Muscles
Posterior deltoid
Extends and externally rotates the shoulder.
Overview
Extends and externally rotates the shoulder. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Posterior shoulder over the scapular spine fibers.
Referred pain pattern
Posterior shoulder pain felt with reaching across the body.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Throwing, swimming, rounded shoulders.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Cross-body stretch with care, posterior cuff strengthening. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction