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Supraspinatus muscle on the skeleton

Supraspinatus

Integrated functional anatomy of the supraspinatus. Attachments, nerves, palpation, joint actions, arthrokinematics, fascia, triggerpoints, and behavior in postural dysfunction. Common activation exercises, subsystems, foam rolling, stretches, and strength exercises for the rotator cuff.

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Course Description: 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.

Pre-approved credits for:

Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:

This Course Includes:

  • AI Tutor
  • Webinar
  • Study Guide
  • Text and Illustrations
  • Audio Voice-over
  • Research Review
  • Technique Videos
  • Case Study and Sample Routine
  • Practice Exam
  • Pre-approved Final Exam

Sample Intervention: Loss of Shoulder Range of Motion

Sample Self-administered Intervention

Additional Courses and Techniques:

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

Supraspinatus muscle on the skeleton
Caption: Supraspinatus muscle on the skeleton

Course Study Guide: Supraspinatus

Coures Summary Webinar: Supraspinatus

Etymology of Terms Related to the Supraspinatus

Attachment & Innervation: Supraspinatus

Where is the Supraspinatus Located?

Palpating the Supraspinatus

Supraspinatus Muscle Actions
2 Sub Sections

Fascial Integration

Supraspinatus Research
3 Sub Sections

Movement Impairment and the Supraspinatus
2 Sub Sections

Exercises and Techniques for the Supraspinatus
3 Sub Sections

Case Study and Sample Routine: Loss of Shoulder Range of Motion

Bibliography

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    • Fascial Integration:
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    • EMG Activity:
    • Comparing Joint Actions
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    • Flexion, Extension, and Abduction
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    • Comparing Various Exercises
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  22. Fukunaga, T., Orishimo, K. F., & McHugh, M. P. (2022). Electromyographic analysis of select eccentric-focused rotator cuff exercises. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 38(13), 2554–2562. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2021.1949767
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    • Isometric Positions and Pertubration
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    • Passive and Active-Assisted Movements
  28. Cross, A., deVries, J., Vetter, C.S., Mocarski, M., Ketchum, N.,Compty, E., Krimmer, M., Fritz. (2020). "Electromyography of the shoulder musculature during passive rehabilitation exercises." Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Arthroplasty, 4 (2020): 2471549220960044.
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    • Activities of Daily Living and Sport
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    • Scaption
  33. Reddy, A. S., Mohr, K. J., Pink, M. M., & Jobe, F. W. (2000). Electromyographic analysis of the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles in persons with subacromial impingement. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 9(6), 519–523. https://doi.org/10.1067/mse.2000.109410
  34. Myers, J. B., Hwang, J. H., Pasquale, M. R., Blackburn, J. T., & Lephart, S. M. (2009). Rotator cuff coactivation ratios in participants with subacromial impingement syndrome. Journal of science and medicine in sport12(6), 603–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2008.06.003
    • Comparing Abduction, Flexion, Scaption, and External Rotation
  35. McMahon, P. J., Jobe, F. W., Pink, M. M., Brault, J. R., & Perry, J. (1996). Comparative electromyographic analysis of shoulder muscles during planar motions: anterior glenohumeral instability versus normal. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 5(2 Pt 1), 118–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80006-1
  36. Diederichsen, L. P., Nørregaard, J., Dyhre-Poulsen, P., Winther, A., Tufekovic, G., Bandholm, T., Rasmussen, L. R., & Krogsgaard, M. (2009). The activity pattern of shoulder muscles in subjects with and without subacromial impingement. Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology, 19(5), 789–799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.08.006
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  • Daily Activities and Throwing
  1. Kelly, B. T., Williams, R. J., Cordasco, F. A., Backus, S. I., Otis, J. C., Weiland, D. E., Altchek, D. W., Craig, E. V., Wickiewicz, T. L., & Warren, R. F. (2005). Differential patterns of muscle activation in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic rotator cuff tears. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 14(2), 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2004.06.010
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  • Movement Impairment
  1. Scovazzo, M.L., Browne, A., Pink, M., Jobe, F.W., and Kerrigan, J. (1991). The painful shoulder during freestyle swimming: An electromyographic cinematographic analysis of twelve muscles. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 19(6). 577-582
  2. Lawrence, R.L., Braman, J.P., Staker, J.L., Laprade, R.F., Ludewig, P.M. (2014) Comparison of 3-dimensional shoulder complex kinematics in individuals with and without shoulder pain, Part 2: Glenohumeral joint. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 44(9). 646-B3
  3. Wang HK, Cochorane T. 2001. Mobility impairment, muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, scapular asymmetry and shoulder injury in elite volleyball athletes. J Sport Med Phys Fitness 41(3): 403-10
  • Trigger Point
  1. David G. Simons, Janet Travell, Lois S. Simons, Travell & Simmons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual, Volume 1. Upper Half of Body: Second Edition,© 1999 Williams and Wilkens
  2. José Miota Ibarra, Hong-You Ge, Chao Wang, Vicente Martínez Vizcaíno, Thomas Graven-Nielsen, Lars Arendt-Nielsen. Latent Myofascial Trigger Points are Associated With an Increased Antagonistic Muscle Activity During Agonist Muscle Contraction. The Journal of Pain, Volume 12, Issue 12, December 2011, Pages 1282–1288
  3. Shirley A Sahrmann, Diagnoses and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, © 2002 Mosby Inc.

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