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The infraspinatus with attachments on the sapula and humerus
Continuing Education2 Credits

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.

Course Description: Infraspinatus and Teres Minor

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the infraspinatus and teres minor muscle (a.k.a. the rotator cuff muscle, the shoulder external rotators, rotator cuff, glenohumeral joint rotators, or SITS muscles). The infraspinatus muscle originates on the infraspinous fossa of the scapula (posterior side of the shoulder blade), and the teres minor muscle originates on the upper 2/3rd of the lateral border of the scapula. Both the infraspinatus and teres minor insert into the greater tubercle of the humerus. The infraspinatus is composed of a higher proportion of type II muscle fibers, and the teres minor is composed of a relatively even distribution of type II and type I muscle fibers. The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles cross the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) and contribute to shoulder external (lateral) rotation, shoulder extension, and shoulder stabilization during all motions of the upper limb. This course also describes the role of the infraspinatus and teres minor in glenohumeral arthrokinematics, fascial integration, postural dysfunction, and subsystem integration. 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. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation (e.g. rotator cuff injury, rotator cuff tear, infraspinatus pain, deltoid (shoulder) muscle pain, shoulder instability, shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff repair and scar tissue development). As well as the synergistic function of the infraspinatus and teres minor (e.g. stabilization of the glenohumeral joint and upper arm, and contribution to external rotation with the posterior deltoid), and infraspinatus and teres minor exercises and techniques for enhancing sports performance, especially for the shoulder athlete (throwing athlete) (e.g. ensuring ideal infraspinatus and teres minor length for optimal shoulder stability, strength, power, and preventions of weakness and pain during throwing).

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Muscles (see videos below):

Infraspinatus muscle on the shoulder blade
Caption: Infraspinatus muscle on the shoulder blade

Introduction to the External Rotator Cuff Muscles

Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Actions

Fascial Integration

Postural Dysfunction and the External Rotator Cuff Muscles

Exercises and Techniques for the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor

Bibliography

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