Muscles
Teres major
Adducts and internally rotates the shoulder; co-active with latissimus.
Overview
Adducts and internally rotates the shoulder; co-active with latissimus. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Posterior axillary fold next to latissimus.
Referred pain pattern
Posterior deltoid and down the back of the arm — often confused with rotator cuff pain.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Overhead work, throwing, frozen shoulder pattern.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Cross-body stretch, axillary self-release. Clinically: needling, scapular control.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction