The unsung heroes of the rotator cuff!

The infraspinatus and teres minor may not always get the spotlight, but they’re the unsung heroes of the rotator cuff!

These two little muscles do an amazing job keeping your shoulder stable. In fact, they’re the only external rotators of the shoulder joint, which means they work extra hard to balance out the stronger internal rotators like the pec major, lats, teres major, anterior deltoid, and subscapularis.

When working with these muscles, a great technique to try is called "goading." This just means using strokes from the outside (lateral) to the inside (medial) to help them shorten and become more contractible.

PS- Instead of creating more strength in the internal rotators encourage your clients to do some simple exercises which strengthen the posterior thoracic and scapular stabilizers

If you found this look at the infraspinatus/teres minor helpful, remember that it’s only one piece of the shoulder puzzle. True shoulder function depends on how the entire shoulder complex works together.

In my Rotator Cuff Mastery course, I teach massage therapists and bodyworkers how to assess and treat the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and surrounding muscles so you can create real, lasting results for your clients.

Explore the Rotator Cuff Mastery Course