#DigDeeper

Mobility Monday with Rachel: Internal Rotator of Shoulders

  September 17, 2018

The Teres Major Muscle

Do you see the WOD or strength portion on the board some days and just DREAD doing those movements overhead?! Pressing, Jerks, Snatches, Pull-up Bar work. Overhead squats are one movement in particular that can send some members running for the hills (or for Curls & Cream instead). But it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Shoulder pain and immobility is not a death sentence. Your overhead positions CAN and will improve if you focus on proper mobility and what is causing the problem whether that be pain or just tightness. 

Achieving and maintaining the overhead position can be difficult if any structure in or surrounding the shoulder joint is not functioning properly. Though it is not part of the rotator cuff, the teres major muscle (or your internal rotators) is an important player in shoulder movement. If it’s short, the relationship between the arm and shoulder blade is affected and it can hinder your ability to achieve full over head elevation. It may also cause impingement type pain over time.

This trigger point release technique can help to keep your shoulder healthy. However, if you are already experiencing pain, or your inability to maintain the overhead position persists, come talk to me and we will get to the source of the problem! 

-Rachel Atufunwa PT, DPT

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