Muscles
Pectoralis major
Adducts, flexes and internally rotates the shoulder.
Overview
Adducts, flexes and internally 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
Across the anterior chest from sternum and clavicle to the humerus.
Referred pain pattern
Anterior chest pain, sometimes mimicking cardiac symptoms; refers down the ulnar arm.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Bench pressing, push-ups, rounded shoulders, post-cardiac surgery.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Doorway stretches, scapular retraction. Clinically: needling and manual release.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction