To extend the elbows and resist collapse in the shoulder, the triceps are active. The latissimus dorsi often try to help this action, but they depress and internally rotate the shoulder, which creates impingement at the acromion process.

The pronators are active in the forearm, but if there is a lack of rotation between the radius and ulna, this can translate into over articulation in the elbow or wrist, or internal rotation of the arm at the shoulder joint—all common sites of injury for practitioners of vinyasa styles of yoga that employ repetitive downward-facing dogs in sun salutations.

As in the foot and leg, the intrinsic action in the hand is essential for the integration of the whole arm. Essentially, the hand must act as much as a foot as possible by maintaining its arch. The flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris should activate the resist the collapse of the hand.