Your lats also help you breathe.

They help keep your back stable while you move your shoulders.

Most muscles attach to a bone at each end.

Lift for the love of good health

LumiNola / Getty Images

These places of attachment are known as the origin andinsertionpoints.

Latissimus Dorsi Function

Strong lats help you use your arms to pull your body weight up.

Examples of activities that use the lats extensively include doing chin-ups, rock climbing, and swimming.

They also extend your shoulder joint back, which allows you to bring your arm back.

The lats can do these movements separately or in combination with one another.

The lats also assist with the breathing process.

Conditions Affecting the Latissimus Dorsi

Injury and certain physical conditions can affect your lats.

He or she can diagnose the problem and get you started on treatment.

Treatment and rehab for a latissimus problem will vary depending on the problem.

Most often, working with a physical therapist can help you regain full function.

Physical therapy exercises for latissimus dorsi may include:

Your latissimus exercise program should be tailored to your needs.

The lats help stabilize your back as you use your shoulders.

You use your lats when you do exercises such as pull-ups, climbing, and swimming.

They also help you breathe.

Burnier M, Lafosse T.Pectoralis major and anterior latissimus dorsi transfer for subscapularis tears.Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.

2024;15:163. doi:10.25259/SNI_91_2024.