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Infraspinatus
Pointer Plus

Pointer Plus

The Pointer Plus is an easy to use trigger point (TP) locator which incorporates a push button stimulation feature to immediately treat Trigger point pain.

 

The Infraspinatus is a rotator cuff muscle of the shoulder.

Anatomical Attachments:

  • Origin: Attaches to the medial 2/3 of the infraspinatus fossa of the scapula.
  • Insertion: Attaches to the greater tuberosity of the humerus.

Action: It rotates the head of the humerus laterally and assists in stabilizing the humerus in the glenoid cavity.

Synergist: Deltoid, Supraspinatus, Teres major and minor, Subscapularis.

Antagonist: Pectoralis major and minor, Subclavius, Serratus anterior, Latissimus dorsi, Trapezius, Rhomboid major and minor, Levator scapulae.

 

Click for Muscle Test 

 

Nerve Supply: Suprascapular Nerve (C5, C6).

Vascular supply: Suprascapular and scapular circumflex artery.

Travell and Simons Trigger Point Pain Referral:  

Click on a small image to view an enlarged image

 

Trigger Point Signs and Symptoms: There is diminished grip strength and the inability to place the dorsum of the hand to their mid- or low- back (decreased internal rotation with adduction of the arm). The individual may state that they have the inability to reach into their hip pocket on the affected side.

Trigger Point Activating and Perpetuating Factors: Persistent reaching behind with the arm extended and/or slightly abducted, such as pulling a hand truck or attempting to check a fall when falling backwards.

Differential Diagnosis: (Segmental, Subluxation, Somatic dysfunction) C5 C6 or C7 radiculopathy, Brachial plexus injuries, Thoracic outlet syndrome, Subdeltoid bursitis, Bicipital tendinitis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cervical arthritis or spurs, Rotator cuff tear, Rotator cuff tendinitis, Supraspinatus tendinitis, Neurogenic arthropathy (Charcot’s joint), Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder), Brachial neuritis, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex sympathetic dystrophy or Shoulder hand syndrome), Angina pectoris, Myocardial infarction, Pneumothorax, Bone cancer, Bone fracture, Myasthenia gravis, Multiple sclerosis, Dislocation/Subluxation of Glenohumeral joint, Shoulder pointer, Sprain/Strain injury, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Tetanus, Systemic infections or inflammation, Nutritional inadequacy, Metabolic imbalance, Toxicity, Side effects of medication.

 

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