Infraspinatus
Body region：Shoulder
Deep pain behind the shoulder, radiating along the outer arm, worse when lying on that side
Function
Originates from the infraspinous fossa of the shoulder blade and inserts at the greater tubercle of the humerus. Rotates the shoulder outward; one of the rotator cuff muscles.
Common causes
Long periods of mouse use, repeated overhead movements, or tight front shoulder muscles that stretch it.
Massage and stretching
- Roll a ball against the wall over Tianzong
- Cross-body arm stretch
Related acupoints
- Tianzong (SI11)：Depression near the lower center of the shoulder blade
- Jianyu (LI15)：Depression below and in front of the acromion when the arm is raised horizontally
Related meridians
Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang
When to see a doctor：Severe pain when lifting the arm, or night pain that wakes you and keeps getting worse: get it evaluated.