Supraspinatus Rupture

What is the Supraspinatus Muscle?

This muscle runs along the top of the shoulder blade (scapula) and inserts at the top of the arm (humerus). It is one of 4 rotator cuff muscles. This muscle is used to lift the arm up sideways, and is important in many throwing sports, as it is this muscle that holds the arm in place when you release what you are throwing.

Slowing the arm down after you have thrown something requires massive forces. This muscle deals with those forces, but unfortunately many people fail to train it. A heavy fall onto the shoulder can cause an injury to this muscle.

Symptoms of a ruptured Supraspinatus

• Sharp pain at the time of injury
• Pain when the arm is rotated outwards
• Increased pain when the arm is raised over 60 degrees.

What should the Athlete do?

• Apply the R.I.C.E. principle
• Seek medical attention.

Please visit the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on Supraspinatus ruptures and other shoulder injuries.