Teres Minor - Muscle Overview
Teres Minor Muscle Overview
Anatomy & Location: The teres minor is nestled within the shoulder's rotator cuff muscles. It spans from the lateral border of the scapula, running diagonally and attaching itself to the humerus's upper region. Notably, its oblique orientation gives the muscle its characteristic narrow and elongated appearance.
Function: Teres minor has dual primary responsibilities:
- External Rotation: Assists in the lateral rotation of the humerus.
- Shoulder Stabilization: Alongside its rotator cuff counterparts, the teres minor stabilizes the humerus's head within the shoulder joint during various arm activities1.
Origin and Insertion:
- Origin: It stems from the dorsal surface of the axillary border of the scapula.
- Insertion: Finds its attachment on the inferior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.
Neurovascular Supply: The axillary nerve innervates the teres minor, with its blood supply coming predominantly from the posterior circumflex humeral artery.
Trigger Points & Clinical Relevance: Trigger points, or hyperirritable nodules found in taut bands of muscle fibers, frequently develop in the teres minor due to:
- Overuse: Repetitive shoulder activities, especially those that involve overhead movements, can overstress the muscle.
- Direct Trauma: Injuries or impacts to the shoulder can instigate trigger point formation.
- Postural Strains: Extended durations in poor postures, like rounded shoulders, can strain the teres minor.
- Shoulder Instability: Instabilities can increase teres minor workload, possibly inducing trigger points2.
- Associated Muscular Imbalances: Dysfunctions in adjacent muscles can compromise the teres minor's optimal function, promoting trigger points3.
When these trigger points manifest, they can cause localized pain and even refer pain down the arm or into the shoulder blade region.
Therapeutic interventions, such as myofascial release, dry needling, and specific stretches, can address trigger points, offering relief from symptoms and restoring shoulder functionality4.
References:
Footnotes
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Neumann, D. A. (2017). Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system: foundations for rehabilitation (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier. ↩
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Simons, D. G., Travell, J. G., & Simons, L. S. (1999). Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (Vol. 1). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins. ↩
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Hertling, D., & Kessler, R. M. (2006). Management of common musculoskeletal disorders: physical therapy principles and methods (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ↩
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Shah, J. P., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J. V., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2015). Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. PM&R, 7(7), 746–761. ↩
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes within the context of continuing education for massage therapists, continuing education for athletic trainers, continuing education for physical therapists, continuing education for chiropractors, and continuing education for rehabilitation professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reflect current understanding at the time of publication, practitioners must always work within the legal scope of their professional practice and follow all regional regulatory guidelines.
Hands-on techniques and clinical applications described in this material should only be performed by appropriately trained and licensed professionals. Individuals experiencing pain or symptoms should be referred to a qualified healthcare provider for assessment. Niel Asher Education is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided in this content.
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