Muscles
Supraspinatus
Source of deep shoulder pain that intensifies with abduction — often misread as pure rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Overview
Sits in the supraspinous fossa and runs under the acromion to insert on the greater tubercle. Initiates shoulder abduction and stabilizes the humeral head.
Trigger point locations
Belly of the muscle in the supraspinous fossa, just above the spine of the scapula.
Referred pain pattern
Deep lateral shoulder pain over the deltoid, sometimes extending down the lateral arm to the elbow.
Palpation & testing
Palpate above the spine of the scapula through the upper trapezius. Slack the trapezius by passively elevating the shoulder.
Common causes
Repetitive overhead work, carrying heavy loads with arms hanging, acute strain.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Posterior capsule mobility, scapular stabilization, load management. Clinically: needling, eccentric loading of the cuff.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons, Vol. 1