2.) Lack of "upper back work/volume/prehab/injury risk mitigation/etc." in the program. This seems to be a big deal in a lot of the fitness circles I learn from and a big criticism of the SS program. I personal feel my upper back got much stronger through doing the SS program than 100 reps of banded or rope face pulls by just supporting a couple hundred pounds in the low-bar position for three sets of five. However, I have heard the importance of directly training the upper back so much that I question how important this type of work really is and if not utilizing these methods is being irresponsible in programming for clients. I also feel that my recent deadlifts above 250 lbs work the upper back quite well, and that although I can't tell how much lumbar/thoracic flexion is taking place to get in position to pull from the floor, my upper back and posture seem to be doing great. Apparently, not including these movements over time on a program like SS will result in a lack of balance caused by the internal rotation of the bench press/overhead press and no external rotation movements to "balance out" the pull
ressing ratios.
Question: Is there enough work done in these movements to "balance" out these muscles, particularly of the shoulder/upper back being worked in the program to contribute to long term joint health and injury risk reduction?