Overview
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Overview
The teres minor (Latin teres meaning 'rounded') is a narrow, elongated muscle of the rotator cuff. The muscle originates from the lateral border and adjacent posterior surface of the corresponding right or left scapula and inserts at both the greater tubercle of the humerus and the posterior surface of the joint capsule.
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Origin
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Origin
Lateral border of the scapula
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Insertion
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Insertion
Inferior facet of greater tubercle of the humerus
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Actions
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Actions
Laterally rotates the arm, stabilizes humerus
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Innervation
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Innervation
Axillary nerve (C5-C6)
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Blood Supply
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Blood Supply
Posterior circumflex humeral artery and the circumflex scapular 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: Teres minor muscle animation.gif — Anatomography — CC BY-SA 2.1 jp — Source
- Picture 2: Teres-minor.png — colorized by Michael Gasperl — Public domain — Source
- Picture 3: Gerrish's Text-book of Anatomy (1902) - Fig. 301.png — Frederick Henry Gerrish (1845-1920) — Public domain — Source
- Picture 4: Gray — musculus teres minor.png — Henry Vandyke Carter — Public domain — Source
- Picture 5: Attachments-of-greater-tubercle.jpg — Doctor Jana — CC BY-SA 4.0 — Source
- Picture 6: Teres Minor Muscle - Origin, Insertion, Innervation & Action - Human Anatomy Kenhub.webm — Kenhub Template:Author of Illustration : Yousun Koh — CC BY 3.0 — Source