Overview
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
Overview
The teres major muscle is a muscle of the upper limb. It attaches to the scapula and the humerus and is one of the seven scapulohumeral muscles. It is a thick but somewhat flattened muscle.
Click again to return to the front
Origin
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
Origin
Posterior aspect of the inferior angle of the scapula
Click again to return to the front
Insertion
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
Insertion
Medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus
Click again to return to the front
Actions
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
Actions
Adduct the humerus, internal rotation (medial rotation) of the humerus, extend the humerus from flexed position
Click again to return to the front
Innervation
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
Innervation
Lower subscapular nerve (segmental levels C5 and C6)
Click again to return to the front
Blood Supply
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
Blood Supply
Subscapular and circumflex scapular arteries
Click again to return to the front
Palpation
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
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.
Click again to return to the front
Massage Applications
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
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.
Click again to return to the front
Common Conditions
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
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.
Click again to return to the front
Stretching
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
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.
Click again to return to the front
Strengthening
Hover to read
Click to keep this side open
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.
Click again to return to the front
Media Credits
Attribution and licensing information for the pictures and videos used in this lesson:
- Picture 1: Teres major muscle animation2.gif — Anatomography — CC BY-SA 2.1 jp — Source
- Picture 2: Teres-major.png — colorized by Michael Gasperl — Public domain — Source
- Picture 3: Gerrish's Text-book of Anatomy (1902) - Fig. 299.png — Frederick Henry Gerrish (1845-1920) — Public domain — Source
- Picture 4: Gray525.png — Henry Vandyke Carter — Public domain — Source
- Video 1: Teres Major Muscle - Origin, Insertion, Innervation & Action - Human Anatomy Kenhub.webm — Kenhub Template:Author of Illustration : Yousun Koh — CC BY 3.0 — Source