GENERAL INFORMATION
The teres minor is a muscle located in the shoulder region. It is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. The teres minor muscle plays a crucial role in stabilising and externally rotating the shoulder joint.
ORIGIN
The teres minor originates from the lateral border and posterior surface of the scapula (shoulder blade), specifically from the upper two-thirds of the axillary border.
INSERTION POINT
The muscle inserts into the greater tuberosity of the humerus (upper arm bone). It attaches to the bone via a tendon that blends with the joint capsule of the shoulder.
MAJOR ARTERIES
This muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the circumflex scapular artery and the subscapular artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The teres minor muscle is innervated by the axillary nerve, which arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C5-C6).
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points can develop in the muscle, causing localised pain and tenderness. These trigger points can be associated with muscle overuse, poor posture, or trauma.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Contraction of this muscle assists in the external rotation of the arm. It helps to rotate the arm outward and stabilise the shoulder joint.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The teres minor muscle has a crucial eccentric function during controlled shoulder movements, particularly in maintaining the inward rotation of the arm.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contraction of this muscle provides stability and support to the shoulder joint, maintaining proper alignment and preventing excessive inward rotation.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Teres minor: This muscle is located on the lateral border of the scapula and plays a key role in external rotation and stabilisation of the shoulder joint.
ANTAGONIST
- Subscapularis: Located on the anterior scapula, this muscle internally rotates the arm and works opposite to the teres minor.
- Pectoralis major: This large chest muscle assists in arm flexion and adduction, acting antagonistically to the muscle during external rotation.
COMMON INJURIES
- Teres minor tendonitis: Inflammation due to overuse or repetitive motions, leading to shoulder pain.
- Teres minor tear: Partial or complete tear from trauma or chronic degeneration, resulting in weakness and pain.
- Impingement syndrome: Compression causing pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
EXERCISES
- External rotation with bands: Target external rotators, including teres minor, using resistance bands.
- External rotation with dumbbells: Strengthen the teres minor through external rotation exercises with dumbbells.
- Scaption exercises: Raise the arm diagonally to engage this muscle and other shoulder muscles.
- Isometric external rotation: Hold the arm in external rotation against resistance to strengthen the muscle.
- Shoulder stabilisation drills: Perform exercises that enhance shoulder joint stability involving the teres minor.
STRETCHES
- Cross-body stretch: Bring the affected arm across the chest, gently pulling with the opposite hand.
- Wall stretches: Place the hand on a wall at shoulder height, leaning away to pull the teres minor.
- Doorway stretch: Stand in a doorway, place your arms on the frame, and lean forward to stretch your shoulder muscles.
- Sleeper stretch: Lie on your side with the affected arm bent, and use the other hand to push the forearm down gently.
- Overhead stretch: Reach the affected arm overhead and bend the elbow, using the other hand to push the arm down gently.