Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Integrated functional anatomy of the infraspinatus and teres minor (rotator cuff). Attachments, nerves, palpation, joint actions, arthrokinematics, fascia, triggerpoints, and behavior in postural dysfunction. Common activation exercises, subsystems, and strength exercises for the rotator cuff.
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Course Summary: Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Structure
This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the infraspinatus and teres minor of the rotator cuff muscles (a.k.a. the shoulder external rotators, glenohumeral joint rotators, or SITS muscles). As the name implies, the infraspinatus originates inferior to the spine of the scapula in the infraspinous fossa of the scapula (shoulder blade), and the teres minor muscle is the smaller of two "teres muscles", the other being the "teres major ." The teres minor originates superior to the teres major on the superior 2/3rd of the lateral border of the scapula. Both the infraspinatus and teres minor cross the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint), and both tendons insert into the greater tubercle of the humerus. The fascia covering the infraspinatus is known as the "infraspinatus fascia." Although the fascia is tacked firmly to the borders of the scapula, medially it continues to invest in the fascia superficial to the rhomboids, superiorly it invests in the fascia superficial to the supraspinatus (deep to the upper trapezius ), and laterally layers envelop the teres minor (coursing under the deltoid and separating the teres minor from the teres major ), as well as more superficial layers coursing into the deltoid fascia. Research suggests the infraspinatus and teres minor are moderately sized muscle groups, contributing to approximately 5.9% (4.8% infraspinatus and 1.1% teres minor) of the total upper body muscle mass (for comparison, the pectoralis major contributes approximately 10% of the upper body mass). Additionally, research suggests that the infraspinatus and teres minor are composed primarily of type II muscle fibers.
Function:
The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles both cross the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint and are likely the prime movers of shoulder external rotation. Additionally, both muscles aid in the stabilization of the shoulder during all joint actions as part of the rotator cuff. This course also discusses the contribution of the infraspinatus and teres minor to shoulder joint arthrokinematics, fascial integration, subsystem integration, and postural dysfunction. For example, "Arms Fall " during an Overhead Squat Assessment is correlated with altered rotator cuff recruitment and extensibility, including a reduction in EMG activity, a reduction in range of motion (ROM), and a reduction in shoulder stability, strength, and power. These changes imply these muscles most often should be activated and/or strengthened.
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 infraspinatus and teres minor 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 infraspinatus and teres minor 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 infraspinatus and teres minor activity is also correlated with an increase in supraspinatus and subscapularis activity. These changes in shoulder function are likely to result 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 infraspinatus and teres minor anatomy is essential for optimal assessment, intervention selection, and building a repertoire of infraspinatus-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:
Human Movement Specialist (HMS) Certification
Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:
- Athletic Trainers
- Chiropractors
- Group Exercise Instructors
- Massage Therapists
- Occupational Therapists - Intermediate
- Personal Trainers
- Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Physiotherapists
- Yoga Instructors
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
- Client/Patient History: History of shoulder pain
- Overhead Squat Assessment:
- Goniometry:
- Manual Muscle Testing :
- Shoulder External Rotators : "Weak" or "with Compensation" (abduction)
Sample Self-administered Intervention
- Release
- Mobilization or Manipulation
- Lengthening
- Activation
- Reactive Activation
- Integration
Additional Courses and Techniques:
Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Muscles (see videos below):
- Activation: External Rotator Activation
- Activation: External Rotator Reactive Activation
- Manual: Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Static Manual Release

Course Study Guide: Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Course Summary Webinar: Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Etymology of Terms Related to the Infraspinatus
Attachment and Innervations: Infraspinatus
Attachment and Innervation: Teres Minor
Where are the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Located?
Palpating the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Joint Actions: Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Arthrokinematics
Fascial Integration
Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Research3 Sub Sections
Movement Impairment and the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Common Trigger Points and Referral Pain Patterns for the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor
Exercises and Techniques for the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor10 Sub Sections
Sample Intervention
Bibliography
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- Fascial Integration
- Benjamin, M. (2009). The fascia of the limbs and back–a review. Journal of anatomy, 214(1), 1-18.
