What is the subscapularis muscle?
The subscapularis muscle originates from the underside of the shoulder blade and inserts at the front of the upper arm (humorous). It is a very powerful muscle that rotates the arm inwards (part of the rotator cuff group of muscles). It is mainly throwers that injure this muscle. A partial rupture of the muscle is more common than a complete rupture but the partial rupture will often heal with inflammation. Symptoms include: • Pain when moving the shoulder especially when the arm is raised above the shoulders. • Pain when you rotate the arm inwards against resistance. • Pain when you press in on the tendon insertion (difficult if you don’t know where it is exactly). What can the athlete do? • Rest until it is not painful. • Apply heat and use a heat retainer. • See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation. What can a sports injury specialist of doctor do? • Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication. • Apply sports massage techniques. • Prescribe a program of mobility,
