Supraspinatus

Structure

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the supraspinatus (a.k.a. the abductor of the rotator cuff muscles, the superior rotator cuff muscle, and superior rotator cuff tendon, or elevator of the glenohumeral joint rotators). As the name implies, the supraspinatus originates within the supraspinous fossa of the scapula (superior to the spine of the shoulder blade), the supraspinatus tendon crosses the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint), and the tendon inserts into the greater tubercle of the humerus. This muscle is located deep to the upper trapezius. The supraspinatus is enclosed within its own fascial compartment, separated from the trapezius by the supraspinatus fascia, which is continuous with the infraspinatus fascia; however, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus are separated by the spine of the scapula. Research suggests the supraspinatus is a relatively small muscle contributing to approximately 2.0% of the total upper body muscle mass (compared to the pectoralis major which contributes approximately 10% of the upper body mass). Additionally, research suggests that the supraspinatus is composed primarily of type I muscle fibers.

Function:

The supraspinatus muscle crosses the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint, contributing to shoulder abduction, and as part of the rotator cuff aids in the stabilization of the shoulder during all joint actions. This course also discusses the supraspinatus and shoulder (glenohumeral) joint arthrokinematics, fascial integration, subsystem integration, and postural dysfunction. For example, "Arms Fall " during an Overhead Squat Assessment  and signs of Upper Body Dysfunction (UBD) , are correlated with altered rotator cuff recruitment and EMG activity, most often including an increase in supraspinatus activity, and a reduction in stability, strength, and range of motion of the shoulder joint . This implies this muscle should most often be released.

Practical Application:

Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the integrated function of the supraspinatus for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. For example, altered activity and length of the supraspinatus may contribute to rotator cuff injury, rotator cuff tears, shoulder pain, shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), supraspinatus tendon strain, biceps tendon impingement, and the resulting weakness and pain during motions such as shoulder abduction and flexion. Altered supraspinatus activity may also result in a reduction in infraspinatus, teres minor, and anterior deltoid activity, resulting in a significant reduction in upper extremity speed, agility, and strength, and a reduction in the effectiveness of resistance training intended to improve upper body strength and hypertrophy (bodybuilding). Deeper knowledge of supraspinatus anatomy is essential for optimal assessment, intervention selection, and building a repertoire of supraspinatus-specific techniques.

This Course Includes:

This course also provides detailed descriptions of etymology, attachments, innervations, joint actions, location, palpation, integrated actions, arthrokinematics, fascial integration, subsystem integration, postural dysfunction, assessment, clinical implications, and interventions.

• Webinar
• Study Guide
• Text and Illustrations
• Audio Voice-over
• Research Review
• Technique Videos
• Case Study and Sample Routine
• Practice Exam
• 3 Credit Final Exam

Sample Intervention: Loss of Shoulder Range of Motion

• Client/Patient History: History of shoulder pain
• Overhead Squat Assessment:
  • Arms Fall
• Goniometry:
  • Shoulder External Rotation in Supine: < 90°
  • Shoulder Flexion (with Scapular Motion) : <180°
• Manual Muscle Testing :
  • Shoulder External Rotator : "Weak" or "with Compensation" (abduction)

Sample Self-administered Intervention

• Release
  • Supraspinatus Static Release
  • Latissimus Dorsi Static Release
• Mobilization or Manipulation
  • Shoulder Mobilization
• Lengthening
  • Child's Pose
• Activation
  • Shoulder External Rotation Isolated Activation
  • Serratus Anterior Isolated Activation
  • Standing Cobras (Trapezius Activation)
• Reactive Activation
  • Trapezius Reactive Activation
• Integration
  • Squat to Row (Posterior Oblique Subsystem)

Additional Courses and Techniques:

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the supraspinatus (see videos below):

• Release: Supraspinatus Static Release
• Mobilization:Shoulder Mobilization

Caption: Supraspinatus muscle on the skeleton