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- EMG Research
- External Rotation at Different Angles
- Lee, D., Lee, S., & Han, S. (2016). Changes in the electromyographic activities of the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid according to abduction angles of the shoulder joint during shoulder external rotation in closed kinetic chain exercise. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(10), 2748-2750. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.28.2748
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- Uga, D., Endo, Y., Nakazawa, R., & Sakamoto, M. (2016). Electromyographic analysis of the infraspinatus and scapular stabilizing muscles during isometric shoulder external rotation at various shoulder elevation angles. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(1), 154-158.
- External Rotation With and Without a Towel/Adduction
- Alizadehkhaiyat, O., Hawkes, D. H., Kemp, G. J., & Frostick, S. P. (2015). Electromyographic Analysis of the Shoulder Girdle Musculature During External Rotation Exercises. Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 3(11), 2325967115613988. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967115613988
- Sakita, K., Seeley, M. K., Myrer, J. W., & Hopkins, J. T. (2015). Shoulder-muscle electromyography during shoulder external-rotation exercises with and without slight abduction. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 24(2), 109–115. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2013-0116
- Bitter, N. L., Clisby, E. F., Jones, M. A., Magarey, M. E., Jaberzadeh, S., & Sandow, M. J. (2007). Relative contributions of infraspinatus and deltoid during external rotation in healthy shoulders. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 16(5), 563-568.
- Clisby, E. F., Bitter, N. L., Sandow, M. J., Jones, M. A., Magarey, M. E., & Jaberzadeh, S. (2008). Relative contributions of the infraspinatus and deltoid during external rotation in patients with symptomatic subacromial impingement. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 17(1), S87-S92.
- Internal and External Rotation with Various Tempos, Loads, and Unexpected Resistance
- Gaudet, S., Tremblay, J., & Begon, M. (2018). Muscle recruitment patterns of the subscapularis, serratus anterior and other shoulder girdle muscles during isokinetic internal and external rotations. Journal of sports sciences, 36(9), 985–993. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1347697
- Day, A., Taylor, N. F., & Green, R. A. (2012). The stabilizing role of the rotator cuff at the shoulder--responses to external perturbations. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 27(6), 551–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2012.02.003
- Dark, A., Ginn, K. A., & Halaki, M. (2007). Shoulder muscle recruitment patterns during commonly used rotator cuff exercises: an electromyographic study. Physical therapy, 87(8), 1039–1046. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20060068
- Comparing Joint Actions
- Tsuruike, M., & Ellenbecker, T. S. (2022). A comparison of teres minor and infraspinatus muscle activation in the prone position. JSES international, 6(1), 116-122.
- Wattanaprakornkul, D., Cathers, I., Halaki, M., & Ginn, K. A. (2011). The rotator cuff muscles have a direction-specific recruitment pattern during shoulder flexion and extension exercises. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 14(5), 376–382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2011.01.001
- Whittaker, R. L., Alenabi, T., Kim, S. Y., & Dickerson, C. R. (2022). Regional Electromyography of the Infraspinatus and Supraspinatus Muscles During Standing Isometric External Rotation Exercises. Sports health, 14(5), 725–732. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381211043849
- Antony, N. T., & Keir, P. J. (2010). Effects of posture, movement and hand load on shoulder muscle activity. Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology, 20(2), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.04.010
- Comparing Various Exercises
- Reinold, M. M., Wilk, K. E., Fleisig, G. S., Zheng, N., Barrentine, S. W., Chmielewski, T., Cody, R. C., Jameson, G. G., & Andrews, J. R. (2004). Electromyographic analysis of the rotator cuff and deltoid musculature during common shoulder external rotation exercises. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 34(7), 385–394. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2004.34.7.385
- Calver, R., Alenabi, T., Cudlip, A., Dickerson, C. R., Mondal, P., & Kim, S. Y. (2022). Regional activation of supraspinatus and infraspinatus sub-regions during dynamic tasks performed with free weights. Journal of electromyography and kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology, 62, 102308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.05.009
- Boettcher, C. E., Ginn, K. A., & Cathers, I. (2009). Which is the optimal exercise to strengthen supraspinatus?. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 41(11), 1979–1983. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181a740a7
- Marta, S. M., Pezarat-Correia, P. L., Carita, A. I., Fernandes, O. J., Cabri, J. M., & De Moraes, A. C. U. O. C. (2013). Electromyographic analysis of posterior deltoid, posterior rotator cuff and trapezius musculature in different shoulder exercises. International SportMed Journal, 14(1), 1-15.
