Symptoms
Shoulder pain
Deep anterior or lateral shoulder pain frequently originating from rotator cuff trigger points rather than the joint itself.
Overview
Shoulder pain has many causes. A common and treatable contributor is myofascial referral from the infraspinatus, supraspinatus and upper trapezius. Subacromial impingement-like presentations often improve substantially once active trigger points are deactivated.
Clinical notes
Screen the cuff with strength and pain provocation tests, but also palpate the infraspinous fossa and supraspinous fossa for reproducible referral.
Red flags — when to refer
Acute high-energy trauma, gross weakness, fever, suspected dislocation — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons, Vol. 1