Static Manual Release: Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis, Pectoralis Major and Posterior Deltoid (for Upper-Body Dysfunction)

This course describes static manual release techniques for the muscles crossing the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) that are commonly assessed as over-active and prone to trigger point development. Unfortunately, it is easy to be confused by a large number of synonyms for the terms used for these techniques. For example, the techniques described in this course may be considered refinements of massage, massage therapy, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, medical massage, sports massage, trigger point massage, static compression techniques, soft tissue mobilization techniques, muscle inhibitory techniques, and manual therapy techniques. Even the term trigger point is referred to by a variety of synonyms including muscle knots, nodules, adhesions, over-active muscle fibers, hypertonic fascicles, spasms, and acute points of hyper-contractility, and the trigger point phenomenon is likely part of every reference to short muscles, muscle tightness, muscle tension, muscle spasm, frozen shoulder, restricted shoulder flexion ROM, etc. Part of the reason so many synonyms exist is the rich history of scientific inquiry, from multiple disciplines and cultures, that have contributed to our understanding of the techniques described in this course.

This course includes techniques for the infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis, pectoralis major, and posterior deltoid muscles. Release techniques for these muscles are commonly included in an integrated program designed to address shoulder pain, and restricted shoulder range of motion (ROM) - especially shoulder abduction and shoulder flexion ROM, and may be included in an integrated program to treat neck stiffness, upper back pain, scapular (shoulder blade) muscle pain, and shoulder pain. These techniques may also aid in addressing posture correlated with upper body dysfunction (a.k.a. rounded shoulder posture, upper crossed syndrome, kyphotic posture), as well as scapula dyskinesis and forward head posture. Although frozen shoulder is a condition that prompts a significant amount of inquiry, acute frozen shoulder is likely best addressed with relatively passive care (palliative treatment, pharmacological intervention, passive modalities, etc.), and the techniques in this course are likely best for chronic frozen shoulder, following the acute inflammatory phase (generally 6 months or more).

The techniques in this course are recommended for all clinical human movement professionals (physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) to develop an evidence-based, systematic, integrated, patient-centered, patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
• Subscapularis
• Pectoralis Major
• Posterior Deltoid

Additional Static Manual Release Courses

• Static Manual Release: Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae and Splenii
• Static Manual Release: Suboccipitals, Sternocleidomastoid (SCM), Scalenes and Cervical Extensors
• Static Manual Release: Scapular Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Shoulder Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Trunk Muscles
• Static Manual Release: Hip Flexors
• Static Manual Release: Hip Internal Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Hip External Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Tibia External Rotators
• Static Manual Release: Lower Leg Muscles

For a review of muscle fiber dysfunction and trigger point etiology:

• Muscle Fiber Dysfunction and Trigger Points
• Trigger Point Assessment and Palpation