Shoulder Pain: Testing and Fixing Your Infraspinatus (Rotator Cuff)

This episode by Dr. Ekberg of Wellness For Life focuses on a common cause of shoulder pain, specifically identifying the infraspinatus as the most frequently compromised muscle in the rotator cuff. The infraspinatus, an external rotator, plays a critical role in decelerating the arm after a throwing motion, preventing the shoulder from dislocating. Overuse in activities like baseball, tennis, or football can lead to microtrauma, the development of painful trigger points, and distorted feedback to the brain, ultimately impairing the muscle's precise control and function.\n\nThe podcast distinguishes between acute traumatic injuries and overuse or repetitive strain injuries, emphasizing that the latter typically stem from pre-existing imbalances within the body rather than solely from the activity itself. A key nuance highlighted is that an inhibited infraspinatus isn't merely a lack of strength, but rather a failure to achieve a "precise and firm lock" during specific movements, which can be diagnosed through applied kinesiology muscle testing. The concept of distorted brain feedback suggests a neurological component to muscle dysfunction beyond simple fatigue.\n\nDr. Ekberg provides practical advice, including a self-test for the infraspinatus involving specific arm positioning and resistance. For self-care, he suggests using a tennis ball to gently massage tender trigger points around the shoulder blade, though he cautions against overdoing it to avoid excessive soreness. The primary recommendation for effective treatment is to consult a chiropractor skilled in applied kinesiology, who can not only accurately test and adjust the muscle but also address associated organ reflex points, aiming to resolve the problem at a deeper, systemic level.\n\nUltimately, the episode promotes a holistic view of health, asserting that "everything in the body is connected" and that underlying imbalances are precursors to many injuries. By proactively addressing these imbalances and ensuring the brain is "perfectly tuned with the rest of the body," the likelihood of developing overuse injuries can be significantly reduced. This perspective extends beyond localized muscle treatment to encompass a broader understanding of systemic health, preventative care, and the body's inherent interconnectedness, benefiting both athletes and the general population.

the single most common muscle in the body to be compromised is called the infraspinatus

it is the infraspinatus muscle that does that motion

that muscle that slows it down is the external rotator that infraspinatus muscle is what slows down this motion

if it has to do it over and over and over and over you can create little micro trauma and over time you can develop some trigger points and you can distort the feedback to the brain

I would say that probably 70 to 80 percent of people would have an an inhibited a non-locking infraspinatus

it shouldn't give at all and you can also check around the shoulder blade on the lower half of the shoulder blade if you push and there's a lot of sensitive trigger points

your best option would be to find a chiropractor who does applied kinesiology who can evaluate this and who knows how to test it how to adjust it and what the associated organ reflex points are

overuse injuries don't develop or repetitive use injuries I should say don't develop unless there is already an imbalance