Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

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Sprains and Strain of Subscapularis Muscle

Definition:
An injury to the subscapularis muscle when the joint is carried through a range of motion greater than normal, but without dislocation or fracture; or an injury resulting from tensile force.
Symptoms:
  • Shoulder pain or ache
  • Radiating pain down upper extremity
  • Sharp pain when trying to reach behind your back
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Shoulder weakness
  • Loss of ROM
  • Pain with resisted internal rotation
Causes:
  • Shoulder trauma
  • Overuse
  • Weakness in the shoulder
  • Poor posture
  • Faulty movement pattern
  • Repetitive throwing
  • Lifting
  • Overhead activities
Treatment:
  • ROM and stretching
  • Posture program
  • Shoulder stabilization exercises
  • Upper extremity strengthening
  • Correct shoulder mechanics