In the human body - a huge number of different muscles. And each of them has its own purpose. The muscles of the shoulder girdle are very important for human motor activity. Small, but important for movement, is the infraspinatus muscle that enters the shoulder girdle. What kind of muscle is it and why is it needed?
Shoulder girdle
First of all, you need to consider what kind of belt it is and what its functions are. It is the shoulder girdle that serves as the unifying link between the body and the free upper limb. His muscles cover the shoulder joint from all sides, thereby strengthening it. With their reduction, a variety of hand movements are provided. They begin on the scapula and collarbone and are attached to the upper part of the humerus. The main function is the movement of the arm in the shoulder joint.
The muscles of the shoulder girdle include the following: deltoid, supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, major and minor round, and also subscapular. Let's talk in this article about the infraspinatus.
Location
The infraspinatus muscle belongs to the deep minor spinal muscles. It is located under the spine of the scapula, in the area called the subacute fossa of the scapula. Due to the fact that the infraspinatus muscle is flat, it occupies almost the entire volume of the fossa, attaching to it. It ends with tendon bundles that attach to the large tubercle of the humerus.
Destination
What is the function of the infraspinatus muscle? The main purpose is to participate in the following hand movements:
- U-turn of the shoulder from the torso;
- Leverage back of the raised shoulder.
Also, this muscle partially takes part in the extension of the arm in the shoulder joint. Due to the fact that it is also attached to the capsule of the shoulder girdle, when performing movements, it pulls it and thereby protects against pinching.
Pain syndrome
The reason why the infraspinatus muscle of the shoulder makes you attract attention is very simple. After all, its damage is the most common source of shoulder pain. Such damage can occur due to too high loads when playing various sports: swimming, baseball or tennis. Any load that requires intensive rotation by hand can result in personal injury. However, sedentary activities can also lead to cramping in the infraspinatus muscle, as well as pain in the shoulder joint. This can result in driving or working at a computer.
There are many methods for the treatment of pain syndrome of the infraspinatus muscle. In the greater number of cases when the muscle is slightly damaged, massage, as well as physical exercises that restore elasticity and normal muscle tone, help a lot. If the lesions and injuries are more serious, there is treatment with medication, physiotherapy, as well as anesthesia at the sites of damage.
Massage of the infraspinatus muscle
As with any other massage, the main goal here is to improve blood circulation and relax spasmodic muscles. The simplest, but at the same time quite effective way to massage the infraspinatus muscle is the following. It is performed in a supine position. You need to place a small ball the size of a tennis one under those points on the back that are the most painful, and then relax for a few minutes. With the correct implementation of this method, the muscles get relaxation, and the pain disappears.
Exercises
For this muscle, exercises can conditionally be divided into two types: stretching and strengthening. Exercises related to the first group are designed to relieve excessive tension in the muscle, increase flexibility in the shoulder joint, and also relieve stiffness in movements. The second group of exercises strengthens the tendon of the infraspinatus muscle and itself.
Stretching of the Subclavian Muscle
- The first stretching exercise: you need to put your hand behind your back at the level of the lower back, then gently pull with your other hand from the back and up. In this position, you need to hold your hand for twenty seconds.
- The second stretching exercise: you need to try to reach the opposite shoulder blade with your fingers.
- Third stretching exercise: the arm should be extended in front of the chest and with the help of the second hand it should be directed towards the other half of the chest. Only this must be done without strong stress. In this position, the hand is held for twenty seconds.
Strengthening the Submenus Muscle
For the reason that this muscle is not the most active in the body, it needs several specific exercises for its development. The most effective in this regard are exercises in which blocks are used. For example, horizontal cravings to the chest with different grips or the upper cravings develop the infraspinatus muscle very well, as a result of which it strengthens and stress injuries are prevented.