Chiropractic & Physiotherapy

Infraspinatus Trigger Point – Overlooked Cause of Shoulder Pain

Woman has shoulder pain from work

Why is Shoulder Pain So Common Today?

Modern lifestyles increase shoulder pain risks.

A 2023 Malaysian workplace health survey revealed that 45% of office workers experience regular shoulder discomfort, often from poor posture, prolonged computer use, and repetitive strain. One hidden cause is infraspinatus trigger points, often misdiagnosed as joint problems.

What is the Infraspinatus Muscle?

Located on the back of your shoulder blade, the infraspinatus muscle forms part of your rotator cuff, allowing outward arm rotation and stabilising your shoulder joint. Every overhead reach, steering wheel turn, or tennis serve uses this muscle. When overloaded, it forms painful trigger points affecting movement and daily tasks.

Symptoms of Infraspinatus Trigger Points

Trigger points cause referred pain beyond the shoulder.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain at the front or deep within the shoulder joint

  • Referred pain to the shoulder blade, biceps, forearm, or hands

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness down the arm

Aching, burning, or sharp pain that worsens with arm movements

Recent research from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2022) confirms trigger points in rotator cuff muscles account for up to 55% of chronic shoulder pain cases worldwide.

Why Daily Activities Become Difficult

Trigger points interfere with normal muscle function, making simple tasks painful:

  • Reaching up to wash hair or wear clothes
  • Fastening a bra strap
  • Lifting objects overhead
  • Sleeping on the affected side

Without physio shoulder rehabilitation or chiropractic therapy, these limitations can worsen over time.

What Causes Infraspinatus Trigger Points?

Repetitive use and poor posture overload the muscle.

Activities linked to trigger point development include:

  • Long hours at a computer without arm support
  • Driving with hands positioned high on the steering wheel
  • New weight training routines without proper warm up
  • Swimming (shoulder rotations)
  • Tennis forehand strokes
  • Badminton arm swings

A 2021 study by the Malaysian Journal of Movement and Health Sciences noted an increase in shoulder injuries among recreational athletes aged 25-40, often linked to poor training form and inadequate muscle conditioning.

How HealthWorks Treats Infraspinatus Trigger Points

At our physio centre in Kuala Lumpur, treatment is holistic and evidence-based:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment

Detailed consultation to identify trigger points, posture imbalances, and movement dysfunctions.

  1. Myofascial Release

Manual therapy to release muscle knots, restoring normal contraction and relaxation.

  1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Realign cervical and upper thoracic spine to reduce referred tension and improve overall biomechanics. Ideal for those searching for chiropractic adjustment near Damansara Heights.

  1. Targeted Rehabilitation

Rotator cuff strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises for pain-free function.

  1. Ergonomic & Lifestyle Coaching

Guidance on workstation setup, sleep posture, and sports techniques to prevent recurrence.

Combining Physio and Chiropractic for Faster Recovery

Integrated care provides superior outcomes.

Recent clinical findings show combining chiropractic therapy with physiotherapy shortens recovery times for rotator cuff injuries by up to 35%, compared to standalone treatments. This integrated approach addresses both muscular and joint dysfunctions for lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

When to Seek Professional Help

If pain persists for more than a week, worsens with movement, or causes numbness or weakness, professional assessment is essential. Left untreated, trigger points can lead to frozen shoulder, chronic neck pain, or compensatory spinal issues.

Why Choose HealthWorks?

Our multidisciplinary team in Damansara Heights offers:

  • Experienced physiotherapists specialising in shoulder pain, sports injury rehabilitation, and children physiotherapy
  • Certified chiropractors providing precise adjustments to restore spinal alignment
  • Evidence-based treatments for holistic, drug-free recovery

Book Your Consultation Today

Don’t let infraspinatus trigger points limit your daily life or sports performance. Contact HealthWorks to schedule a comprehensive assessment and experience effective chiropractic therapy and shoulder care tailored to your needs.

btn-whatsapp