Research Corner - Q&A Concave/Convex Chest by Anthony Carey | Date Released : 19 Mar 2004 0 comments Print Close Question: I have a client who has a concave/ convex chest since birth, basically one side caves in and the other is out, we are training with such exercises as bench press and shoulder press lat pull down and seated rows. he is concerned that one side will develop further and make the appearance even more pronounced. His right hand shoulder rotators are very weak also. any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Answer: My first suggestion would be to avoid using any machines or barbells that allow him to compensate with this dominant side. You may also want to consider having his right shoulder girdle function evaluated by a qualified professional. As you mention in your question regarding his shoulder rotators, the visual difference in his chest could be an indicator of other muscle and joint issues in that region. For instance he may likely have problems with scapular stabilization on that same side as well. These issues may even expand beyond the shoulder girdle to the other anatomical slings that work in cooperation with the pecs. If his condition is congenital (born with it) and his body is deficient muscularly and/or neurologically, there is still plenty of opportunity to maximize the capabilities he has and to avoid compounding any altered movement patterns he has developed over the years. With a thorough assessment of his shoulder girdle, you can formulate a plan for correcting imbalances and reinforcing proper movement patterns. Upper extremity exercises should be done with dumbbells and independent cables for each side. Provide an environment that demands each side work with within its capabilities. Finally, remind your client that the aesthetic differences in size are created by muscle hypertrophy. And the amount of hypertrophy is significantly dependent on the quality and quantity of caloric intake and not just resistance training. Anthony B. Carey M.A., CSCS, CES www.movementbydesign.com Back to top About the author: Anthony Carey Anthony Carey M.A., CSCS, MES is PFP Magazine’s 2009 Personal Trainer of the Year and owner of Function First in San Diego, California and an international presenter on biomechanics, corrective exercise, functional anatomy and motor control and their relationships to pain and function. Anthony has developed the Pain Free Movement Specialist certification and is the inventor of the Core-Tex®. Full Author Details Related content Content from Anthony Carey Narrow Chest Lenny Parracino | Articles Lower Back Pain Essentials Anthony Carey | Articles The Core-Tex: Reactive Training & Reactive Variability Anthony Carey | Articles Successful Corrective Exercise Programming Anthony Carey | Articles Myofascial Mobility Through Strategic Movement Anthony Carey | Articles Maximizing Your Minimalist Footwear Anthony Carey | Articles Scoliosis Anthony Carey | Articles Club Foot Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise Is Functional - Part 3 Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise Is Functional - Part 2 Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise Is Functional - Part 1 Anthony Carey | Articles Spinal Fusion and Mountain Biking Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise for Excessive Standing Anthony Carey | Articles Broken Leg and Scar Tissue Anthony Carey | Articles Prehab for Hip Replacement Anthony Carey | Articles The 80/20 Principle Anthony Carey | Articles Teen Client with Cerebral Palsy Anthony Carey | Articles Knock Knees Anthony Carey | Articles Hip Replacement Anthony Carey | Articles Before the Core - Part 2 Anthony Carey | Articles Before the Core - Part 1 Anthony Carey | Articles Before the Core - Part 3 Anthony Carey | Articles Hip Pain Post Frontal Plane Exercise Anthony Carey | Articles Lateral Pelvic Tilt Anthony Carey | Articles Pars Defect Anthony Carey | Articles Upslip Downslip Hip Anthony Carey | Articles Single Leg Weakness Anthony Carey | Articles Hammer Toe Anthony Carey | Articles Treadmill Dysfunction Anthony Carey | Articles No Cartilage in Ankle Anthony Carey | Articles Sway Back Anthony Carey | Articles Concave/Convex Chest Anthony Carey | Articles Lumbar Spine Injury Recovery Anthony Carey | Articles Lumbar Disc Bulge Anthony Carey | Articles Shoulder Stinger from Rugby Anthony Carey | Articles Risks of Spinal Flexion and Rotation Anthony Carey | Articles Skier’s Achilles Tendonitis Anthony Carey | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top