- Townsend, H., Jobe, F. W., Pink, M., & Perry, J. (1991). Electromyographic analysis of the glenohumeral muscles during a baseball rehabilitation program. The American journal of sports medicine, 19(3), 264–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354659101900309
- 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
- Hand Position During Horizontal Abduction
- Schoenfeld, B., Sonmez, R. G. T., Kolber, M. J., Contreras, B., Harris, R., & Ozen, S. (2013). Effect of hand position on EMG activity of the posterior shoulder musculature during a horizontal abduction exercise. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 27(10), 2644-2649.
- EMG Activity During Passive and Active Assisted Rehabilitation Exercise (Healthy Individuals):
- Jung, M. C., Kim, S. J., Rhee, J. J., & Lee, D. H. (2016). Electromyographic activities of the subscapularis, supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles during passive shoulder and active elbow exercises. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA, 24(7), 2238–2243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-015-3586-8
- 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.
- Gurney, A. B., Mermier, C., LaPlante, M., Majumdar, A., O'Neill, K., Shewman, T., & Gurney, J. G. (2016). Shoulder Electromyography Measurements During Activities of Daily Living and Routine Rehabilitation Exercises. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 46(5), 375–383. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6090
- Sports Activities
- Kelly, B. T., Backus, S. I., Warren, R. F., & Williams, R. J. (2002). Electromyographic analysis and phase definition of the overhead football throw. The American journal of sports medicine, 30(6), 837–844. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465020300061401
- Ryu, R. K., McCormick, J., Jobe, F. W., Moynes, D. R., & Antonelli, D. J. (1988). An electromyographic analysis of shoulder function in tennis players. The American journal of sports medicine, 16(5), 481–485. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354658801600509
- Nuber, G. W., Jobe, F. W., Perry, J., Moynes, D. R., & Antonelli, D. (1986). Fine wire electromyography analysis of muscles of the shoulder during swimming. The american journal of sports medicine, 14(1), 7-11.
- Various Exercises With and Without Shoulder Pain
- 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.
- Ballantyne, B. T., O'Hare, S. J., Paschall, J. L., Pavia-Smith, M. M., Pitz, A. M., Gillon, J. F., & Soderberg, G. L. (1993). Electromyographic activity of selected shoulder muscles in commonly used therapeutic exercises. Physical therapy, 73(10), 668–682. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/73.10.668
- Ellsworth, A. A., Mullaney, M., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M., & Nicholas, S. (2006). Electromyography of selected shoulder musculature during un-weighted and weighted pendulum exercises. North American journal of sports physical therapy: NAJSPT, 1(2), 73.
- Scaption With and Without Shoulder Pain
- 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
- Sole, G., Osborne, H., & Wassinger, C. (2014). Electromyographic response of shoulder muscles to acute experimental subacromial pain. Manual Therapy, 19(4), 343-348.
- Myers, J. B., Hwang, J. H., Pasquale, M. R., Blackburn, J. T., & Lephart, S. M. (2009). Rotator cuff co-activation ratios in participants with subacromial impingement syndrome. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 12(6), 603–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2008.06.003
- Functional Tasks With and Without Pain
- Glousman, R., Jobe, F., Tibone, J., Moynes, D., Antonelli, D., & Perry, J. (1988). Dynamic electromyographic analysis of the throwing shoulder with glenohumeral instability. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 70(2), 220–226.
- 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
- Movement Impairment
- Phillip Page, Clare Frank, Robert Lardner, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach © 2010 Benchmark Physical Therapy, Inc., Clare C. Frank, and Robert Lardner
- Sahrmann, S.A. Diagnoses and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, © 2002 Mosby Inc.
- 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
- Trigger Point Assessment:
- 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
- Moccia D, Nackashi AA, Schilling R, Ward PJ. (2016). Fascial bundles of the infraspinatus fascia: anatomy, function, and clinical considerations. Journal of Anatomy. 228: 176-183.
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