Australian physiotherapists have shown that when lifting the arm, the deep postural muscles, especially the transversus abdominis show EMG activity prior to the deltoid. In our experience trigger points (TrPs) in the pelvic floor and the diaphragmcausing dysfunction of the deep stabilising muscles cause widespread TrPs in the superficial dynamic muscles. In this paper a case is presented in which paresis of the back muscles and the transversus abdominis prevented the patient lifting her arms when standing freely. She was, however, able to lift her arms normally when seated or when standing with a corset supporting her pelvis.

        Key words: deep stabilising muscles, postural muscles, dynamic muscles, transversus abdominis, paresis of back muscles