Muscles
Serratus posterior superior
Elevates the upper ribs during inspiration.
Overview
Elevates the upper ribs during inspiration. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Deep to the rhomboids over the upper ribs.
Referred pain pattern
Deep ache under the scapula, often mistaken for cervical or rib pain.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Persistent cough, asthma flare-ups, forward head posture.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Breathing retraining, manage cough triggers. Clinically: dry needling is often dramatically effective.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction