Muscles
Middle deltoid
Powerful abductor of the shoulder past 15°.
Overview
Powerful abductor of the shoulder past 15°. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Lateral shoulder over the acromion.
Referred pain pattern
Lateral shoulder pain felt under the acromion during abduction.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Overhead work, side-lying compression, carrying heavy bags.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Posterior capsule mobility, scapular setting. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction