Muscles
Infraspinatus
The most common rotator cuff source of deep anterior shoulder pain — pain felt at the front but coming from the back of the scapula.
Overview
Fills the infraspinous fossa of the scapula and inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus. External rotator of the shoulder and dynamic stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint. Trigger points are extremely common in throwing athletes and desk workers.
Trigger point locations
Two primary points in the muscle belly, slightly inferior to the spine of the scapula. Often very tender even without complaints when palpated.
Referred pain pattern
Deep anterior shoulder pain (felt 'inside' the joint), spreading down the lateral arm and sometimes into the forearm and radial hand.
Palpation & testing
With the patient prone or side-lying, palpate just below the spine of the scapula. A taut band reproducing the patient's anterior shoulder pain is diagnostic.
Common causes
Overhead activity, throwing, sleeping on the shoulder, scapular dyskinesis, frozen shoulder.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Lacrosse ball against the wall on the infraspinous fossa, sleeper stretch with care, scapular control work. Clinically: dry needling is particularly effective here.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons, Vol. 1