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What is the Boxer's Muscle?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

The boxer's muscle, also known as the serratus anterior, is a prominent muscle that stretches from the ribs to the shoulder blade on each side of the body. It is essential in stabilizing the shoulder and allowing the arm to move forward and upward. The muscle is is highly involved in many sports, and maintaining a strong serratus anterior is important for preventing serious shoulder injuries during activities.

The serratus anterior is called the boxer's muscle because of its significant role in throwing a punch. During a punch, the muscle quickly brings the shoulder blade forward. It is also essential in sports that involve throwing and catching a ball or frequently bringing the arms overhead. A strong boxer's muscle is not only important for athletes, however; all daily activities that require the arm to be raised or extended outward rely on the serratus anterior.

An anatomical illustration showing the serratus anterior muscle, also called the boxer's muscle.
An anatomical illustration showing the serratus anterior muscle, also called the boxer's muscle.

Athletes often perform exercises and lift weights in an effort to strengthen the serratus anterior. Individuals can perform push-ups, pull-ups, and bench presses to build strength and flexibility in the shoulders. Resistance training exercises with medicine balls and dumbbells are also popular means of enhancing the serratus anterior muscles. It is essential for a person in training to perform these exercises correctly and within his or her limits, as injuries to this muscle or surrounding tissue can cause long-term or even permanent damage.

Some people use free weights to build up muscle.
Some people use free weights to build up muscle.

An injury to the serratus anterior muscle can result in significant pain and a lack of flexibility. The boxer's muscle can be strained or torn due to repetitive use, overexertion in exercise, a direct blow to the side, or an awkward shoulder movement. An individual who has suffered an injury usually experiences constant pain, tenderness to the touch, and a restricted range of motion. An injury can also result in damage to the long thoracic nerve, which can lead to lifelong shoulder problems.

The serratus anterior has a significant role in throwing punches.
The serratus anterior has a significant role in throwing punches.

Minor strains are usually able to heal without medical intervention in as little as two weeks, with sufficient rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. A more severe strain or tear should be inspected by a physician, who can determine the extent of damage. A patient might be prescribed pain and anti-inflammatory drugs, scheduled for physical therapy sessions, or ordered to undergo surgery so that damaged tissue can be repaired. Recovery time after a boxer's muscle tear can take four months or longer, depending on the exact location of the tear and the intensity of rehabilitation exercises.

Discussion Comments

Misscoco

People frequently injure the shoulder muscles including the large boxer's muscle just doing ordinary chores or movements around the house.

They may just be reaching up for something on a high shelf, picking up something heavy, breaking a fall with straight arms, and many other movements.

The ways to avoid injuring the shoulder are to keep the muscles strong and supple and to take precautions, like using a stool to reach up to a high place. Shoulder injuries are slow to heal.

BabaB

All of us are encouraged and we encourage each other to exercise - exercise - keep muscles strong! Yet, so many athletes, weekend-warriors and professionals end up injuring muscles. Some of these injuries are repairable and some aren't.

Apparently, our bodies weren't made for muscle over exertion, or extreme repetitive motions. The boxer muscle or serratus anterior is not only vulnerable during athletics, but also any awkward or strenuous lifting can damage this muscle.

Everyone who does muscle exercises should always find out the correct way to do them and follow through each exercise session.

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    • An anatomical illustration showing the serratus anterior muscle, also called the boxer's muscle.
      By: mikiradic
      An anatomical illustration showing the serratus anterior muscle, also called the boxer's muscle.
    • Some people use free weights to build up muscle.
      By: Rido
      Some people use free weights to build up muscle.
    • The serratus anterior has a significant role in throwing punches.
      By: AntonioDiaz
      The serratus anterior has a significant role in throwing punches.
    • The shoulder press strengthens the triceps as well as the shoulders, both of which are heavily used in boxing.
      By: michaeljung
      The shoulder press strengthens the triceps as well as the shoulders, both of which are heavily used in boxing.
    • Damage to the long thoracic nerve can be caused by a blow to the neck or shoulders.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Damage to the long thoracic nerve can be caused by a blow to the neck or shoulders.
    • Push ups can help strengthen the boxer's muscle.
      By: LoloStock
      Push ups can help strengthen the boxer's muscle.