Overview
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Overview
The subscapularis is a large triangular muscle which fills the subscapular fossa and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus and the front of the capsule of the shoulder-joint.
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Origin
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Origin
Subscapular fossa
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Insertion
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Insertion
Lesser tubercle of humerus
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Actions
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Actions
Internally rotates and adducts humerus; stabilizes shoulder
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Innervation
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Innervation
Upper subscapular nerve, lower subscapular nerve (C5, C6)
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Blood Supply
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Blood Supply
Subscapular artery
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Palpation
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Palpation
Position the client comfortably and identify the muscle's bony landmarks. Ask for a gentle, pain-free contraction that matches the muscle's action, then palpate from the proximal attachment toward the distal attachment. Avoid forceful palpation over acute injury, inflamed tissue, major neurovascular structures, or areas outside the massage therapist's scope.
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Massage Applications
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Massage Applications
Use broad warming strokes, compression, kneading, and longitudinal work based on the muscle's size, depth, fiber direction, and client tolerance. Use focused work only after careful assessment. Avoid aggressive pressure with acute strain, suspected tear, infection, unexplained swelling, recent surgery, fracture, or other contraindications.
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Common Conditions
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Common Conditions
Possible concerns include strain, overuse, protective guarding, trigger-point activity, altered movement patterns, weakness, and referred discomfort. The exact clinical presentation depends on the muscle's location and function and should be evaluated within the massage therapist's scope of practice.
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Stretching
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Stretching
Move the related joint slowly in the direction opposite the muscle's primary action. Stabilize the proximal segment, remain within a pain-free range, and avoid bouncing or forcing the stretch.
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Strengthening
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Strengthening
Use low-load, controlled movement in the direction of the muscle's primary action. Begin with isometric activation when appropriate, then progress through a comfortable range while maintaining proper alignment and avoiding compensation.
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Media Credits
Attribution and licensing information for the pictures and videos used in this lesson:
- Picture 1: Subscapularis muscle animation3.gif — Anatomography — CC BY-SA 2.1 jp — Source
- Picture 2: Gerrish's Text-book of Anatomy (1902) - Fig. 302.png — Frederick Henry Gerrish (1845-1920) — Public domain — Source
- Picture 3: Insertion-of-subscapularis-muscle.jpg — Doctor Jana — CC BY-SA 4.0 — Source
- Picture 4: Braus 1921 167.png — Braus, Hermann — Public domain — Source
- Video 1: Subscapularis Muscle - Origin, Insertion, Innervation & Action - Human Anatomy Kenhub.webm — Kenhub Template:Author of Illustration : Yousun Koh — CC BY 3.0 — Source