The scapulae are the shoulder blades. Adduction means bringing body 
parts closer together, abduction means to pull them farther apart. Makes 
perfect sense, doesn't it?

When the shoulder blades are tensed together, it pulls on the neck, 
which pulls on the hyoid, which pulls on the tongue. Try it.

When the shoulder blades are relaxed apart, it supports the neck, etc, etc.

Remember that Lynn and Robin's book was written for therapists, so it 
predisposes a certain amount of knowledge. They have taught me a huge 
amount, both in their book and their conferences, and last year through 
a weekend of clinicals we did together in Seattle.  We all keep learning 
if we are wise enough to know that we NEVER know it all.

I am not sure how therapists are being taught about neck position for 
infant feeding, but for children with cerebral palsy or other 
neurological issues eat solids, therapists are taught to tuck the chin a 
tiny bit (stabilize it back toward the neck, in a mostly neutral 
position). Perhaps that's the source of the confusion? Overapplying a 
special case?

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  cwgenna.com


On 3/25/2012 8:39 PM, Laura Spitzfaden wrote:
> Catherine,  Could you explain what scapular adduction is?  Also, do you know where the recommendation to flex the neck comes from?  Are SLP's, in your experience, being trained differently now about flexing the neck then they were when the book was printed?
>
> Thank-you so much for your help, I feel like I know just enough to be confused by some of the things I am reading.  Your book, which I read cover to cover (and repeated some sections) made so much more sense to me.
>
> Laura Spitzfaden LLLL, IBCLC
>
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