Muscles

Subscapularis

Largest rotator cuff muscle; powerful internal rotator and anterior glenohumeral stabilizer.

Referred pain map

Subscapularis — trigger points on the anterior surface of the scapula refer a broad posterior-shoulder ache, pain down the back of the arm, and a striking 'wristband' pattern around the wrist and dorsum of the hand; a classic hidden driver of frozen-shoulder restriction.

Overview

Largest rotator cuff muscle; powerful internal rotator and anterior glenohumeral stabilizer. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Anterior surface of the scapula, palpable from the axilla.

Referred pain pattern

Posterior shoulder, deep axilla, and a 'wristband' band of pain around the wrist.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Frozen shoulder, throwing sports, post-surgical immobilization.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Side-lying internal rotation, doorway ER stretches. Clinically: needling and axillary release.

Symptoms commonly linked

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction