Muscles
Teres minor
External rotator of the shoulder; member of the rotator cuff.
Overview
External rotator of the shoulder; member of the rotator cuff. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Lateral border of the scapula below infraspinatus.
Referred pain pattern
Posterior deltoid in a focal spot, sometimes mimicking 'C5 radiculopathy'.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Throwing sports, overhead lifting, sleeping on the shoulder.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Sleeper stretch with care, sidelying ER. Clinically: needling is often immediately effective.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction