises under tension.
Concentric Action
Expand or compress rib cage during breathing
Applications:
Core engagement and respiratory strengthening
Eccentric Action
Control return of ribs after breath
Isotonic Action
Active breathing exercises (e.g., balloon blowing)
Related Conditions
['Shallow breathing', 'Rib dysfunction']
Isometric Action
Hold breath at full inhale or exhale
Exercise Ideas
['Breath holds', 'Overhead reaches with breath', 'Lateral rib mobility']