As part of the rotator cuff the Supraspinatus stabilizes the upper part of the humeral head and, to help elevate and flex the glenohumeral joint (depending on the position). Due to its anatomical potion the Supraspinatus is under constant load during the daytime. As the muscle nears its insertion into the cuff, the tendon is in a vulnerable position within the subacromial arch. It has been estimated that up to 70% of all shoulder issues presenting to doctors are related to the rotator cuff and the majority of these are related to the Supraspinatus. As you can see the Supraspinatus has two distinct trigger point maps, one for the belly and one for the insertion.
MUSCLE COMMENT
Trigger points are commonly found in the lateral third of the muscle just before it goes beneath the acromial arch. In our experience, issues such as supraspinatus tendinopathy often have a connection all the way through to the elbow. It is common to be able to trace a fascial band just anterior to the midline of the humerus which runs all the way to the supraspinatus insertion. Treating this band with deep stroking massage (insertion to origin direction only) and pausing on the subacromial space can really help to unload the tendon.
How do you treat trigger these trigger points? We’d be delighted if you want to share your own best practice.
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